Rathmines Heritage Centre

Based in Rathmines Theatre, Rathmines Heritage Centre hosts a range of exhibitions focused on the history of Rathmines RAAF base and the wider story of Lake Mac during World War II.

Rathmines RAAF seaplane base played an essential role in the defence of Australia during WWII. From 1939 – 1962 thousands of people and hundreds of seaplanes operated and trained at the base. Rathmines RAAF seaplane base is the most intact surviving example of its type in Australia. Established in 1939 the base was the main centre for training during World War II. It was the largest flying boat base established in Australia and considered to be the ‘headquarters’ of flying boat operations during the war.

Rathmines Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2pm. Tours are by appointment only, to arrange please contact: [email protected].  

Opening hours:

• Rathmines Heritage Centre will be closed over the Easter long weekend, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. 
• It will be open on Friday 25 April from 11am-2pm.

Explore the history of Rathmines further along the Rathmines RAAF Base Heritage Trail, a 1.1km trail through Rathmines Park and along the foreshore of Catalina Bay. 

For further information about the importance of Rathmines RAAF base please visit the Lake Mac History website, which has a large and comprehensive archive of oral histories, photographs and documents. 

For other fascinating heritage walks in Lake Macquarie visit: Heritage Walks - Lake Macquarie City Council.

Location

25 Stilling Street, Rathmines 2283  View in Google Maps

-33.0418986,151.5952367

25 Stilling Street , Rathmines 2283

25 Stilling Street , Rathmines 2283

Rathmines Heritage Centre