About the base

RAAF Base East Sale is an Australian Defence Force base located in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

Established during the Second World War, it has a long history of supporting Air Force training and continues to play an important role in preparing people for service today. The base supports a diverse workforce, including Defence members, public servants, contractors and trainees, and is home to the Roulettes aerobatic display team.

The base focuses on education and training and maintains strong connections with the local community reflecting the values and standards of the Australian Defence Force.

Access

All visitors entering RAAF Base East Sale must:

• Complete the National Base Induction
• Provide valid identification

Visitors must report to the Pass Office at the end Aerodrome Road, start of Heart Road, to collect a Visitor Identification Card or Temporary Access Pass.

Heart Road and Access Gate closures may redirect traffic via Lower Heart Road.

All Defence Common Access Card (DCAC) holders and visitors must follow these access requirements:

• Remain in the vehicle at the Guard House boom gate and present passes for verification.
• Remove facial coverings for the face to be clearly visible. This includes:
  • bike helmets
  • sunglasses
  • any face coverings that hinder recognition
• No tailgating – only one vehicle may pass per gate opening.
• Return passes to the receptacle in the exit lane upon departure.

Airside access

Airside access is restricted to authorised personnel and vehicles. 

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) controlled zones are clearly identified by white FOD lines painted on the ground and supported by 'Authorised Access Only' signage.

Entry beyond these markings without approval is prohibited.

Visiting hours

Core business hours are 7:00 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and the reduced activity period. 

Any time outside these hours is considered after-hours, and access is managed accordingly. The RAAF East Sale main gate and Guard House is monitored 24/7.

Hosts are responsible for ensuring the safe departure of their visitors and must escort them at all times while on base, as well as off base upon completion of the visit.

Prior approval requirements

Visitors are prohibited from bringing the following items onto the base without prior approval:

• Photographic equipment, unless required for an approved Defence task.
• Drones
• Recording equipment
• Radio transmitters
• Firearms
• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Alcohol
• Illegal or toxic substances
• Animals.

Note: prior approval is required to photograph or record classified information or assets. Approval does not extend to security or access-control infrastructure or restricted areas.

Parade ground

The Parade Ground is a ceremonial space of honour and respect. It is not to be used as a walkway. All personnel and visitors are requested to keep off the Parade Ground unless taking part in an authorised ceremonial activity.

Road rules

Pedestrians must use foot paths where possible and walk facing oncoming traffic, keeping as close to the road shoulder as possible.

Unless authorised, vehicles are to be driven on defined roadways only.

Speed limits must be strictly observed at all times. The base speed limit is 40 km/h, unless otherwise signposted.

Vehicles must give way to formed military members on the road. When safe to pass, the speed limit must not exceed 10 km/h when overtaking formed military personnel.

All Victorian road rules and base‑specific road regulations apply and must be followed. Penalties may be issued for non‑compliance.

Hazards