The Avalon Australian International Airshow (‘Avalon Airshow’, for short) is back for 2025 from 28-30 March – bigger and louder than ever.

Held biennially since 1992, Avalon Airshow is the home of everything cutting-edge in aerospace, aviation and defence technology. It’s also one of the few airshows where kids can have as much fun as the grown-ups.

There have been a few changes to the Airshow this year , with more flexible transport, a bigger program, and more activities for the little ones. And don’t worry, the aircraft line-up looks as exciting as ever.

Here are 5 things not to miss at this year’s Avalon Airshow.

The Show From the Sky

Aircraft and flying displays are still the heart and soul of the Avalon Airshow, and this year’s line-up is pretty epic, to say the least.

The F-22 Raptor Demonstration team are back from the US, ready for a death-defying aerial display, and visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with everything from an F-35A Lightning II to an unmanned MQ-28 Ghost Bat. (You can get a sneak peak at the aircraft line-up here).

In addition to that, you’ve got the F-16 Pacific Air Forces Demonstration team, the legendary Paul Bennett Airshows, plus Matt Hall’s high-performance aviation racing unit. Keep your eyes turned firmly upwards.

Entertainment and family fun

Where else are you going to find bleeding-edge military technology and free carnival rides for the kids? The Avalon Airshow has always been a family-friendly exhibition (it’s part of its charm) and this year the organisers have outdone themselves with an action-packed kids program.

There are pilot meet-and-greets, free carnival rides, food trucks galore, plus a dedicated Kids Zone. We’re talking STEM activities from Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, face painting, build-your-own jet models, foam soccer, and heaps more!

Military Working Dog and Drone Zone

Drone Zone definitely has a nice ring to it, and with uncrewed autonomous aircraft on the rise, there’s a lot to see at Avalon 2025. Let’s start with the working dogs, though. Military dogs are responsible for security, crime prevention and emergency response on RAAF bases around the world. At the Airshow, visitors will get to meet the handlers, see the dogs in action, and dispense some well-earned pats.

Over in the Drone Zone, you can catch some of the fastest drone racers from the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy as they battle against civilian drone racers from across the globe! Meet the teams, cheer on the pilots, and watch all the action through first-person VR technology.

General Aviation Area

For something a little more terrestrial, check out this year’s revamped General Aviation Area: it’s where you’ll find all the static aircraft, along with representatives from flying groups all over Australia. From Bendigo Flying Club to the Australian Women’s Pilots Association. Located near Exhibition Hall 4, the General Aviation Area showcases over 120 general aviation aircraft, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on interaction. You can also dive into the world of VR flight at the STEM Interactive Hub, complete with VR headsets, state-of-the-art flight simulators, and flat-pack aircraft assembly.

Tastes of Avalon

Uncovering all that secret aerospace and defence technology is hungry work, so make sure you schedule a pitstop at Tastes of Avalon. It’s the Airshow’s finger-licking food and beverage centre.

This year you’ll have the whole range of global eats at your fingertips. Grab a pork belly bao from Chubby Bao, or maybe a fresh banh mi from Lucy Oi Vietnamese. There’s sliders, paella, schnitzels, tacos and nuggets – whatever takes your fancy. And if all that doesn’t hit the spot, head into Geelong after the show and check out some of our best bars, cafes and restaurants.

Just a note on parking: for the first time ever, the Airshow is offering two park and ride bus services this year, if you want to leave the car at home. Alternatively, you can still park on-site at Avalon airport but it's strongly advised to book ahead. Either way, we’d recommend booking your transport when you book your tickets – the carparks tend to fill up fast!

Don’t forget to download the Avalon App, too. It’s got all the information you’ll need for a cracking weekend.