The Barossa Airshow is set to make its triumphant return on 6 April 2025, and for aviation enthusiasts, families, and thrill-seekers alike, this is an event that’s not to be missed.
Held in the Barossa Valley, this high-flying spectacle promises a full day of aerial acrobatics, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun.
Since its inaugural event in 1998, the Barossa Airshow has cemented itself as a must-see event attracting people who love flying machines from all over the country.
Held every two years, now under the stewardship of the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley, the event continues to soar to new heights, carrying on the legacy set by the original hosts, St Jakobi Lutheran School of Lyndoch.
This experience is one where you can stretch out on a picnic rug, with a glass of the region’s finest wine in hand, while gravity-defying pilots perform jaw-dropping stunts above you.
The noise of engines fills the air, loops and spirals unfold and the crowd gasps in unison at the sheer skill on display.
Aircraft high above, in the hands of skilled pilots, push the limits of aerobatic display, providing an exhilarating spectacle.
Pilots from all walks of life, flying a wide variety of aircraft, will make their way to the Rowland Flat Airfield for a day of non-stop action and entertainment.
Pilots from all areas, in all types of aircraft, are welcome to fly in to this spectacular community event at no charge. Whether joining as a participant in the Flying Display or simply attending as a Fly-In Spectator, the event provides a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special.
Keith Millington, one of the event organisers who has been involved in the planning since 2020 and the event itself since 2021, shares his enthusiasm for the spectacle.
“Putting it bluntly, if you like aeroplanes, this is definitely the event for you,” he said.
“The Barossa airfield, 365 days a year – then 364 days in the odd years – is just a wheat paddock. Then when it’s Barossa Airshow time, the 600-metre short runway becomes the busiest airfield in South Australia… just for that one day!”
Keith also shares some of the highlights of this year’s program, which includes aircraft of all shapes and sizes.
“One of my favourites is the Rubber Duckie – it’s bright yellow, runs off a lawnmower engine, and sort of put puts around the sky at approximately 2km an hour.”
Visitors can also expect appearances from the impressive water bombers, thanks to the CFS, as well as the thrilling aerial displays of the Roulettes from the Air Force and the Silver Sharks.
“We’ve got Chris Sperou one of Australia’s most daring stunt pilots and his co-pilot joining us again this year. Chris has won the Australian Aerobatic Championships 13 times, and he’s still got it at 86 years of age. His co-pilot is also 86 years old, and together they do death-defying stunts, including barrel rolls,” Keith added.
“You’ll get to witness stall turns, inside loops, crossovers, hammerhead turns, and close formations – so many stunts, including glider stunts, that will make your heart beat faster and maybe even skip a beat,” he said.
A story shared by Keith highlights just how special the aviation world can be.
“Jim Hayley from the Warbirds has military planes and has restored an old Boomerang from WW2. He was completely intrigued with this aircraft as his dad flew one in the war, so when he could buy one, he snapped it up.”
“When rebuilding this aircraft, he did some research on his plane and discovered it was, in fact, the ACTUAL plane his dad flew in the war,” Keith shared.
This is just one of dozens of incredible stories shared between pilots and with people attending the Air Show.
Over the years, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, with many community organisations helping to run the event so everything is local and runs smoothly.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Barossa Helicopters will be offering short rides at affordable prices, so if you’ve never got up in the sky to see the beautiful Barossa or been in a helicopter before, this is a fabulous opportunity.
There will be market stalls laden with local produce and handcrafted goods will line the venue, offering a taste of the region’s best. Special display exhibits and information stands, hosted by a range of aviation and community groups, will provide insight into the industry and the people behind it.
And of course, no festival atmosphere is complete without delicious food and drinks, with a variety of catering outlets serving up everything from hearty meals to light snacks.
There’s something uniquely special about watching a world-class air display with the rolling vineyards of the Barossa as your backdrop.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out, mark your calendars for 6 April. Bring a chair, bring a picnic, and get ready to be amazed as the Barossa Airshow once again takes flight.
Please make sure if you or especially children are sensitive to loud sounds that you bring appropriate earmuffs, noise-cancelling headphones, or ear plugs. Also, please do not bring pets (support animals are welcome although not encouraged due to the extreme loud and sudden noises).
WHAT: Barossa Airshow
WHEN: 6 April, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Rowland Flat Airfield, Koch Road Krondorf
MORE INFO: barossaairshow.com.au
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