Darwin Tours
Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: Two Iconic Territory Stories
5

Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: Two Iconic Territory Stories

By RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
Recommended by 97% of travelers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About

Ages 0-99
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Japanese, Chinese, French
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English
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  • The facility experiences are self-guided, but we provide vistors an introductory overview.
What's not included
  • Souvenirs


  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66627P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • The facility is indoors and air-conditioned. There is audio translation for the hologram cinema sessions in Japanese, German, French and Simplified Chinese.
  • There is complete disability access and a number of seating options throughout the facility for all guests
  • The facility has a gift shop in the center of the facility and are co-branded RFDS with RM Williams in a great clothing and belt range. We also offer a wide selection of RFDS and Bombing of Darwin branded products ranging from T-shirts, hats, books and other great collectibles.
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Covid Safety Plan
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66627P1

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Itinerary
  • 1
    See, experience & learn through the wonder of technology as this facility brings history to life. Royal Flying Doctor Service Enjoy the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Learn about the history and the activities of the RFDS’s pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day. -Life size hologram of John Flynn the Founder of the Flying Doctor Service tells his story of the birth and growth of the RFDS. -Two Interactive story telling mini ghosts. Meet Alf Traeger and Nurse Kathy who answer selected questions from a touch panel. -Touchscreen Portals allow the visitor to learn about the history and the activities of the RFDS pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses. -A decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft that allows visitors inside the aircraft and experience a fully aero medically equipped fitout. -Pedal Radio invented by Alf Traeger and used by people of the Outback. -Story Boards that provide very informative reading of the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.  Bombing of Darwin Harbour Relive the drama of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour that rocked Australia in 1942. The bombing of the harbour brought destruction to the city of Darwin, and many of the experiences and stories of what happened that day are learnt through the most modern and exciting technology.  -Life size hologram of Rear Admiral Etheridge Grant was the Commanding Officer of the USS William B Preston narrates his own version of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. -Interactive story telling mini ghosts. Meet Prime Minister John Curtin and Japanese Pilot Hajime Toyoshima who answer selected questions from a touch panel. -Virtual Reality of the bombing of Darwin Harbour. This production is the pinnacle of a movie production for VR. Never before seen production of this magnitude. -Full size replica Japanese Zero aircraft hangs from the ceiling. -Replica of Camilla the Flying Boat that escaped from Darwin Harbour and its story. -Window of 1942 and aerial view of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour that comes to life showing the bombing and aircraft fire of the first raid. -Story Boards that provide very informative reading and pictures of what took place on February 19th
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
    1,190
    Australia
    Joined in August 2016
  • Mobile51701299028
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing interactive experience.
    Absolutely amazing, It exceeded my expectations by miles. The information was vast, and the understanding I've come away with is imesarable. A respect for what our allied health professionals do through the RFFA and the bombing of Darwin.
    Written September 21, 2024
  • highst25
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    Overall good experience. The virtual reality headsets for both the flying Dr service and the bombing of Darwin were the standout. It is a long walk but they have a shuttle bus that goes to the end of the jetty but only runs after 11:30 AM. We had a drink on a bar that was on the jetty which was very pleasant.
    Written September 5, 2024
  • BellBoy53
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Historic Information
