Thousands of eyes turned skyward on Sunday as some of Australia's top stunt pilots showed off their skills for the inaugural Up in the Air Festival.
Featuring aerobatic performances diving to within metres of the lake's surface, the festival drew an estimated 3000 people to the Rathmines foreshore in Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie City Council Arts, Culture and Tourism Manager Jacqui Hemsley said the aviation-themed event was particularly appropriate for Rathmines Park - a former RAAF seaplane base.
"The layout of Rathmines Park meant we could safely get the aircraft really close to the crowds, and that really enhances the thrill and the spectacle of it all," she said. "Some of the stunts they performed were truly breathtaking."
The day included aerobatic displays by Australia's only Grumman Avenger - the heaviest single-engine aircraft of WWII, a T-28 Trojan military trainer, a Rebel 300 stunt plane and a Pitt Special biplane.
On the ground, classic car displays, kite-making workshops and roving entertainers kept crowds amused between the airborne stunts, with NBN weatherman Gavin Morris making a special guest appearance to share his years of paragliding and meteorological experience.
"We're proud to bring major events like Up in the Air to western Lake Macquarie," Ms Hemsley said. "We'll continue to look at ways to use this amazing space and engage the local community."
