Combining two gems, both hidden in plain sight, Sunday was a delightful day of exploration and history.
Which started at the 100 Steps of Federation which can make the (modest as it turns out) claim of being the highest land between Melbourne and the You Yangs. Despite the hill being almost completely hidden behind some trees, the extra elevation does indeed provide an extensive view.
From there we moved to the nearby RAAF Museum at RAAF Base Point Cook, the first and the longest continually serving air force base in Australia with over 100 years of history.
The site was originally chosen because Bristol had operated an aeroplane from nearby as a sort of prototype for an air force, taking advantage of the flat terrain. An additional benefit was the proximity to water as flying boats were one of the most common air craft, certainly for military use, in the absence of purpose built runways.
Strange to think the air craft were not considered a military asset at the start of World War One but rapidly become one, culminating in the inevitable rapid escalation of capabilities and the famed aerial dog fights where one plane tries to shoot down another plane before it can shoot down the plane trying to drop bombs.
Split into two groups for guided tours the vast collection of items and information was presented in a condensed but relatable format. As with many such venues, the tour is but a taster with many more enjoyable hours possible at a later stage.
Perhaps too soon we were off to lunch and some great conversations.
Lawrence Glynn #3
From our friends at the BMW Motorcycle Club VictoriaOn Sunday 23 August a small group from our club joined members of the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne for a tour of the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. It was a fabulous day. The weather was perfect and Bob and I enjoyed the ride to our meeting point in Altona Meadows, apart from the traffic. Any day on a motorbike is a good day. From there we rode in convoy with the cars to the base at Point Cook.
Who knew the museum held such a comprehensive display? The hangar displaying aircraft made in Australia at the time of World War II was eye-opening to me. The skill of engineers and tradesmen producing aircraft at that time contributed significantly to the war effort. Our tour just scratched the surface! Many aircraft to see, photographs, artifacts, maps and displays, it’s all there, giving an overall picture of our aircraft history. The sound and visual experience on big screens, including interviews with pilots, was fantastic.
There is so much to see at the museum. Having been in operation since 1914, RAAF Base Point Cook is Australia’s oldest military air base and one of the world’s oldest continually operating airfields.
After touring the Museum, most of us went to the Phoenix Hotel in Point Cook for lunch. We really enjoyed sharing this event with the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, they’re a very friendly bunch. We’ll continue to list BMWDCM events which may interest you on our Club website. We had a great day. Lynne Rosenthal
Participants:
Max Traeger K 100 RS
Nathan Ranft R 1250 GSA
Braydan Willrath G 310 GS
Bob Rosenthal R 1200 GS
Lynne Rosenthal F 650 GS
The museum was doubly-interesting for me because my dad served in the RAAF during WWII in the Pacific theatre. His work in signals intelligence was covered by the Official Secrets Act, so he was unable to tell his family about his work until 50 years after the war ended.
Guy Nutting #669
What a great day we had together, we really enjoyed it, thank you.
Not only was the museum extremely interesting, we also enjoyed the company of others around the lunch table. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Hope you had a good time too
Lynne Rosethal BMW MCV
We had a fantastic day, the museum, the stories, and the whole experience were genuinely awe inspiring. Thank you all for the effort that went into making it such a memorable event
David Chandler #1562
Another great venue from the BMWDCM. Well done. It was a good day all round.
Jeff and Jill Palmer $682 and #949
Lovely day out today on a gorgeous Melbourne winters day.
Started at Truganina Park for an early morning walk up the 100 Steps of Federation, apparently the highest point between Melbourne and the You Yangs.
We met up with DCM members and friends to then drive to Point Cook RAAF Museum for a tour of the facility. Fantastic displays of our Air Force history and some of the planes and helicopters we have had in our arsenal over the last century.
Then on to a lovely lunch at the Phoenix Hotel before heading off home.
Was great to have some members of the BMW Motorbike Club of Victoria going us for the day too. Perfect day to be out on a bike!
Graeme Bell #1
