Big Plane in Moree

The Big Plane in Moree has a fascinating history dating back to 1975, when the Australian Government converted aircraft A65-67 into a civilian DC-3. On 10 October 1975, it was handed over to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as part of a foreign aid program, where it was assigned Aircraft No. P2-003 and the call sign “Defence Force 3.”
The aircraft provided around 5,000 hours of service in Papua New Guinea before being retired in 1992, after a major oil leak developed in the port engine. The pilot safely shut down the engine mid-flight and landed the aircraft in Port Moresby.
In 1993, the DC-3 was purchased by tender from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. It was then flown to Moree and towed to the Amaroo Tavern, where it officially opened as a tourist attraction in April 1994.
Please note: The Big Plane is part of the newly renovated Amaroo Tavern and can only be accessed through the tavern. It is open during Amaroo Tavern’s operating hours.