Airshows Downunder Shellharbour Continues a Proud Airshow History

Airshows Downunder Shellharbour, previously known as Wings Over Illawarra, is a major airshow, the largest event held in the Illawarra and NSW south coast and the only airshow experience within easy reach of metropolitan Sydney.

The event’s diverse program includes ground displays and flying demonstrations of historic, military, modern and aerobatic aircraft as well as vintage car and motorbike displays, children’s rides and other aviation and technology related exhibitions. 

Wings over Illawarra

For its first seven years, Wings Over Illawarra was a successful community event, managed by a committee supported by Shellharbour City Council, local service clubs and community volunteers.

After the successful 2013 event, it became clear that Wings Over Illawarra had outgrown local community resources and needed dedicated commercial management to prepare for future growth.

Bright Events

In November 2013 ownership and management of Wings Over Illawarra was transferred to Bright Events Pty Ltd. 

Bright Events ably managed and developed the airshow through challenges of growth and weather, expanding to a two-day event in 2015. In 2016 the event drew a crowd of more than 22,000 people, rising to 33,000 in 2017.

They were drawn by the great variety of performers, the carnival family atmosphere of the event and a series of “firsts”, including the debut of Australia’s only flying World War II era German Focke Wulf FW190, and performances by Australian aerobatics legend Matt Hall.

They were in good company, flying alongside the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes aerobatic team, F/A-18 Hornet jets and a World War I Fokker DR1.

2018 saw the event expand to include more military aircraft on display in the air and on the ground, plus a huge sideshow carnival with spectacular rides for visitors of all ages and world class freestyle motorcross motorcycle displays.

AMDA Foundation

In March 2023 Australian not-for-profit corporation AMDA Foundation Limited became the new operator of Wings Over Illawarra.

AMDA Foundation was established to promote the development of aviation and Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and information/communications technology resources in the fields of aviation, aerospace, maritime, defence and security.

It achieves these goals by delivering Australia’s most prominent and respected world-class biennial aviation and industry events as platforms for interaction between industry, defence, government, academia and the Australian public. These include the Australian International Airshow & Aerospace and Defence Exposition at Avalon Airport and the RotorTech Helicopter and Uncrewed Flight Exposition, on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Under the stewardship of AMDA Foundation, the renamed Airshows Downunder Shellharbour Airshow will continue to grow and develop.

2023

A Year of Transition

The Wings Over Illawarra Airshow took a scheduled break in 2023, as AMDA Foundation Limited – also the organisers of the Avalon Australian International Airshow – officially assumed management of the event. The move marked the beginning of a biennial format, designed to allow for larger-scale planning and delivery, with a vision to grow the event into a premier national aviation and defence showcase. While the skies over Shellharbour were quiet this year, planning is already well underway for a bigger-than-ever return in 2026, with AMDA set to bring its proven expertise to elevate Wings Over Illawarra to new heights.

2022

A Powerful Defence Showcase

With more than 35,000 people in attendance, the 2022 Wings Over Illawarra Airshow returned in full force on 12–13 November, delivering a spectacular weekend of aviation action at Shellharbour Airport. The event featured a dynamic blend of historic warbirds, cutting-edge aircraft and interactive ground displays, highlighting the breadth and capability of the Australian Defence Force.

A standout highlight was the high-speed F-35A Lightning II aerial display, giving audiences a front-row seat to the future of Australian air power. In contrast, heritage aircraft from 100 Squadron – flown in from the Point Cook and Temora Aviation Museums – provided a stirring reminder of the RAAF’s history and evolution.

The Air Force Roulettes stole the show once again with a precision six-ship formation display in their Pilatus PC-21s, thrilling crowds with aerobatic finesse. On the ground, the ADF presented an array of engaging displays and activities that drew strong public interest. The C-130J Hercules, Air Force Drone Racing Team, RAAF Balloon, and flight simulators gave visitors hands-on insights into modern military aviation.

