More than three decades of restoration work is about to go public. The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) in Caboolture is preparing to officially open its doors as a fully functioning public museum in mid-2026, and it is calling on the local community to help make it happen.
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From restoration group to regional museum
What began more than 30 years ago as the Beaufort Restoration Group has grown steadily into something far larger. Incorporated in 2014 as the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (QLD) Inc., the not-for-profit organisation rebranded to reflect an expanding collection and an evolving mission, one that now encompasses the restoration, preservation and public display of historic Australian aircraft and aviation artefacts.
Based at Hangar 104 at Caboolture Aerodrome, the AAHC has spent years restoring and preserving historic aircraft and aviation artefacts. Now, with an official public opening planned for mid-2026, the centre is focused on ensuring the museum launches on solid footing.
AAHC president Ralph Cusack said the organisation is committed to launching properly, emphasising that the team wants to open as a proper museum with everything done right. He noted that while the centre is already open to the public free of charge, the goal is for it to become something the community can truly be proud of.
Mr Cusack noted that the centre has been drawing visitors in an organic way. He said many visitors arrive while searching for the former Caboolture Warplane Museum, which has since closed, and end up discovering the AAHC instead.
The crown jewel: a Beaufort bomber back from the paddock
At the heart of the AAHC collection is one of Australia’s most significant aviation restoration projects, which is the DAP/Bristol Beaufort Bomber A9-141, an Australian-built aircraft recovered from a paddock in Victoria and now being painstakingly restored by volunteers in Caboolture, with the ultimate goal of returning it to airworthy status.
The aircraft clearly resonates with many who visit. Mr Cusack said most people who seek out the centre are looking for the Beaufort, and that it is common for visitors to have a personal connection to the aircraft, often through a father or grandfather who worked on or flew Beauforts during the war.
Restoration work is continuing, with one wing expected to be fitted in the coming months and the aircraft planned to be ready for full public viewing by the end of the year. The longer-term ambition is to return A9-141 to airworthy condition.
Beyond the Beaufort, Hangar 104 houses a Flying Boomerang, a Tiger Moth, a range of aero engines and a growing collection of aviation and wartime memorabilia, much of it saved from disposal elsewhere. The AAHC owns its own premises at 157 McNaught Road, providing the space and security needed to grow as a permanent aviation museum.
With around 20 volunteers currently contributing their time each week, the AAHC is actively seeking more support ahead of its official opening. Opportunities exist across a wide range of areas, including aircraft restoration, visitor guiding, administration, marketing, fundraising, grant writing and accounting.
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Mr Cusack said everyone has something to offer, and that the centre is happy to show new volunteers the ropes. He added that the organisation is particularly keen to welcome more women into the volunteer team. The AAHC says all levels of experience are welcome.
Visit or get involved
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is located at Hangar 104, 157 McNaught Road, Caboolture. The centre is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 3pm, with free entry. The official public opening is planned for mid-2026. Check out their website to volunteer.
Featured image credit: Facebook/Australian Aviation Heritage Centre – QLD
Published 16-March-2026
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