RAAF Base Townsville (RAAF Base Garbutt)

RAAF Base Townsville is located in Garbutt, 3.7 kilometers west of Townsville, Queensland. The site was established as a civil airfield in the late 1930s and was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth for military use in December 1940. The base officially formed on 15 October 1940. During World War II, it functioned as a center for fighter defense, reconnaissance, and aircraft maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces. Initially known as RAAF Base Townsville, the facility was renamed RAAF Garbutt in 1942 and reverted to its original designation in 1951.

The base is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force and hosts multiple units from the RAAF and the Australian Army. RAAF units stationed at the facility include No. 383 Squadron, No. 452 Squadron Townsville Flight for air traffic control, and No. 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron for airbase operations. The base also houses the Combat Survival Training School, a detachment of 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, and a detachment of No. 2 Security Squadron. It serves as the headquarters for No. 1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets.

The Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment is stationed at the base and operates squadrons of CH-47F Chinook and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

Infrastructure at the facility includes shared airfield operations with Townsville Airport. Military-specific facilities include ordnance loading aprons for fighter, strike, and maritime patrol aircraft, alongside operational and technical support facilities. The base maintains workshops, administrative buildings, and accommodation blocks. The RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre is also located on the site.