HINKLER HALL OF AVIATION

Hinkler Hall of Aviation – Soaring through History

Discover the exciting world of aviation history at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, beautifully situated within the lush Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. This extraordinary venue celebrates the life and achievements of Bert Hinkler, a pioneer in solo aviation whose daring flights captured imaginations worldwide. Visitors are invited to embark on a sensory-rich journey, exploring innovative exhibits and interactive experiences that vividly narrate Hinkler’s legacy. The Hall, ingeniously designed to resemble the elegant curve of an aircraft wing, not only houses remarkable memorabilia and artefacts but also promises an inclusive and immersive experience for all.

A welcoming Visitor Experience Officer greets you upon arrival, ready to guide you through the fascinating exhibits and attractions that are sure to evoke the thrill of aviation’s golden era. Get ready to dive into the tale of Bert Hinkler, not just in words and exhibits but also in active, immersive experiences where you can “glide like Bert” or “fly with Bert”, courtesy of state-of-the-art simulators. Each experience is enhanced by the sounds of flight that help transport you back to the dawn of aviation in the early 20th century.

Once inside the Hall, visitors find themselves surrounded by a mesmerizing blend of sensory experiences. The mood lighting spotlighting Hinkler’s famous vintage motor vehicle and the drama of flight-themed theatrettes together create an evocative narrative of Hinkler’s dream and achievements. The unexpected connection between Bert Hinkler and the Challenger shuttle disaster offers the opportunity for reflection, and highlights the monumental challenges and constant danger faced by those who dare to be the pioneers of untamed skies. Whether through the soundscapes of the simulators or the tactile opportunity to feel the Avro Baby replica, every aspect of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation is designed to enchant the senses and make the essence of flight palpable.

Ambience and Atmosphere

The setting of the Hall in the picturesque Bundaberg Botanic Gardens enhances the experience with scenes of natural beauty and a deep sense of tranquillity. As you approach the complex from the grounds of the Botanic Gardens, the gentle rustle of leaves mingles with distant bird song, creating a serene introduction to the adventure that awaits. As you enter the complex, the gardens give way to carefully manicured lawns and shrubs surrounding the main hall and Hinkler House, lovingly transported from England and reconstructed, brick by brick.

The Hinkler Hall of Aviation pays homage to its celebrated namesake not just with historical artefacts, but also with an ambience that captures the adventurous spirit of the aviator himself. Interactive displays encourage exploration and discovery, while thematic lighting casts a mood of wonder and intrigue across the exhibits. Light and sound work harmoniously together to tell the tale of Bert Hinkler’s aviation glory. The gentle hum of simulators and whispering narratives emanating from theatrettes create an atmosphere that reverberates with the thrill of pioneer aviation. Awe-inspiring and fascinating, the lighting highlights each display and guides your focus, taking you on a journey alongside Bert through his aerial ventures and accomplishments, each exhibit a testament to his unwavering determination from an early age to conquer the skies.

For those eager to immerse themselves more deeply, the tactile exhibits offer a tangible connection to the history on display, from the cool, smooth surface of replica aircrafts to the intricate textures of Hinkler’s memorabilia. The incorporation of such tactile experiences invites every visitor to engage with history on an intimate level, ensuring their journey is not only insightful and memorable, but also more personally meaningful.

Offerings and Specialities

The Hinkler Hall of Aviation doesn’t just provide a glimpse into history, it offers a range of carefully tailored experiences. The centre has become a mecca for learners, offering tailored educational resources and experiences that have been designed to dovetail perfectly with the Australian National Curriculum. Both teachers and students are invited to extend their knowledge beyond traditional classroom learning, exploring interactive displays, full-size aircraft, and unique museum artefacts that bring history to life.

The highlight of the centre is its collection of unique objects and replicas, including static, mechanical and high-tech displays, as well as six full-size aircraft and the meticulously restored Armstrong Siddeley soft-top convertible from Hinkler’s Tour of Triumph in 1928. On loan from Queensland Museum, Bert Hinkler’s original Avro Baby aircraft is on display within the J.A. (Lex) Rowland Gallery. It was in this very aircraft that Hinkler set two records, namely his 1920s London to Turin flight and his 1921 flight from Sydney to Bundaberg. In addition to two replica aircraft, there’s a reconstructed de Havilland Puss Moth, and a reconstruction of the glider that Hinkler built when he was just 19 for his daring flight over Mon Repos Beach – the flight that launched his short but illustrious vocation.

This diverse suite of displays is complemented by the immersive simulation experiences, inviting guests to both observe and participate in some of history’s most exhilarating aviation moments. For those seeking deeper understanding and engagement, the displays are carefully crafted to educate and inspire, making them a perfect resource for school groups and educators seeking an interactive learning environment.

