Fleet Air Arm Museum, Australia

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Australia The Royal Australian Navy welcomes you to visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra. We are located at HMAS Albatross in Nowra on the NSW South Coast.

Come experience the story of naval aviation from its beginnings to the present day The Fleet Air Arm Museum is the Royal Australian Navy's only museum open for general admission. HMAS Albatross is the home of the Fleet Air Arm, making it the Royal Australian Navy's only air station as well as the navy's largest base in Australia. The museum overlooks the airfield and affords visitors great views

of the activitiy on the runway. The Fleet Air Arm has been proudly providing air support to the Royal Australian Navy since 1948 and has played a critical role in the defence of our nation. Our collection tells the story of naval aviation in Australia, with aircraft from the 20th Century, ranging from a World War One Sopwith Pup to an A4 Skyhawk jet fighter. We also boast a fine collection of models and displays recognising the various vital function performed within the RAN. For the adventurous, we have a helicopter simulator that allows you to get a taste of what it's like to fly a helicopter for the Navy. We are open to the general public Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 through the school holidays and Friday to Sunday for the rest of the year. Entry is free.

Nancy Bentley was six-years-old, in 1920, when she became the first female enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy, and ...
15/07/2026

Nancy Bentley was six-years-old, in 1920, when she became the first female enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy, and the youngest recruit ever.

Nancy had been playing with her brothers near her home in Port Arthur, Tasmania, when she was bitten by a snake. The nearest doctor was four hours away by horse and buggy and her father was afraid she wouldn't make it that far. So, he made the quick decision to take her to nearby Carnarvon Bay where HMAS Sydney was anchored.

Commanding Officer, Henry Cayley, wanted to help but Navy rules prohibited him letting women on board the ship. Thinking quickly, he enlisted Nancy with the number 000001 and designation "Mascot", enlisted "'til fed up".

Nancy was on board Sydney for eight days, during which time she was doted on by the ship's crew. They made her a uniform and brought her with them to Hobart where they went to the cinema.
She was discharged on 23 November 1920, with the reason given "being required by her parents".

Nancy always remembered her time on HMAS Sydney fondly and often talked about the VIP treatment she received.

In 1986, Nancy became a lifetime member of the HMAS Sydney Association - an honour only extended to those who have served on one of the five ships named Sydney.

Nancy Bentley is featured in the exhibition Women in Navy currently showing at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-navy-exhibition-tickets-1991884184215?aff=oddtdtcreator

We have a new exhibition opening at the museum. Women in Navy tells the story of women's service in the Royal Australia...
12/06/2026

We have a new exhibition opening at the museum.

Women in Navy tells the story of women's service in the Royal Australian Navy, as serving members, trail blazers, record-setters, family members and leaders.

The exhibition will be open to the public from the 3rd of July and will run until the end of the year.

Don't miss it!

Address

489A Albatross Road
Nowra, NSW
2541

Opening Hours

Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+61418146945

Website

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