Held every two years since its inception in 1992, the Avalon Australian International Airshow (‘Avalon Airshow’, for short) is Australia’s biggest – and loudest – aerospace and defence exhibition. A six-day aviation extravaganza at Avalon Airport, just outside Lara.

Avalon Airshow 2025 will be the sixteenth official airshow, and it’s shaping up to be a doozy. This year’s festival is split into two halves, as per usual, with the Trade Days running from 25 to 28 March, and the Public Airshow from 28 to 30 March.

How do you get tickets?

The Avalon Airshow is a ticketed event - tickets are available direct through the website with a few options available.

Whether you’re an industry professional looking to connect with the global aerospace community, or a family who just wants to see 370 of the world’s most advanced aircraft up close, there’s something for everyone at Avalon.

Boarding Passes (previously known as General Admission) start at $98 for adults and $25 for kids (4-15 years).

Grab your tickets here

What’s new this year?

Park and Ride

For the first time ever, Avalon Airshow is offering a Park & Ride bus service from two locations: one in Melbourne and one in Geelong.

Check all the relevant transport options here

Expanded Exhibition Hall

If you’ve ever been to the Airshow, you’ll know the Exhibition Hall is what the Trade Days are all about. This year the exhibition has grown from three halls to four, showcasing the best tech from the international aviation, aerospace and defence community.

More fun than ever

Avalon Airshow has always been a family-friendly day, and this year is no exception. With a revamped program, free carnival rides for the little ones, pilot meet and greets, and a dedicated Kids Zone, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. Just don’t forget to bring the earplugs/headphones.

What’s the aircraft line-up?

Every year the Airshow organiser outdo themselves with a mix of local and international aerospace assets. Visitors can actually touch – and in some cases hop in – these state-of-the-art machines.

Here are just a few of the 2025 highlights. Keep in mind these aircraft are subject to change, particularly when it comes to military aircraft supplied by the Royal Australian Air Force.

The F-35A Lightning II, one of the few aircraft capable of Supersonic Stealth.
The heavy-lifting C-17A Globemaster. A stalwart of the Royal Australian Air Force.
The EA-18G Growler, designed to jam and interrupt enemy radar.
The uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat, which represents the cutting edge of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

You can check out the full aircraft lineup here

Where can I stay?

The Airshow website has an accommodation section, to help you plan your visit, but be warned: it’s a busy weekend. A lot of the local Lara B&Bs will be booked solid. Here are a few Geelong-based spots we recommend:

Novotel Geelong

Geelong’s premier luxury hotel, with waterfront views and the best location in town. Did we mention the indoor pool, fitness centre and onsite restaurant? You can’t go wrong with the Novotel Geelong.

R Hotel

A 4.5-star, self-contained apartment hotel, with 128 rooms and 24-hour reception? What’s not to like? With secure parking and an onsite café, R Hotel is the perfect spot for a family stay during the Airshow.

The Electric Hotel

For something a little more boutique, try The Electric Hotel on Ryrie Street. They’ve got contactless 24-hour check-in, free coffee, wine and beer, not to mention a great location in the heart of the CBD.

Things to do in the region

The Avalon Airshow only lasts a couple of days, but we definitely recommend extending your visit and checking out the rest of the Bellarine Peninsula. Join a fishing charter on Corio Bay, catch a show at the Geelong Arts Centre, or jump on the Bellarine Rail Trail and explore the world-class vineyards between Geelong and Queenscliff.