Visitors who are blind or have low vision can enjoy listening to the stories in the Globe Theatre and the other two theatrettes. Sounds from movies, flight simulators and the fly/glide experiences help to create an immersive atmosphere. Visitors can hear the hum of old propeller planes starting up and the distant sound of planes flying overhead. They might catch faint snippets of Bert Hinkler’s voice from old radio recordings, with the soft clinking of tools being used on vintage aircraft. The rumble of engines emanates from the flight simulation as the plane picks up speed, then the whoosh of wind as it ascends into the sky. Visitors are also invited to take a seat in a replica of the Avro Baby to gain a unique, first-hand, tactile understanding of Hinkler’s exploits.

Rounding off the offerings is a tour of Hinkler House, an architectural and historical curiosity relocated from England, which Hinkler named Mon Repos – or “My Rest” – to celebrate the beachside location of his hometown. For those unable to access the two-storey building, a virtual tour hosted in the main hall ensures every visitor can experience the beauty and history of Hinkler House.

Guided tours are conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:15 AM., 11:45 AM and 1 PM. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

History and Heritage

The Hinkler Hall of Aviation stands as a hallmark of Bundaberg’s deep-rooted aviation history, celebrating its local hero, Bert Hinkler. Born in 1892, Hinkler’s insatiable curiosity for flight saw him construct his first man-carrying glider by the tender age of 19. Hinkler’s story is one of adventure and innovation, which made him famous not only in Australia but across the globe as he achieved the first ever solo flight from England to Australia in his Avro Avian aircraft, a replica of which is displayed in the Hall, in 1928. Following this epic flight, Hinkler flew into Brisbane for a Tour of Triumph in a luxury tourer donated by the local distributor of Armstrong Siddeley, which was restored and donated to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. 

While the record-breaking flight from England to Australia – which reduced the time taken from 28 days to just under 15-and-a-half days – may have been his most famous achievement, perhaps Hinkler’s most remarkable feat came in 1931 when he flew from Canada to New York then non-stop to Jamaica, and from there on to South America, and across the South Atlantic to Africa. This flight earned him several awards and was the first solo flight across the South Atlantic. The Hall houses a reconstruction of the de Havilland Puss Moth in which he completed this remarkable journey. This was also the aircraft in which Hinkler met his death in the Tuscan mountains in 1933 as he was attempting once more to break the flying record to Australia.

A small piece of wood from one of Hinkler's hand-made gliders was given to the US astronaut Don Lind in 1986 when he visited Bundaberg to give a Hinkler Memorial Lecture. Lind in turn gave it to Dick Scobee, captain of the final, ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger mission, who took it with him on board the Challenger. Remarkably, the wood was recovered from the sea after the Challenger exploded, and was returned to Australia, where it remains on display in the Hall as a poignant reminder of the dangers braved by aviation pioneers.

Visitors to the Hall are invited to walk in the footsteps of this remarkable aviator, experiencing the trials and triumphs of Hinkler’s journey through expertly curated displays that reveal his life and legacy. The collection of original artefacts, reconstructions and replicas, in addition to the deeply immersive flight simulators, allow guests to get a true taste of aviation’s golden era, when each milestone achieved inspired a thirst in Hinkler and others for further exploits. 

Accessibility

Hinkler Hall of Aviation conscientiously maintains an inclusive and welcoming environment. Located within the spacious Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, the approach to the Hall is along wide, smooth pathways suitable for visitors using mobility aids, including wheelchairs. Pathways in the gardens are a combination of sealed and unsealed. There are two wheelchair-accessible parking bays and a convenient drop-off zone near the main entrance for easy and practical access for visitors with access needs. 

Entrance to the Hall is via automatic double doors. Within the Hall, smooth flooring and plenty of clutter-free space between exhibits and displays make for easy manoeuvrability for visitors using mobility aids, as well as those who are blind or have low vision.

There are wheelchair-accessible toilets outside the main hall and at the back of the main building, equipped with pictograms and Braille signage, and another next to the nearby Café 1928, just 40 metres away.

The Hall’s commitment to accessibility goes beyond physical access: the interactive displays and simulation technologies offer auditory and tactile alternatives for visitors with different disabilities. For those unable to physically visit the two-level Hinkler House, a virtual tour brings the historical venue to life, making it accessible to everyone.

Service dogs are warmly welcomed to accompany guests throughout their journey, with grassy areas immediately outside the Hall available for toileting needs. Visitors with sensory sensitivities will appreciate the low, mood lighting within the Hall itself, while the surrounding gardens offer peace and solitude. 

The team at Hinkler Hall is dedicated to making your visit enjoyable and comfortable no matter what your access needs, with upcoming upgrades promising even greater inclusivity for all its visitors.