The popular annual event attracts thousands of flying boat enthusiasts and families who come together to celebrate the Catalina and the rich history of the Rathmines WWII RAAF Base which by 1941, was the largest RAAF flying boat base in the southern hemisphere.

Set on the western shore of Lake Macquarie at Rathmines Park the festival is one of largest in Lake Macquarie with awesome air displays, a wide range of land-based activities including displays of military vehicles, local community services, market stalls, kid’s activities and a commemorative nod to our history.

The Rathmines WWII RAAF Base was home to almost 3000 personnel from 1944 to 1945 where 332 from the base lost their lives.

The highlight of the festival is the spectacular air show that will have visitors in awe of breathtaking stunts and flying manoeuvres of 15 aircraft including Tiger Moths, an Avenger, P 51 Mustang and L 39 Albatross.

Pilot Paul Bennet will lead the aerobatics show culminating in the HARS Catalina Flying Display by ‘Felix the Black Cat” from the Historical Restoration Society at Albion Park.

Visitors can even take to the sky with a helicopter joy flight for a bird’s eye view of stunning Lake Macquarie.

Back on the ground, there will be a plethora military and classic vehicles on display, a festival Car Show and Shine, local community service vehicles, along with a collection of beautiful seaplanes.

An array of food stalls will be available or visitors can head over to the Rathmines Bowling Club for something a little more substantial.

Entry to the Rathmines Catalina Festival is $5 per person or $15 per family. There’s plenty of free parking available on Stilling Street and Dorrington Road.

Rathmines Catalina Festival is a proud initiative of Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the history of Rathmines RAAF Base and Catalina aircraft.