Rose Bay Seaplane Facility upgrade

History

In 1938 Rose Bay became home to Australia’s first international airport. The next 12 years were considered the golden era of aviation. Mighty Catalina and Sandringham flying boats departed from Rose Bay to exotic Australian and international destinations including Lord Howe Island, Singapore, Cairo, Calcutta, Southampton and the South Pacific.

During World War II, flying boats provided a vital service for Australia. The aircraft were stripped of luxury fittings and put into service transporting troops, evacuating civilians, performing patrols and reconnaissance flights.

In 1974 the Rose Bay seaplane base closed, ending a unique era in Australia’s aviation history.

The new Rose Bay Seaplane Facility will feature a museum display area to celebrate Rose Bay’s aviation history.

Thank you to the Historic Houses Trust for providing this information.

Seaplanes have operated in Rose Bay since the 1930s and Rose Bay is the only location zoned for aviation facilities in Sydney Harbour.

Opening day Rose Bay Terminal. Milton Kent, Sydney August 4 1938. Courtesy of Qantas Airways.

Panorama of Rose Bay flying boat base. Photographer unknown, late 1930s. Courtesy of the Civil Aviation Historical Society Inc..

Existing seaplane facility and pontoon.

Existing seaplane facility.

RMS 15.465

Ex POWs arrive at Rose Bay flying boat base. Photographer unknown, 1945. Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.