Rathmines Heritage Centre
Highlights
- Explore the rich history of Rathmines RAAF base through engaging exhibitions at the Heritage Centre.
- Wander along the 1.1-kilometre Heritage Trail, soaking in scenic views of Catalina Bay.
- Discover Australia's largest flying boat base, showcasing its significance during World War II.
- Visit the Enquiry Desk for insights and information about the area's historical treasures.
Based in Rathmines Theatre, Rathmines Heritage Centre hosts a range of exhibitions focused on the history of Rathmines RAAF base and the wider story of Lake Mac during World War II.
Rathmines RAAF seaplane base played an essential role in the defence of Australia during WWII. From 1939 – 1962 thousands of people and hundreds of seaplanes operated and trained at the base.
Rathmines RAAF seaplane base is the most intact surviving example of its type in Australia. Established in 1939 the base was the main centre for training during World War II. It was the largest flying boat base established in Australia and considered to be the ‘headquarters’ of flying boat operations during the war.
Rathmines Heritage Centre tours are by appointment only.
Explore the history of Rathmines further along the Rathmines RAAF Base Heritage Trail, a 1.1 kilometrem trail through Rathmines Park and along the foreshore of Catalina Bay.
For further information about the importance of Rathmines RAAF base please visit the Lake Mac History website, which has a large and comprehensive archive of oral histories, photographs and documents.
Images and Video
Features
Tags
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
- A quiet space is available at the venue/ facility.
Vision
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
- Braille and tactile signage on all information and paths of travel are available.
- Information in audio format (includes an audio described map of their venue, audio descs of performances and/ or displays) is available.
- Uses easy to read fonts in their signage and communication materials (Helvetica and Arial).
- Handrails on all stairways
- Exit signs which are visible at a ground level (high level signs are difficult to see in a fire) are available.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Grab rails in the bathroom
Physical – Wheelchair
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
- Step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
- A doorbell or intercom at an accessible height and display a contact number (accessible height is 900mm-1100 mm)
- A step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
- Accessible seating areas in theatrette
- Doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy).
- An accessible public toilet which is unlocked.
- A wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room is available.
- At least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed (International standards are 3200mm wide x 2500 mm high).
Physical – High support needs
Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
- A bathroom which is fully accessible and equipped with ceiling hoist and adult change table.
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