An estimated 2,000 people descended on the outback Queensland town of Charleville for Wings on the Warrego Weekend, where Spitfires, Kittyhawks and vintage aircraft brought aviation history to life, and inspired its next generation.
The centrepiece was Saturday’s Aerial Display & Aviation Careers Expo at Charleville Airport, where spectators watched aircraft including the Spitfire and Kittyhawk, vintage aircraft and classic biplanes take to the vast outback skies for formation flying and flyovers.
It was a rare chance to experience operational warbirds in the air and then get up close on the tarmac, where visitors met pilots, aircraft owners and aviation specialists and heard first-hand the stories behind the aircraft.
Just metres from the historic aircraft, the Aviation Careers Expo connected young people and families with aviation professionals and pathways spanning commercial aviation, engineering, cabin crew, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), drones and emerging aviation technology. Joining the Expo were representatives from local disaster management, Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), highlighting the role aviation plays in disaster response and recovery, from helicopter evacuation to emergency response more broadly.
Another significant moment came with the unveiling of the Qantas Heritage Trail Monument, attended by direct descendants of Qantas founders Hudson Fysh and Fergus McMaster, strengthening the connection between Charleville’s aviation story and the airline’s earliest years.
Murweh Shire Mayor Cr Shaun “Zorro” Radnedge said the weekend demonstrated the continuing strength of Charleville’s connection with Australian aviation.
‘To see so many people come to Charleville and experience our aviation story first-hand was fantastic,’ Cr Radnedge said.
‘It was particularly special to unveil the Qantas Heritage Trail Monument alongside direct descendants of Qantas founders Hudson Fysh and Fergus McMaster.
‘An event like Wings doesn’t happen without strong partnerships, and I particularly want to acknowledge Viva Energy Australia, our Principal Partner, for getting behind our vision and helping us bring this remarkable aviation experience to Outback Queensland.
‘We have an extraordinary aviation story, but Wings isn’t just about looking back. It’s about celebrating that history while showing our young people where aviation could take them in the future.’
For the pilots who flew west to be part of Wings, the welcome was just as memorable. Brisbane Biplanes pilot Brett Westerhuis said supporting the community was an important part of making the trip to Charleville.
‘The people are so lovely and inviting, Charleville is such a great community,’ Mr Westerhuis said.
‘We’ve flown out here to be part of Wings and to support the local community of Charleville and outback Queensland.’
Returning for his second Wings on the Warrego, Australian Warbirds pilot Ross Parker said the event allowed people to experience aviation history as it was intended, in the air.
‘We’re bringing history to the people with operational aircraft, not just displays in a museum,’ Mr Parker said.
‘It’s a joy to have people see and watch these warbirds fly but also have the opportunity to literally fly in a piece of history with an adventure flight.’
The weekend continued beyond the airport, with visitors joining activities across Charleville including Wings After Dark Aviation Trivia, Drone Camp and National Bilby Day celebrations.
For a town with more than a century of aviation history, the weekend was particularly fitting. Qantas commenced its first regular scheduled service between Charleville and Cloncurry in 1922, while Charleville later played a significant role as a United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) base during World War II.
More than a century later, Wings on the Warrego brought that history back to life, while putting the next generation of aviation firmly in the picture.
‘The response to Wings has been fantastic, and following the success of this year’s event, we’re already starting to plan for September 2028,’ Cr Radnedge said.
‘We want to build on what we’ve created here in Charleville and make the next Wings even more special, so watch this space.’
Wings on the Warrego is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.