Heritage Walk
Heritage Walk
Immerse Yourself in History at the Nhill Aerodrome
This 1.4 km track weaves around the site of the former RAAF Training Base, where concrete slabs indicate the location of such buildings as the airmen’s mess, the dental hut and the parachute packing area. Self-guided tour brochures are available at the entrance to the Heritage Centre.
Built to accommodate 2,000 people at a time, it is estimated that up to 10,000 young men and women passed through the Training School from 1941 – 46. They were mainly instructed in astro navigation and bombing techniques in Avro Ansons. Some flight training and gunnery practice in Wirraways was also taught. After completing these subjects trainees often moved on to more advanced Training Schools for further instruction or to learn other skills before heading out for active service.
The heritage signs at each of the 40 sites give background information for visitors to get a glimpse of life during those training years. We can only imagine the atmosphere at the Base with the sound of aircraft overhead, the crunching of boots on the parade ground and the chatter of the aspiring airmen and women as they set their sights on heading out to battle for Britain and the Empire. Many Nhill residents still recall those days when the town ‘buzzed’ with young people in uniform.
Plan an extra ¾ hour to enhance your visit to the Heritage Centre .