Have you ever been curious about the number of gliders you see soaring above Benalla?
Now’s your chance to find out more – and even take the pilot’s seat (while on the ground) – at the Gliding Club of Victoria’s Gliding Discovery Open Day, held as part of this year’s Benalla Festival.
Set for a day of fun and discovery, the Gliding Club’s open day promises activities for all ages, from hands-on glider-building to flight simulators and aviation demonstrations.
Visitors can enjoy a range of ground-based activities designed to showcase the world of gliding and aviation, with opportunities to learn, explore, and even win a glider flight voucher to experience soaring at 2000ft.
Benalla Festival Advisory Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor, Cr Justin King, said the event offers a rare opportunity to experience the excitement of gliding up close.
“The Gliding Club of Victoria is such an important part of Benalla Rural City’s identity, and this event captures the spirit of curiosity and community that makes our region special,” Cr King said.
“There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a budding pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family outing. It’s a wonderful example of the creativity and connection the Benalla Festival celebrates.”
Highlights of the Gliding Discovery – Take the Pilot’s Seat day include:
- Build a Glider Zone: Design, build, and test your own paper glider, with prizes for distance, design and creativity.
- Flight Simulator Experience: Fly virtually using two flight simulators, with coaching from real pilots — and compete for the most accurate landing.
- Gliding Discovery Zone: Explore interactive displays including glider instruments, aerodynamics demonstrations, and a parachute safety station.
- Cockpit Selfie Booth: Sit in a real glider and snap a selfie as a “Pilot for a Day.”
- Ask a Pilot Lounge: Chat with a diverse group of pilots including junior, female, and champion gliders, and hear their stories.
A free community BBQ will be held from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and with five glider flight vouchers up for grabs throughout the day, it’s well worth a visit.
If weather conditions allow, visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase a real glider flight or even start their Christmas shopping early with a gift voucher for the adventure-seeker in their life.
The event will run from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 9 November 2025.
The Gliding Discovery Open Day is presented by the Gliding Club of Victoria as part of the 2025 Benalla Festival.
For more information about this and other festival events, visit www.benallafestival.com.au