Yankstown - The Surprising Bankstown Aviation Heritage

Located on the traditional lands of the Darug people, is Bankstown Airport, one of the most important airfields in Australia. Home to many essential aeromedical organisations, it is enshrined in Australian World War II aviation history, playing a pivotal role in Allied war efforts. 

To many, Bankstown Airport may be considered a small, local airport. Perhaps surprisingly, it is Australia’s largest Emergency Medical Services base, one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Operating 24/7, it supports critical emergency services, patient transfers and more, including world-class aviation and aeromedical training at The ACE Training Centre, alongside over 160 businesses that call the precinct home. 

Bankstown Airport

Bankstown Airport

To explore this precinct, begin your day with a Will & Co Coffee at Kaffeine & Co, a well-loved neighbourhood favourite known for its great food and community feel. A warm, freshly baked manoosh from Bedouin Bakery beckons next door before you go any further. 

Kaffeine & Co

Kaffeine & Co

Kaffeine & Co

Bedouin Bakery

Bedouin Bakery

Bedouin Bakery

Next, visit the Air Traffic Control Tower, commissioned in 1970 and listed on Australia's Commonwealth Heritage List, an iconic example of post-World War II design. Admire the variety of aircraft on the airfield as you continue towards the Aerodrome World War II Memorial.

Bankstown Airport Air Traffic Control Tower

Bankstown Airport aircraft

As mentioned, Bankstown Airport played a crucial role in WWII. 1940 saw the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Headquarters established here, followed in 1941 with training of the first Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) used the airport as a strategic air base, and it was affectionately coined Yankstown.  

By 1942, de Havilland Mosquito combat aircraft were being built onsite, and in 1945, the British Fleet Air Arm took over operations, then known as Royal Naval Air Station Bankstown (also known as HMS Nabberley). A covert RAAF bunker was also established nearby in Condell Park. 

Bankstown Aerodrome World War II Memorial

Bankstown Airport aircraft

Bankstown Bunker site, Condell Park

Bankstown Aerodrome World War II Memorial

Neighbouring the Aerodrome World War II Memorial is Flight Experience Sydney, home to a CASA certified simulator used for commercial pilot training and open for public experiences – your chance to take the captain’s seat! If you are lucky, commercial pilot and skilled Red Baron aerobatics pilot Naomi may guide you. 

Flight Experience Sydney

CASA certified simulator, Flight Experience Sydney

CASA certified simulator, Flight Experience Sydney

Flight Experience Sydney

For lunch, Lazeez Lebanese Cuisine at Bass Hill Plaza is where heartfelt hospitality meets delicious flavours. The Lahm be ajeen with mint, tomato, yoghurt and a sprinkling of pine nuts melts in your mouth, paired with a tangy, fresh Fattoush salad.

Lazeez Lebanese Cuisine, Bass Hill

Lazeez Lebanese Cuisine, Bass Hill

Lazeez Lebanese Cuisine, Bass Hill

Boston Doughnuts nearby has big, plump, flavour-bomb donuts you'll thank us for! Founded in Bass Hill by local Marwa, there’s love in your every bite.  

Boston Doughnuts, Bass Hill

Boston Doughnuts, Bass Hill

A visit to Bankstown Airport Precinct is an insightful step back in time, a chance to honour its origins, celebrate its aviation achievements, and appreciate the incredible work of those in the aeromedical field. The extent of history, importance, and ongoing presence of this humble local airport is surprising. Pay a visit and discover for yourself. Explore with West.