Welcome to the story of Qantas.
Museum Admission:
The Museum tells the story of the Founders of Qantas, with displays focusing on each of the key figures:
• Paul McGinness
• Hudson Fysh
• Fergus McMaster
• Arthur Baird
The Museum also lends some context to the story with displays that expand on what life was like in 1920s Queensland. Combining easy to read displays, oral history, genuine artifacts and multimedia exhibits, the Museum, encompassing the Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, offers the visitor a definitive historical experience of Qantas’ heritage.
Your admission to the Museum gets you access to our main exhibition hall, the DC-3 Airliner and the Heritage Listed Original Qantas Hangar containing the DH-50 and DH-61 Aircraft. Access to the 747,707 and Catalina aircraft is limited to participants on one of our guided tours only.
Jet Tour:
The Jet Tour is a 90 minute (1.5hrs) extravaganza that takes you behind the scenes on our two jet aircraft, the Boeing 747 and 707. You’ll also take in our Catalina Flying Boat and hear how it conquered the Indian Ocean.
The Tour begins at the 747 with a walk-around inside and out showing you such features as the Lavatory Service Hatch, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Flight Recorders (The Black Box) and many other systems, all explained in layman’s terms by our experienced tour guides. Outside, you’ll discover the secrets of the engines, undercarriage and wings, inside, you’ll learn how to “arm the doors”, sit in the first class cabin, check out the top deck and have a peek at the flight deck and crew rest area.
Our 707 is an aircraft like no other. Learn about its unique history as the first Boeing airliner sold outside of the United States, it’s first days with Qantas, it’s conversion to a luxury charter jet to the rich and famous and it’s time as the personal jet of a Saudi Prince. Still sporting the luxury interior, you get to see how the other half lived; checking out the fine timber, crystal, and gold plated fittings. The aircraft is one of only four 138B’s remaining in existence.
The tour also stops outside our Catalina Flying Boat and tells the story of the secret “Double Sunrise” service operated by Qantas during World War Two.
There are very few places in the world where you can tour fully equipped aircraft like this. Whether you’ve never flown before or fly all the time for work, it’s a fair bet you’ve never seen a jet up close like this before!
747 Wing Walk Add On:
The Wing Walk add on is an extra 45-60min personalised tour, for no more than six people. It consists entirely of features not included on the standard Jet Tour and showcases parts of the 747 that larger groups cannot access. Our experienced guide will show you the rear pressure bulkhead and horizontal stabiliser assembly, beyond the pressurised part of the fuselage. You’ll also inspect the cargo hold underneath the main cabin. Then there’s the chance to sit in the pilot’s seat and have our guide show you what some of the many switches and buttons do! The tour concludes with a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk on the wing of the 747, safely strapped in to a harness and attached to a static line, where you can enjoy the most unique view of the aircraft to be found anywhere!
Platinum Tour:
Available only by advance booking, the Platinum Tour is the ultimate in personalised service, lasting up to 3 hours, for no more than five people. In addition to everything included on the standard Jet Tour and 747 Wing Walk, the Platinum Tour also takes you behind the scenes on our 707 private jet, allowing you access to the Prince’s private staterooms. Then you’re up to the flight deck to sit in the pilot’s seat and compare it to the 747. Finally, you join our exclusive “double wing walk club” with an exclusive walk on the wing of the 707; the only place in the world to do it!
Flight Simulator Experience:
The Museum is also home to the world’s only Bristol Fighter simulator, the aircraft Qantas founders Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh flew together during World War One. Once you’ve flown the Bristol, you may like to try our Lockheed Martin F-35 simulators to experience a near 100 year leap in technology! Sessions of 30 minutes can be booked at the front counter.
The Restaurant:
McGinness’s Restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch seven days and is one of the most popular eateries in Longreach with locals and visitors alike. Choose from a selection of lighter meals as well as a full complement of mains or just relax after your tour with some coffee and cake.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Although we are not owned or operated by Qantas Airways Ltd, and receive no recurrent funding from them, we enjoy a good working relationship and have benefitted from occasional grants and donations from the company and its employees past and present. If you would like to become a member, or just want more information about supporting the Museum, please refer to “The Foundation” page on our website, at www.qfom.com.au/thefoundation. Alternatively you can email us at info@qfom.com.au
- Category:
- Public places