Uncovering the Forgotten History of Sydney's First International Airport
Sydney's first international airport was located at Rose Bay, where flying boats operated from 1938, offering luxurious travel to wealthy passengers and carrying vital mail services between Australia and England. The airport played a significant role in the city's aviation history, but its operations were short-lived due to World War II.
Sydney's first international airport was not in Mascot or Badgerys Creek, but at Rose Bay, where flying boats ruled the skies almost a century ago.
Established in 1938, Rose Bay Water Airport was the city's first international airport, with Qantas Empire Airways flying boats offering luxurious travel to wealthy passengers and carrying vital mail services between Australia and England.
A Golden Age of Aviation
By the end of 1934, the first regular air mail service between Australia and England began, with flying boats the chosen mode of transport due to their ability to carry larger freight loads and lower operating costs.
Qantas Empire Airways was established in 1939 as an international airline joint venture by Australia's Qantas and Britain's Imperial Airways.
The airline's operations were based at Rose Bay, taking advantage of its calm waters and central location.
Luxurious Travel
While air mail was the financial backbone of Qantas Empire Airways,