How Big Is Australia’s Aviation Collectors Community?

A Blog by Justin Carlo Ponti

Australia has a rich aviation heritage, from pioneering early flights to its role in military and commercial aviation. This deep-rooted history has fueled a thriving community of aviation collectors and enthusiasts who seek to preserve, celebrate, and share their passion for flight. Whether it’s collecting diecast aircraft models, vintage airline memorabilia, or even assembling plastic kits, aviation collectors form a significant niche within Australia’s broader collectables market.

But just how big is this community? What drives Australians to collect aviation-related items? And how do clubs like the Hobbyco Aviation Club (HAC) help bring collectors together? 

In this article, we’ll explore the size and impact of the aviation collectors community in Australia, backed by industry research, social trends, and insights from major collector groups.

The Growth of the Australian Collectables Market

Collecting is a rapidly growing hobby in Australia, with enthusiasts spending millions annually on everything from action figures and trading cards to fine art and aviation memorabilia.

The Australian collectables market generated an estimated USD 13.28 billion in 2024, with projections to reach USD 21.62 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.6%.

Aviation collectables make up a notable portion of this market, driven by nostalgia, historical significance, and the thrill of acquiring rare items.

While mainstream collectables such as Pokémon cards and sneakers often dominate headlines, aviation collectors form a dedicated and steadily expanding segment within the Australian market.

The Passion for Aviation Collectables in Australia

Aviation collectables cover a diverse range of products, including:

• Diecast Aircraft Models – Manufactured by brands such as Gemini Jets, HobbyMaster, and more, these models are prized for their accuracy and attention to detail.

• Plastic Model Kits – Brands like Tamiya, Revell, and Hasegawa allow hobbyists to build and paint their own aircraft replicas.

• Vintage Airline Memorabilia – Items like airline tickets, pilot wings, inflight service items, and uniforms from Qantas, Ansett Australia, and other carriers hold significant nostalgic value.

• Historical Aviation Art & Documents – Blueprints, signed pilot photographs, and aviation artwork depicting classic aircraft are sought after by collectors and historians alike.

Many collectors are drawn to aviation memorabilia because of personal connections, whether it’s family history in aviation, childhood memories of air travel, or a deep appreciation for aircraft engineering.

Australia’s Aviation Collectors Community

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact size of Australia’s aviation collectors community, but several indicators reveal its strength:

Online Collectors & Social Media Groups

• The "Australian Aviation Enthusiasts" Facebook groups have over thousands of members, where collectors regularly discuss model releases, restoration projects, and rare finds.
• The "Aviation Memorabilia – Buy, Swap and Sell (Australia)" Facebook group is another popular destination, catering specifically to aviation collectables traders.
• Aviation forums like Wings900, DAC (Diecast Aircraft Collectors), and Britmodeller see regular contributions from Australian users sharing collection updates and purchase experiences.

Auction and Resale Market

• Aviation-related collectables frequently appear on eBay Australia, with some rare diecast models selling for over $1,000 AUD.
• Live auction houses such as Leonard Joel and Leski Auctions occasionally feature historic aviation memorabilia, attracting dedicated collectors and investors.

These statistics indicate that thousands of Australians actively participate in aviation collecting, whether as casual hobbyists or serious investors.

Events That Bring Aviation Collectors Together

Beyond online communities, aviation collectors regularly gather at events, showcasing their prized possessions and expanding their collections.

Major Aviation Collectables Events in Australia:

• Avalon Airshow (Victoria) – One of the largest airshows in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting collectors, manufacturers, and aviation history buffs.

• Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia Fly-Ins – The 50th-anniversary event in Echuca, VIC, drew over 160 aircraft and 350+ attendees.

• The Australian Model Expo – A hotspot for model kit enthusiasts, including aviation model builders.

These events not only provide a marketplace for collectables but also foster community spirit and shared enthusiasm for aviation history.

How the Hobbyco Aviation Club (HAC) Supports Collectors

With such a strong aviation collecting scene, it’s crucial for enthusiasts to have access to exclusive deals, rare finds, and expert insights. This is where the Hobbyco Aviation Club (HAC) comes in.

What Does HAC Offer?

• Priority Access to Exclusive Pre-Orders – Secure limited-edition models before they hit the market.

• Pre-Release & Special Deals – Get access to early-bird discounts and special promotions.

• Hard-to-Find Collectables – Special order aviation models that aren’t typically available in Australia.

• Club-Exclusive Events & Insights – Stay updated on industry trends, new releases, and behind-the-scenes looks at the aviation collectables market.

By becoming a HAC member, collectors gain a competitive edge in securing rare aviation models and staying ahead of the collecting curve.

The Future of Aviation Collecting in Australia

Australia’s aviation collectors community is strong, growing, and deeply passionate about preserving aviation history through memorabilia, models, and artefacts. With thriving online groups, active event participation, and clubs like HAC supporting collectors, the future of aviation collecting in Australia looks bright. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, there has never been a better time to join the community and be part of this exciting hobby.

With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of aviation collectables, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.