RATHMINES Catalina Association has reintroduced day tours of the lakeside village’s former RAAF flying boat base.
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The RAAF operated the base from the start of World War II in 1939, until 1961, with Catalinas and other aircraft moored just offshore.
At its peak, it was Australia’s main seaplane base, responsible for launching airborne anti-submarine patrols right along the east coast.
During the war, the base was home to 3000 personnel comprising 2000 troops and 1000 Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) members.
Many of the buildings that formed the base are still standing, and have been repurposed.
Rathmines Catalina Association president Bill Anderson said the tours made for a great day out.
“We recently had the pleasure of hosting a small group from Nova Care, who were looked after by our volunteer guide Barry Carr,” Mr Anderson said.
Groups can book a tour which includes information about the history of the base and a bus ride to see the highlights.
- - Bill Anderson
“Groups can book a tour which includes information about the history of the base, and a bus ride to see the highlights.”
Tour participants are also treated to morning tea and lunch at Club Catalina which was the officers’ mess during the war.
“We cater for groups of 10 to 50 who have arranged their own bus.”
Mr Anderson said the tours had been revived to educate the public and “honour the heritage of the base and those who served there”, and to direct all funds raised towards the cost of the restoration of the association’s PBY-5A Catalina.
That Catalina is being restored by volunteers on a property at Kilaben Bay in the hope that it will form the centrepiece of a static Catalina memorial and museum at Rathmines.
The Kilaben Bay site is also proving a popular destination with tour groups.
The former RAAF air base was recently deemed a nationally significant site with “exceptional” historic value, in a draft Lake Macquarie City Council conservation management plan for the area.
To book a tour of the former air base phone Ellie on 0428 720 193, visit the association’s website at rathmines-catalina.com, or email info@rathmines-catalina.com.
The Rathmines Catalina Festival, meanwhile, will be held on May 19 next year.