The Royal Australian Navy contributed with static displays of the Airbus EC135 helicopter and unmanned aircraft systems, while the Army engaged the crowd with the ever-popular Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle, drone racing team, and military working dog demonstrations. Live performances by the Air Force Band added to the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

According to 100 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Philip Beanland, the event was an important opportunity for the ADF to engage with the community, inspire future aviators and showcase both tradition and technology. The 2022 show reaffirmed Wings Over Illawarra as one of Australia’s premier aviation events – celebrating the past, present and future of flight.

2021

A Centenary Spectacle

After a one-year hiatus, Wings Over Illawarra triumphantly returned on 27–28 November 2021, pivoting to Shellharbour Airport with renewed energy and strong pandemic-mitigation efforts. Despite damp skies, rain and low cloud covering the Illawarra escarpment, the show delivered powerful flying and ground displays over the weekend.

A major highlight was the Royal Australian Air Force’s centenary celebration, featuring the final public displays of the F/A‑18A/B ‘Legacy’ Hornet, flown spiritedly by Group Captain Jason Easthope, followed by the first-ever public aerobatic performance of the F‑35A Lightning II, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Ross Bowman – an electrifying moment showcasing the RAAF’s generational transition. The Navy’s MH‑60R Seahawk also wowed crowds with its agility, while the RAAF presented a full spectrum of legacy and modern aerial assets.

Heritage warbirds returned in force under HARS: Neptune, Caribou, P‑2V‑7 Neptune, Curtiss P‑40 Kittyhawk, CAC Wirraway, and F4U Corsair all performed, offering a powerful contrast between piston‑engined classics and stealth jets. The Neptune, in particular, took to the air on day one, while other warbirds performed to varying degrees, depending on evolving weather conditions.

Although the weather forced some schedule tweaks and grounded a few warbirds, the event still delivered a compelling mix of vintage charm and cutting‑edge aviation, making it both a farewell to the Hornet and an enthusiastic welcome to the F‑35 era – a fitting tribute to the RAAF’s 100th year.

2020

The Show That Never Took Off

Wings Over Illawarra 2020 was shaping up to be a major event. Originally scheduled for May and later postponed to November, the event faced growing uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Despite the best efforts, the decision was ultimately made to cancel the event in the interest of public safety.

With domestic and international borders closed and large gatherings restricted, the safety of attendees, participants and staff came first. While disappointing, the cancellation paved the way for a renewed focus on a spectacular return in 2021.

2019

Warbirds, Workhorses and Modern Might

The 2019 edition of Wings Over Illawarra delivered an unforgettable weekend of aerial displays and aviation heritage, despite less-than-ideal weather on Sunday. Set against the stunning Illawarra escarpment, the event showcased a remarkable lineup of Warbirds, vintage aircraft and cutting-edge military assets.

The Warbird program was a major drawcard, featuring flying displays from historic aircraft such as the CAC Wirraway, P-40E Kittyhawk, Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI, and two CAC Mustangs. Standout moments included formation flights pairing the Spitfire with the Hurricane, and a spectacular sequence featuring the Mustang, Spitfire and Kittyhawk—bringing WWII history roaring back to life in the skies.

HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society) again played a key role, flying the DHC-4 Caribou and a C-47 in a transport tableau with the RAAF’s C-27J Spartan, C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III. The Caribou’s STOL and reverse-taxi performance amazed crowds, and HARS’ expanded static display drew strong interest, featuring three Lockheed Neptune aircraft side by side, multiple DC-3s, a restored Catalina with rare radome, and the impressive Lockheed P-3 Orion. Restoration projects like the Southern Cross replica and Navy Heritage Fleet aircraft, including the Sea Fury and Wessex, offered a glimpse into HARS’ future contributions.

The Royal Australian Air Force supported the show with dynamic displays by the P-8A Poseidon, C-17, C-27J, and a C-130J Hercules. The Roulettes flew their new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft in a 4-ship formation for the first time at the show, demonstrating the platform’s agility and modern edge. While fast jets like the F/A-18 and F-35A were absent due to operational commitments, the P-8A’s agility provided an impressive consolation.

With growing participation, a diverse aircraft lineup and strong community and defence support, Wings Over Illawarra 2019 further cemented its reputation as Australia’s premier regional airshow.