Cootamundra Aerodrome

The Cootamundra Aerodrome (Airport) is a small airport in Cootamundra. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has acknowledged over many years, the historical significance of the Aerodrome, as it is the oldest aerodrome outside of Sydney.

The man who designed, built and flew Australia’s first all metal framed aircraft was recognized with the naming of the Arthur Butler Terminal at the Cootamundra Airport.

Arthur Butler was living in Cootamundra when he created the revolutionary aircraft and its metal frame was assembled at Hulford’s Engineers and Plumbers in Parker Street, which is at the site of today’s current Toyota dealership (91 Parker Street, Cootamundra).

With the implementation of an airmail service between Australia and Britain, owing to its location on the Main Southern railway line midway between Sydney and Melbourne and proximity to Canberra, Cootamundra was chosen as the southern terminus. The airfield became the initial base for Butler Air Transport, established as an airmail contractor in 1934 to operate a section of the route between Cootamundra and Charleville, providing connection to Qantas services between Brisbane and Darwin. The company relocated its base to Sydney in 1938 following the withdrawal of the airmail contract.

In 1952, Butler Air Transport was operating flights between Sydney and Cootamundra five days a week.

RAAF Station Cootamundra

Cootamundra was chosen as a station for No. 1 Air Observers School and No. 2 Recruit Depot during World War II. Numbers 60 and 73 Squadrons also operated from the base. Following the cessation of hostilities the airfield reverted to civilian use.

Address: Railway Parade, Cootamundra