Ruth Haines
Avalon Airport is a commercial airport located 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, Australia. It is one of two airports serving the Victorian capital, the other being Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Avalon Airport is linked to Geelong and Melbourne by the adjacent Princes Freeway, and offers easy access to popular tourist destinations such as Melbourne, Geelong, and the Great Ocean Road. The airport was originally a sheep and cattle farm, founded by James Austin, an immigrant from Glastonbury, England. The Commonwealth Government purchased the land in 1952, and the airport opened in 1953 to cater to the production of military aircraft. Today, Avalon Airport offers low-cost flights, hassle-free parking, streamlined boarding, and great facilities, making it a convenient gateway to Melbourne and its surrounding areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, near the western shores of Port Phillip Bay |
| Distance from Melbourne CBD | 50-minute drive |
| Transport options | Car hire, taxi, or SkyBus shuttle service |
| Car parking | Short-term and long-term parking available; first 30 minutes free, AUD$5 for an hour-long stay, AUD$35 for three days, and AUD$65 for a week |
| Other facilities | Taxi rank, ride-share pick-up/drop-off bay, rental car desks (Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz) |
| History | Established as a sheep and cattle farm by James Austin, an English immigrant; bought by the Commonwealth Government in 1952 and opened as an airport in 1953 |
| Ownership | Australian logistics company Linfox |
| Operations | Low-cost commercial airport serving Melbourne and Geelong metropolitan regions; hosts the biennial Australian International Airshow |
| Designation | Second airport in Victoria designated as a port of entry for freight operations |
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What You'll Learn
Avalon Airport is 55km southwest of Melbourne
Avalon Airport is located 55km southwest of Melbourne, near the western shores of Port Phillip Bay. It is one of two airports serving the Victorian capital, Melbourne, the other being Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Avalon Airport is the smaller and newer of the two airports, having only commenced commercial operations in 2004. The airport is owned by the Australian logistics company, Linfox.
Avalon Airport is linked to Geelong and Melbourne by the adjacent Princes Freeway. The airport has 1,500 parking spaces, a taxi rank, and a ride-share pick-up/drop-off bay. The best way to get to Melbourne's CBD from Avalon Airport is via car hire, taxi, or the SkyBus shuttle service, which takes about an hour. Passengers can book tickets online or at the SkyBus desk in the airport's arrivals hall.
The airport was originally a sheep and cattle farm and homestead, founded by James Austin, an immigrant from Glastonbury, England. Austin named the homestead "Avalon" after the mythical island in Arthurian legend. In 1952, the Commonwealth Government bought the land, and the airport opened in 1953 to cater to the production of military aircraft.
Today, Avalon Airport is a low-cost commercial airport serving the Melbourne and Geelong metropolitan regions. It is known for hosting the biennial Australian International Airshow, which attracts a total attendance of over 195,000 people across six days. The airport also provides easy access to three of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations: Melbourne, Geelong, and the Great Ocean Road.
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It is linked to Geelong and Melbourne by the Princes Freeway
Avalon Airport is located near the western shores of Port Phillip Bay, 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne and 23 kilometres northeast of Geelong. It is situated on the Melbourne-Geelong road and is linked to Geelong and Melbourne by the adjacent Princes Freeway. The airport has 1,500 parking spaces for cars, a taxi rank, and a ride-share pick-up/drop-off bay.
The Princes Freeway is a major road that connects Geelong and Melbourne, two of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations. The freeway runs adjacent to the airport, providing easy access for travellers driving to and from the airport. It also provides a direct route between the two cities, making it convenient for those travelling between Geelong and Melbourne.
In addition to the Princes Freeway, Avalon Airport is also accessible via other transport options. The SkyBus shuttle service, for example, operates an Avalon City Express route with services to Melbourne CBD and the western suburbs. The shuttle bus meets every major flight at the airport, and passengers can book tickets online or at the SkyBus desk in the arrivals hall. The journey to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station takes about an hour, with a stop-off at Werribee in the southwestern suburbs.
The Victorian government has also committed to improving the accessibility of Avalon Airport by planning a rail link. The proposed railway line would run along the existing Port Fairy railway line and then divert towards the airport, with possible eastern, central, and western route options being considered. Each of these routes would run over the Princes Freeway, providing a direct connection to the freeway for passengers travelling to and from the airport by train.
The development of Avalon Airport as Victoria's newest international airport, with the addition of a new international terminal, further enhances its accessibility and convenience for travellers. Avalon Airport is now a gateway to Melbourne's west, offering choice and convenience for travellers and providing an opportunity for airlines to utilise this gateway.
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It is one of two airports serving Melbourne, the other is Tullamarine Airport
Avalon Airport is located 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, near the western shores of Port Phillip Bay. It is one of two airports serving Melbourne, the other being Tullamarine Airport, which is located in the northwestern suburbs of the city. Avalon Airport is the smaller and newer of the two airports, having only commenced commercial operations in 2004. The airport is owned by the Australian logistics company, Linfox.