    Fantastic historical films on both the RFDS and on the WWII bombing of Darwin as well as many static displays, all of which are very informative. Also a real RFDS plane into which you can climb to see how it is equipped. A gift shop helps support the facility. Well worth the visit.
    Written July 25, 2024
  • Milligate
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    great RFDS & WWII exhibitions
    great place to visit, good WWII info & exhibition too, interesting videos, 3d video, bombing experience, well worth a visit
    Written July 16, 2024
  • jesstoby
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing experience
    Amazing. Loved the immersive experience of the bombing, the hologram films on both RFDS & Bombing of Darwin WW11, also 3D presentations. Spent 2 hours but could have spent longer. Suitable for all ages Highly recommend
    Written April 29, 2024
  • peterjfrancis5
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    2 important stories.
    One interesting location, 2 important stories...the extraordinary history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (the vision of 1 amazing man, John Flynn, which became the world's pre-eminent medical aero-retrieval system) and the story of the WW2 Japanese bombing of Darwin (1 of 3 times that Darwin has been razed to the ground, with Japan raining more bombs on the city than Pearl Harbour). At the RFDS Visitor Centre at Stokes Wharf. So worth a visit.
    Written March 8, 2024
  • balitraveller27
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth every cent!
    This museum would have to be one of the best and most informative museums I've ever visited. It's not huge but they've packed so much interactive information and hologram movies in here. If you really want to step inside a real plane and see how little space these angels of mercy have to work in & learn via visual headsets the challenges they face is truly commendable. I also learnt a huge amount about the 1942 Japanese bombing in Darwin & by means of visual and sensory aids actually had real life experiences of how scary the bombing was. The fee to experience all this was worth every cent. Good job guys!
    Written February 5, 2024
  • sallyanddavid2013
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic
    What an interesting and fascinating museum. We learnt so much and were both very impressed with Renee who showed us around. She was so friendly and helpful.. . Would thoroughly recommend this place to all travellers
    Written October 30, 2023
  • N6767HIamandas
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Royal Flying Doctors and Bombing of Darwin
    This was an absolutely wonderful place to visit. I dont want to spoil the surprises, however, it is extremely professionally done and hugely interactive. We were there 2 hours and it passed very quickly. The staff were wonderful, very friendly and made sure we didnt miss anything. Highly recommend for all ages.
    Written October 5, 2023
  • granthX2662YA
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    We did this tour both off them very moving regarding world war 2 Darwin Bombings Staff where excellent just fantastic
    Written September 12, 2023
  • norahl170
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting experience
    We loved this experience, it was so interesting and informative and with the virtual reality tour it felt as if we were in the plane with the pilot flying over Australia. Definitely recommend
    Written August 13, 2023
  • kimcurl
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visit the Stop End
    This attraction is wonderful with the history of the RFDS explained in one of the videos. The other video is of the bombing of Darwin. Worth a visit
    Written July 30, 2023
  • Fiona2804
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit
    We weren't sure what to expect from the RFDS tourist facility, but we're pleased we paid a visit. Really informative and offered some amazing stories about the development of the RFDS in Australia. I'd recommend popping in to see it and support the RFDS, they do wonderful work for regional communities.
    Written June 8, 2023
  • Ruth H
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great History
    Worthwhile visit particularly in association with the Bombing of Darwin boat cruise. Take the time to watch the videos.
    Written April 24, 2023
  • judithdK6850RU
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous
    Wonderful few hours enjoying the two exhibitions. Such an enthusiastic employee enhanced our experience. We loved the virtual reality for the Darwin bombing and the fabulous Royal Flying Drs Service. Highly recommended
    Written April 13, 2023
See all 1,190 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles222 reviews
Excellent
195
Very good
22
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0

