The Woomera Heritage Centre contains historical displays relating to the Woomera Range and to the closed Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar. The Woomera Aircraft and Missile Park offers a unique glimpse into Australia’s aerospace and defense history. The park showcases a variety of preserved rockets, missiles, and aircraft that were developed and tested at the Woomera Range over the past several decades.
Woomera Heritage Centre Aircraft and Missile Park
Banool Ave/Dewang Ave
Woomera SA 5720
+61 8 8673 7042
on permanent view
Aircraft collection
| A77-701
A84-241 – | Gloster Meteor T.7
GAF Canberra Mk.20 GAF Jindivik IIA |
Key Exhibits:
- Black Arrow Rocket: This large rocket was launched four times between June 1969 and October 1972. Notably, its final launch successfully placed the Prospero satellite into orbit, marking a significant achievement in British space history.
- Gloster Meteor Mark 7: A British jet aircraft used during World War II against German V-1 rockets. The displayed trainer model joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1951 and participated in trials at the Woomera Range in 1960. Powered by two Rolls Royce Derwent engines, it could reach speeds exceeding 800 km/h.
- GAF Jindivik: An Australian-designed and built pilotless target aircraft first manufactured in 1952. The Jindivik completed over 100 flights, serving as a crucial component in missile testing and development.
- Ikara Missile: An Australian-developed anti-submarine weapon capable of delivering an American 44-type homing torpedo via radio tracking and guidance systems. Flight trials for the Ikara were conducted at Woomera between 1961 and 1969.
Adjacent to the park is the Woomera Heritage Centre, which houses historical displays related to the Woomera Range and the former Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar. The centre features an extensive collection of rocket parts, photographs, and descriptions of range activities, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Woomera’s pivotal role in aerospace and defense research.