Avalon Airport offers easy access to three of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations: Melbourne, Geelong, and the Great Ocean Road. The airport is linked to these destinations by the adjacent Princes Freeway. The airport has 1,500 car parking spaces, a taxi rank, and a ride-share pick-up/drop-off bay. Car rental services are also available from six of Australia's top rental car companies: Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz.
In addition to its convenient location and transport options, Avalon Airport offers low-cost flights and hassle-free parking. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking options, with the first 30 minutes free of charge for both types of parking. For slightly longer drop-offs, an hour-long stay costs $5 AUD. For longer stays, a three-day parking ticket costs $35 AUD, while a weekly ticket is priced at $65 AUD.
Avalon Airport is also known for hosting the Australian International Airshow biennially on odd-numbered years. The airport was recently expanded to include a new international terminal, making Melbourne the first Australian city to have two international terminals. This expansion positions Avalon Airport as a convenient gateway to Melbourne's west, offering travellers increased choice and convenience.
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It was previously a sheep and cattle farm
Avalon Airport is located in Avalon, a suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. It is about 15 km northeast of Geelong's central business district and 50 km southwest of Melbourne's central business district. The airport is situated on the former Avalon Racecourse, which was purchased by the Melbourne Airport Corporation in 1997.
The site has a long history, and it was previously a sheep and cattle farm. The Avalon Estate, as it was known, was established in the 1870s by Thomas Austin, who is infamous for introducing rabbits to Australia. Austin imported the rabbits for hunting purposes, and they quickly became a pest, causing significant environmental and agricultural damage. The Avalon Estate was a large property, and Austin used it for experimental farming and to host rabbit-hunting parties. The property was also used for sheep and cattle grazing, and it is said that Austin introduced new breeds of sheep to the area.
After Austin's death in 1903, the estate changed hands several times. In the early 20th century, it was owned by the Army, and during World War II, it was used as a training base for the Royal Australian Air Force. In 1946, the property was sold to the Melbourne Harbor Trust, and it became a quarantine station for animals, including horses, cattle, and sheep, imported into Australia. The site was chosen due to its proximity to Port Phillip Bay and its isolation, which helped prevent the potential spread of disease.
In the 1950s, the Trust began to wind down its operations at Avalon, and the site was eventually sold to private owners. It continued to be used for agricultural purposes until the 1990s when it was purchased for development as an airport. Thus, the transformation of Avalon from a sheep and cattle farm to an airport began, bringing a new purpose and identity to the historic site.
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It hosts the biennial Australian International Airshow
Avalon Airport, located southwest of Melbourne, is a significant aviation hub in Australia. While it serves as a secondary passenger airport for Melbourne, it is also known for its association with the Australian International Airshow, a prestigious event that attracts global attention. The airport's proximity to the city, as well as its dedicated facilities, make it an ideal venue for this biennial spectacle.
The Australian International Airshow is a landmark event in the aviation industry, bringing together aircraft enthusiasts, experts, and professionals from around the world. By hosting this event, Avalon Airport showcases its capacity and infrastructure, which have been specifically designed to accommodate large-scale aviation exhibitions. The airport's runways and taxiways can handle various aircraft, from small private planes to large military aircraft, ensuring that the airshow participants have a suitable platform to display their capabilities.
The event typically spans several days and features an impressive lineup of aerial displays, static exhibitions, and industry conferences. Visitors get a rare opportunity to witness the latest in aviation technology, with both civilian and military aircraft on display. The airshow also pays tribute to historical aircraft, with vintage and classic planes often taking part in the event, offering a glimpse into the past and the evolution of flight.
Beyond the aerial displays, the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport provides a platform for businesses and organizations within the aviation industry to connect and showcase their products and services. Exhibitors present the latest innovations in aviation technology, from advanced avionics to cutting-edge engineering, attracting buyers and investors from around the globe. The event also facilitates networking opportunities, fostering collaborations and partnerships that drive the industry forward.
The biennial event significantly contributes to the local economy, with attendees traveling to the region specifically for the airshow. It showcases the capabilities of Avalon Airport and underscores its importance as a versatile aviation hub. By hosting this international event, Avalon Airport solidifies its position as a key player in the Australian aviation landscape, offering more than just passenger and cargo services.
Overall, the Australian International Airshow is a testament to Avalon Airport's versatility and its commitment to promoting aviation excellence. It provides a unique experience, combining entertainment and business opportunities, and has become a highly anticipated event for aviation enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Avalon Airport is located 55 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, near the western shores of Port Phillip Bay. It is one of two airports serving the Victorian capital, the other being Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.
The best way to get to Avalon Airport from Melbourne CBD is via car hire, taxi, or the SkyBus shuttle service. The shuttle bus takes about an hour and costs $24 AUD.
Avalon Airport is located 23 kilometres northeast of Geelong.
