The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum, originally known as The Tiger Moth Trust, was established in 1974 to prevent a locally restored Tiger Moth from being sold to America. The trust received support from the Mackay community, allowing them to purchase the Tiger Moth and form the museum to manage its operations. The first Tiger Moth, VH-AYW, was bought through a raffle organised by the Mackay Aero Club, with Arthur Hayes as the President, Barry Dean as Treasurer, Geoff Hunt as the Secretary, David Street as the Publicity Officer, and Neil Christensen as the Chief Pilot.
Both Tiger Moth aircraft in the museum are owned by the Mackay community, with one being named the “City of Mackay” to signify its ownership. The museum became an incorporated institution with tax-deductible status and is entirely run by dedicated volunteers who handle administration, crewing, and piloting. No one involved in the museum receives any remuneration.
The museum is located near the netball courts in Casey Avenue, Mackay. If you have spare time on weekends and an interest in aviation, the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum welcomes suitable volunteers to be trained as ground crew. However, eligibility to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) is required. If interested, please send your contact details to info@mackaytiger.
com. au.
The museum also offers exciting joy flights over the stunning Mackay area. Operating mostly on weekends from their hangar next to the Mackay Aero Club, the flights provide an opportunity to create lasting memories. Flights can be booked by contacting Whitsunday Office Machines or visiting their office in Paget, Mackay. The museum also offers gift vouchers for these flights.
For after-hours inquiries, contact them at 0427165796.
There are three joy flight options available: a 20-minute flight for $250, a 30-minute flight for $280, and a 60-minute flight for $500.
The 20-minute joy flight takes passengers along the coast from Mackay airport, passing by the mouth of the Pioneer River, the Mackay Harbour Beaches, Marina and Harbour, Slade Point, Eimeo, and the North Mackay area.
The 30-minute joy flight follows the same coastal route but also includes attractions such as Bucasia, Shoal Point, and the Pioneer Valley. Passengers can admire the cane fields, Farleigh Sugar Mill, and Walkerston while returning via the Pioneer River.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the one-hour joy flight covers all the coastal sights previously mentioned but also ventures to Habana Bay, Seaforth, and its local islands. Passengers will have the opportunity to see Mt Jukes, an extinct volcano, as they return through Farleigh, the Sugar Mill, and Walkerston via the Pioneer River.
Videos of the joy flights and directions to the museum can be found on their social media and club directory profiles. Embark on a thrilling journey with Mackay Tiger Moth Museum and experience the beauty of Mackay from the sky.