Warbirds flying high for Wings Over Shellharbour

The 2026 program featuring Sky Aces Formation Team, Australian aerobatic pilot Paul Bennet performing in his Wolf Pitts Pro, the Air Force Roulettes, and the Royal Australian Navy is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors across the weekend.

“There will be three Spitfires performing, which is really exciting and highly unusual, including a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX making its debut appearance, which is the only two-seat Spitfire in the southern hemisphere,” said Paul Bennet Airshows founder Paul Bennet, who is now managing Wings Over Shellharbour.

“The world’s only airworthy F4U-1D Corsair will also take to the skies over Shellharbour for the first time – one of the most dramatic-looking WWII fighters ever built, which will be another major drawcard for aviation enthusiasts.

“My Wolf Pitts Pro display will kick off with a drag race against a supercar and finish with flying knife-edge along the runway as an FMX rider backflips over the top of the aircraft. Later in the day, I’ll jump into a Piper Cub and land it on the back of a moving truck; neither of these stunts [has] ever been attempted at this airshow.

“Beyond the flying, the ground festival has plenty to see; the RAAF Hot Air Balloon, classic and military vehicle displays, market stalls, food vendors, heaps of carnival rides, live entertainment, helicopters joy flights, and more.”

In addition, the HARS Aviation Museum will display more than 16 static aircraft, including the Lockheed Super Constellation “Connie”, the only operational example of this iconic 1950s airliner, offering visitors cockpit photo opportunities and tours inside the aircraft for a small donation to the museum.

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A free Careers Day for secondary school students will be held on Friday, 15 May, delivered in partnership with the AMDA Foundation’s Careers by AMDA initiative, exposing young people to aviation, defence, and STEM career pathways.

“I’m delighted to see Wings Over Shellharbour returning to the South Coast. This is one of the most exhilarating regional events on the NSW major events calendar, with spectacular aerial shows set against the backdrop of the beautiful Illawarra escarpment,” said Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper.

“We are proud to back major events in our regions that drive visitation and support local businesses and jobs that rely on our visitor economy. Wings Over Shellharbour does this by providing a weekend of fun and exciting experiences in one of our state’s most stunning locations for people of all ages from across the nation.”

Wings Over Shellharbour is proudly supported by the NSW government through its tourism and events agency, Destination NSW.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.