C47 DAKOTA
THE BIG PLANE!
Early Military Service in Australia
After arriving in Australia, the aircraft was assigned the RAAF serial number A65-67 and was registered as VH-CUX. It served in various squadrons, including the 38th and 37th Squadrons of the RAAF, and later with the Air Navigation School at Sale, Victoria.
In 1975, the Australian Government decided to convert the aircraft from military use to civilian service as a DC-3. The transformation marked the beginning of its second life as a civilian aircraft, continuing to serve with the Australian government.
Service with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force
On October 10, 1975, the C-47 Dakota was handed over to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) as part of a foreign aid initiative. The aircraft was re-serialised as P65-003 and registered with the call sign “Defence Force 3.” It provided reliable service for the PNGDF, logging approximately 5,000 flying hours.
The aircraft’s service came to a halt on February 11, 1992, when the port engine developed a significant oil leak. Flight Lieutenant Tim Shaw, RAAF, managed to safely shut down the engine mid-flight and landed the aircraft at Port Moresby, effectively retiring the DC-3 from active duty.
A New Chapter: From Papua New Guinea to Moree
In July 1993, the DC-3 was purchased from the PNGDF by aviation enthusiast Marty Taylor. The journey to Australia began on August 21, 1993, when the aircraft was flown from Port Moresby to Cairns by Captain Reg Perkins and First Officer David Kilin, taking 3 hours and 20 minutes. A week later, on August 28, 1993, with Marty Taylor aboard, the second leg of the flight took the DC-3 from Cairns to Moree, a 5-hour and 13-minute journey.
Upon arrival in Moree, the DC-3 underwent significant preparation for its future as a tourist attraction. Its engines were swapped with another DC-3 (VH-SBL), and the aircraft was towed through fences and roads to its new location at a tavern’s car park. After two months of groundwork, on November 23, 1993, the aircraft was lifted into place by three cranes.
The Big Plane Becomes a Tourist Attraction
On April 9, 1994, the DC-3 was officially opened as a tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore an iconic piece of aviation history. The aircraft’s flying career was officially over, and with just 13,500 total flight hours, it became one of the lowest-timed DC-3/C-47s in the world.
In May 2024, the DC-3 underwent a temporary closure for restoration. The goal was to return the aircraft to its static display condition, preserving its history for future generations of aviation enthusiasts and tourists.
David Scott taking VH-SBL serial number 42-92274 (RAAF SERIAL NO. A65-29) for one last flight prior to the engine swap with P2-003.
Massive oil leak out of the Starboard engine of VH-SBL- this engine was soon removed and replaced with a relatively new engine from P2-003.
Engines being removed from VH-SBL in preparation for the new ones from P2-003.
Engines being installed into VH-SBL after being removed from P2-003.
First start of VH-SBL after having both engines swapped with P2-003.
P2-003 being towed from Moree airport by a Toyota Landcruiser in 1993.
P2-003 sitting out the front of the Amaroo Tavern formally known as the “Stockyard Tavern” pending the pouring of the foundations.
The beginning of P2-003 being hoisted up onto the foundations.
P2-003 in position at the entrance to the carpark.
Marty Taylor, Jack Curtis, David Scott in front of P2-001 at Moree airport.
The cockpit of P2-003.
In May 2024, the DC-3 was temporarily closed to the public to undergo much needed restoration to return the aircraft to static display. This is the DC-3 today.
TOWN OF MOREE
AMAROO TAVERN
Family tavern, dog friendly, events & functions, live music, beer garden, breakfast, pub food, live sports.
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HOURS
Monday: 10am - Late
Tuesday: 10am - Late
Wednesday: 10am - Late
Thursday: 10am - Late
Friday: 10am - Late
Saturday: 10am - Late
Sunday: 10am - 10pm
KITCHEN
Lunch: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner: 5:30pm - 9pm
