HARS Tribute Soars Over Cronulla in Honour of ANZAC Day

Cronulla looked up, and what a sight it was.

This ANZAC Day, Cronulla was treated to a truly special moment as the skies above came alive with a breathtaking flypast, courtesy of the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). These weren’t just aircraft – they were living, flying symbols of Australia’s rich military aviation history.

First in the sky – the mighty Caribou

All eyes turned upwards as the DHC-4 Caribou made its majestic pass, decked out in its classic late-1980s camouflage. Built in 1964 in Canada, this aircraft made its way to Richmond, NSW, in an epic journey that took 96 flying hours and 45 days – a far cry from modern air travel!

The Caribou served with distinction in Vietnam, where it was damaged during a landing. In true Aussie fashion, it was patched up right there and flown back to base. After returning home for full repairs, it went back into service and continued flying for an incredible 45 years before its retirement in 2009.

Now lovingly maintained by the team at HARS, this veteran aircraft – 61 years old and still going strong – was a crowd favourite and a fitting tribute to our servicemen and women.

Next up – the legendary Dakota, “Hawdon”

Not to be outshone, the polished silver Douglas DC-3 Dakota, affectionately known as “Hawdon,” followed. Built in 1942 during World War II, the aircraft originally served with the US Army, transporting troops across northern Australia and New Guinea before being handed over to the RAAF in 1944.

Over its long life, the Dakota wore many hats – from cargo carrier to passenger plane – and famously took part in the first-ever Trans Australia Airlines flight from Melbourne to Sydney in 1946.

After a few decades in storage, she was rescued and restored by a dedicated team of aviation enthusiasts, returning to the skies just in time for Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988. Now part of the HARS fleet, she proved she’s still got it – 83 years young and gliding with grace.

Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Legacy

As both aircraft roared overhead, the crowd at Cronulla RSL couldn’t help but be moved. The flypast wasn’t just a display – it was a powerful salute to the ANZAC spirit, a reminder of the innovation, courage, and resilience of those who have served.

We gave a heartfelt round of applause to the incredible HARS crews, whose tireless work keeps these iconic planes in the sky.

While we admired the display, we also took a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

View from above, by Howard Mitchell

We were lucky enought to see some incredible shots by photographer Howard Mitchell, capturing the ANZAC Day flypast over Sydney! (see gallery below)

Howard was photographing from the rear ramp of the Caribou, provided by HARS Aviation Museum.

Originally planned to overfly the Sydney ANZAC March, the Caribou and DC-3 instead made three stunning circuits over Sydney Harbour — with Cronulla lucky enough to get three passes!

A fitting tribute from aircraft that served too.

Lest we forget.