Epic warbird and helicopter flyovers part of Ipswich’s Planes, Trains and Autos

14 April 2022

The skies above North Ipswich will become a stage for aerobatic historic warbirds and luxury helicopters when the city’s premier adrenaline-charged festival Planes, Trains and Autos returns on Saturday 30 April 2022.

The festival is a celebration of all things aviation, rail and autos, and promises to be an adrenaline-charged low-cost event for the whole family to explore at The Workshops Rail Museum.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said this year’s event will be even bigger with a range of amazing displays and Queensland-exclusive experiences to explore between exciting flyovers and low passes.

“Soon after gates open visitors will be treated to a unique formation flypast with Red Thunder aircraft undertaking aerobatic manoeuvres above the Rail Museum,” Mayor Harding said.

“Then, some visitors may be tempted to duck during thrilling low-level flying from Queensland’s premier operators, Elite Helicopters.

“On the ground, visitors will be immersed in countless exhibits including TAE Aerospace’s AGT1500 engine that powers the formidable M1 Abrams battle tank, a Transportable Air Operations Tower and a F-111 crew module from RAAF Base Amberley, plus kids can pilot their own paper planes through interactive wind tunnels.”

Mayor Harding said there will be several spectacular aerial displays on the day, meaning the festival can be enjoyed by residents right across our city.

“Now in its second year, this fantastic festival pays tribute to our city’s rich history as the heartland of Queensland’s industrial development, while celebrating our present and future as a hub for defence, logistics and advanced manufacturing,” Mayor Harding said.

Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic said the 2022 event boasts an exciting line-up of military displays, interactive family-friendly activities and a huge variety of awe-inspiring machinery.

“The Workshops Rail Museum will be chock-a-block with passionate exhibitors sharing their love of all things rail, aviation and autos, while timeless aircraft take to the skies overhead for some exhilarating formation flying all for the delight of the community,” Cr Jonic said.

“Visitors can also learn about the surprising biodiversity of the wetlands next to the state’s largest commercial airport, as well as its significant history, at the Brisbane Airport Information Centre.”

The popular Queensland Auto Spectacular at Willowbank Raceway will take place on the day following, 1 May. It will include a huge swap meet, car displays, the Australian Rocker Cover Racing Championships and quarter-mile test, tune drags and more.

Planes, Trains and Autos
When: 9am to 4pm, Saturday 30 April 2022
Where: The Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich
More information: www.planestrainsautos.com.au

Please note: Flypast times are subject to change without notice.All flying is subject to change due to weather, operational requirements and other aviation considerations.

Money raised from the festival’s ticketing income will be distributed to Legacy Club of Ipswich and Queensland Museum Foundation.

The 2022 Planes, Trains and Autos event is supported by The Workshops Rail Museum, Elite Helicopters, Royal Australian Air Force, Willowbank Raceway, Brisbane Airport Corporation, TAE Aerospace, Toyota Material Handling and 9News Queensland.