The annual two-day spectacular, to be held on September 18 and 19, is expected to attract more than 30,000 people per day, according to the RAAF's head of special events Commodore Philip Byrne.

From the newly-acquired F/A-18F Super Hornet to the historic warbirds, almost all the nation's military air machines will be on show.

They will either scream over head or sit close enough to touch as part of an enormous static display.

"Since 2002 we have held the air show in each capital city," Commodore Byrne said.

"Last year we broke that tradition [to hold it in Townsville] and this year we are doing it again to thank the good people of the Hunter for their support.

"Last year we held it on one day, this year we are bringing in aircraft from all over the place and holding it over two days."

The F-111 will perform its famous dump and burn manoeuvre for possibly the last time before being retired from service in December and two of the Navy's Squirrel helicopters will do the synchronised "dancing squirrels" routine.

Williamtown's resident aircraft involved in the display will be the F/A-18 Hornets, Wedgetail early warning and surveillance aircraft, Hawk lead-in fighter and formation-flying Pilatus PC-9/A.

Heavy congestion is expected on Nelson Bay and other roads surrounding the base, with the RAAF recommending visitors allow an extra hour travel time.

Six separate entrances to the base, on both Newcastle and Port Stephens sides will be provided and two huge car parking areas on either side of the runway will be pegged out. Spectators will line a 500 metre-long barrier running parallel to the runway about 200 metres back.