A relic of World War II. That’s The Oaks Community Airport for you. Right here in The Oaks New South Wales.
Originally built in 1942 by the Royal Australian Air Force. The Oaks served as a vital satellite airfield for Camden Airport. A dispersal base. It was designed to hide aircraft if Sydney came under attack. Imagine the strategic importance of this place during wartime. The 5000-foot sealed runway was a marvel of engineering. It ensured aircraft could operate even in challenging weather.
But the story doesn’t end there. The construction of Burragorang Road in the late 1940s changed things dramatically. This road was built to improve access to the Warragamba Dam. Unfortunately the road cut across the original runway. Today only the southern end remains functional for aviation.
The Oaks Community Airport isn’t just history. It’s a living piece of aviation heritage. The airport is the only one in Sydney built during WWII that’s still operational. Other airfields from that era have either been demolished or converted to other uses. This is something truly unique to appreciate.
In 1975 the current owner bought the airfield. Later he acquired a derelict Hawker-Siddeley HS.125 jet. A truly unique sight. A training jet from Qantas. Now it’s a popular attraction for aviation enthusiasts.
The Oaks Community Airport is a hub of activity. Dave’s Flying School and the Sydney Recreational Flying Club are both based here. It’s also used for flight training and recreational flying. Gliders. Helicopters. General aviation aircraft. Even the NSW Police Force and the Australian Defence Force use it occasionally.
There are three grass runways. Two parallel north-south ones measuring 850 meters by 45 meters each. A shorter east-west strip. Used only for emergencies. Since it’s an unlicensed aerodrome there’s no control tower. Operations are restricted to daylight hours because there’s no runway lighting. Pilots rely on visual flight rules and coordinate arrivals and departures using non-controlled aerodrome procedures.
The future looks bright for The Oaks Community Airport. The owner plans to restore the WWII site. He envisions creating an aviation and transport museum. A remarkable goal. A testament to the enduring legacy of this place. A truly wonderful contribution to the community. The Oaks Community Airport. A hidden gem in the Sydney area. A vibrant part of Australian aviation history.