06magoo
Trinity Beach, Australia142 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
A real eye opener, this is a must do on your visit to Darwin. Talking holograms, interactive displays. The bombing of Darwin in virtual reality.

I found this place while I was on the hop on hop off red bus. Buy your RFDS tickets from the bus driver it's a bit cheaper if you are on a tight budget.

I then caught the free wharf bus back to the other side and did the WW2 Oil Tunnels.

People of all ages will enjoy a trip here. I'd allow an hour for the visit.

I would certainly re visit again
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review ! We agree the Virtual Reality experience is amazing and we hope that you used the RFDS pass-out to enjoy lunch or a snack from the food outlets on the Wharf, before re-joining us in the air-conditioning to continue discovering the two iconic stories of the RFDS and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Kind Regards Sam
Written November 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kathleen M
Hobart540 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
A MUST SEE! We visited one afternoon close to closing time and was given a return ticket for a couple of days later. OMG! I'm so glad we went back to see the virtual experience of the Bombing of Darwin. It was SO REAL. I felt as if I was there on that fateful day on 19th February 1942. It was so real and SO sad.
My partner was overome with emotion. Now he understands why his father (who was there at the time), was hospitalised and later dismissed due being mentally unfit for duty from the Army. Seeing this experience put it all in perspective for him and he was abble to understand why his father (and many other men) couldnt talk about their time serving in Darwin.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! What an awesome review. The Darwin RFDS tourist facility team really appreciate hearing about you and your partners experience and are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us. We agree the Virtual Reality experience can be quite emotional and really does bring history to life. Thank you very much for your review!
Written August 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mrskit
Sefton Park, Australia29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
An amazing place, very informative, interesting and so interactive. The staff are awesome, spent time explaining exhibits and showing how to use the interactive displays. Highly recommend a visit as you won’t be disappointed.
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! What a wonderful review. The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility Team really appreciate hearing about your experience and are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit. We agree the facility fosters learning through the interactive technology and is designed to bring history to life and engage with our guests. Our team is very proud to be able to share the two iconic stories, the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS and the drama and history of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour from one iconic location. Thank you very much for your review. Kind Regards, Sam
Written February 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Threegreens
Bicester, UK125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This was an excellent tour of the RFDS, which included 2 x Virtual Reality Stories of the RFDS and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour, Australia, by the Japanese Navy in 1942. In addition to te visual experiences there is a Pilatus PC 12 aircraft, which you can climb into and see the full medical and crew facilities in addition to te fully equipped flight deck. There is a wide selection of high quality clothing and other merchandise available at reasonable prices. I highly recomend a visit to this excellent experience.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! What a wonderful review. The Darwin RFDS tourist facility team appreciate hearing about your experience. Our aim is to tell two iconic Australian stories, through the wonder of technology, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit and exploring "Papa" the recently decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 plane. We hope you found great keepsake in our gift shop. Kind Regards Sam
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shellie M
Eden, Australia8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
This is a fantastic museum although it isn't that cheap to enter but a donation to a much needed service is how we looked at it. It's interactive which is something really spectacular. Geoff maybe new but he was super friendly and extremely informative and helpful. It's a must do when visiting Darwin!
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Shellie, thanks for taking the time to review the RFDS Tourist Facility here in Darwin. We are glad you enjoyed your visit. Regards The RFDS Team
Written May 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shayne
Brisbane, Australia30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you are visiting Darwin this is well worth a visit. The whole family enjoyed seeing the Hologram Presentations and using the VR sets. Being able to go inside the RFDS play was great. Overall, it was interesting and informative for the whole family. Despite some resistance from the kids about heading to “another museum” before we went, they both thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d certainly recommend it for families.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou so much for your wonderful 5 star review. We are so thrilled that the whole family enjoyed their time at our facility. We agree it is fantastic for all ages! Kind Regards, The RFDS Team
Written September 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LozMelbourne
Melbourne, Australia100 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience, with the option to visit for as long as you like. The RFDS does an amazing job and to see the outfitted aircraft-inside and out- and experience the holograms, bombing of Darwin and Virtual Reality experiences was absolutely incredible. The staff couldn’t have been kinder and more helpful. Highly recommend this experience, whether you have a short or an extended time to visit. Don’t miss it. Thank you.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, our staff are thrilled that you had such a great experience! It's great to hear that you enjoyed seeing our decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft and we hope you were able to get some great photos! We are glad that you took the time to thoroughly explore the facility and engage with the technology used to tell the two iconic stories. Thank you for your review and support!
Written September 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

145HelenR145
Moora, Australia81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
An amazing set up at the Wharf Precinct. So much information, with the RFDS story and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. View the Bombing with a Virtual Reality mask, so confronting but amazing. The RFDS plane that you can go onboard is awesome, so little room with so much equipment utilising every inch of the plane. 2 hologram film presentations for RFDS & the Bombing. Great selection of souvenirs in the shop. All the staff are most obliging & give lots of information. First class tourist attraction.
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank-you Helen for an amazing review! Its great to hear you had a wonderful visit to the facility, our staff certainly enjoyed showing you each of the displays! Take care! Kind Regards, The RFDS Team.
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Martin M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Stumbled across the RFD when I was in Darwin for work. It was a pleasure to be here as earlier in the year they saved my 22 year old son when they flew him out of the desert with a heart condition and having to restart his heart on the plane.
Great personal touch from the staff and also some great exhibits and insites into the Darwin bombing and the RFD dedication to Australia.
Thank you.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your awesome review. The Darwin RFDS tourist facility team really appreciate hearing about your experience and are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to the facility as well! Kind Regards, Sam
Written July 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nae_jade
Darwin, Australia57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
This was much better then I expected and glad we went. The 3D movies were excellent. I’m glad as a local I was talked into signing up for free to come back any time in the next year as we will defiantly be back.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your awesome review. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to the RFDS facility using your Territory Pass 12 months unlimited entry, it is a great way to save money with all of those visiting friends and relatives, school holiday fun, and weekends. Kind Regards, Sam.
Written January 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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