Qantas Founders Museum

Not everyone knows, but the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service (Q.A.N.T.A.S.) had its humble and challenging start in Outback Queensland. Conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton and brought to fruition in Longreach where a hangar and the country’s first purpose built landing field were constructed in the early 1920’s, the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach is dedicated to the story of Australia’s airline.   

Nowadays, we rarely think about the trials and tribulations that QANTAS went through to get the airline up and flyingin the west and overcoming the problems of long distance travel. The museum is a modern World class facility built around the heritage listed original Qantas hangar, combining historical artifacts and multimedia displays for all ages to enjoy.  

A replica de Havilland DH50 is a reminder of the first of eight aircraft constructed by Qantas at Longreach. Qantas was the only airline in the world to manufacture its own planes. Another replica on site is the DH61, also built by Qantas and used on the Darwin sector of the London mail service. More importantly to passengers, it was the first Qantas aircraft to have a toilet.

Tour the Boeing 707 “City of Canberra”, the first Qantas jet aircraft registered in Australia. Inside is a unique opportunity to experience what a VIP plane looks like. This plane has great historical significance to Qantas and global travel as we know it today. It has had five different owners and has serviced Michael Jackson’s family during their 1984 ‘Victory Tour’ as well as the Royal Saudi Air Force when it was used by Prince Bandar, the Saudi Ambassador to America.  

A magnificent Qantas 747 Jumbo jet, “City of Bunbury” is available for tours. This tour gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the ‘Queen of the skies’ and learn some of the amazing facts and figures these planes retain. Also offered is the spectacular Wing Walk tour. This exclusive tour explores the 747’s computer bay, flight system and a unique chance to sit in the pilot’s seat. Without a doubt the highlight of the tour is being able to walk on the wing of a 747 – the only place in the southern hemisphere this is available.   

A Consolidated PBY Catalina has arrived at the museum after a long three year project since it was purchased in Spain. The Catalina was a formidable war weapon with the RAAF but the most famous Catalina’s were the five which QANTAS used on the secret radio silence service. With Japan controlling South East Asia, air services between Australia and the UK were cut from the end of 1941 until 1943 when a route was established between Perth and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).As the PBY typically cruised at 110 knots, this took from 28–32 hours and was called the "flight of the double sunrise", since the passengers saw two sunrises during their non-stop journey.

Open seven days, the museum is totally dedicated to the story of Qantas, the airline that started with an Avro 504K, which could carry just the pilot and two passengers. A replica of the plane is the central exhibit inside the museum and is a graphic reminder of just how simple the plane was.

Enjoy the McGinness café as well as the Founders gift store where you can purchase souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, books and Qantas memorabilia. Special events are always on the calendar. Open 7 days 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day)