Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: Tale of RFDS Operations & Darwin's Bombing History

Discover the fascinating tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Darwin’s Bombing History at the iconic Stokes Hill Wharf. Experience the resilience and resolve of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility - Two Iconic Territory Stories, One Iconic Location.
    Discover and engage with history through cutting-edge technology at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility. This venue brings the past to life using state-of-the-art holographic technology. The life-sized hologram cinema experience narrates the story…
What's Included
  • Self-guided facility experiences with an introductory overview
What's Not Included
  • Souvenirs
Additional Information

Two Pivotal Northern Territory Anecdotes in One Remarkable Site
One initiated its activities in the Territory in 1939, while the other unfolded in 1942, marking an unmatched act of hostility on Australian land. Each event strengthened the tenacity and vigor of the inhabitants of Australia’s Northern Territory.
The first impactful tale is that of the…

Location
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
45 Stokes Hill Road, Stokes Hill Wharf
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(250 Ratings)
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Tiggerl2020
Jul 6, 2025
Rfds dawin - Even if you have been before its always good to go and support them. If you havent its very good. It also covers the bombing of darwin in ww2. Very unique way of experiencing this important part if our war history. Lots to look at. Children will love it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S7830rckays
Jun 7, 2025
Loved it. - It was fascinating to learn about the establishment of the RFDS and what they can do today. The bombing of Darwin part was also interesting. Loved the VR section.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nygen14
Apr 29, 2025
Well Worth Visiting - Well worth a visit while in Darwin- ticket prices are reasonable. My daughter and I spent a good few hours exploring both the Darwin War History and RFDS in this facility. A warm welcome by Chelsea as we entered who explained the activities to do was fabulous and also available & around to check in and assist people as required and was also maintaining the VR headsets in good order and cleaned after use. Loved the VR - very cool idea and so awesome! My first VR experience. My favourite was flying with the RFDS pilot - very cool. The theatre was amazing- loved this too! Plenty of great stuff to explore and experience. Bathroom facilities were spotless - well done! A small shop in between experiences had lots of lovely souvenirs. There is some loud sounds in the open foyer when the Darwin Bombing Experience happens so if sensitive to loud sounds or the Experience itself could find this disturbing or if bringing young children along.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
2kiannaw
Apr 28, 2025
Great place to learn and cool off - Service was exceptional particularly by Chelsea. I loved the I formation delivered in ages appropriate format across all areas. Enjoyed the mini theatres and being in the plane. Thank you.
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E7093fzlouisem
Apr 11, 2025
History of Darwin in WWII and the RFDS - What history. Of Darwin, the area and the RFDS. So enjoyed it. The interactive tours, especially the Virtual Reality movie through the headsets was fantastic!! Very worthwhile visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ana_laia
Apr 10, 2025
A fantastic exhibition! - We loved everything, especially the sympathy of Alda, a Portuguese who lives in Darwin, and who gave them immense travel suggestions! That was great! Wonderful experience! Ana and Armando.
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Crystalline4u
Apr 1, 2025
Virtual Reality - This was highly recommended by the staff at the Information Centre, so it became my first stop on the Hop On/Hop Off bus. It is located at Pier 2 which is famous for a few reasons... this is where 'Australia' was filmed ... and also where the bombing occurred in 1942. When you walk into the facility you are very warmly greeted by staff. They greet and then direct you to stand on a pad when the siren alarm goes off. The pad you stand on has a huge screen in front of it, and from here you will get a first hand account of that fateful day in 1942 witnessing what if would have been like (to a lesser degree). The experience is quite impressive... you will see the water being disturbed, the smoke, the aircraft and hear the noise. From here they direct you into a theatre room to watch two documentaries. I watched one then went to explore the facility before returning later to watch the second one... both were exceptional. There is much to read, but the experiences are very immersive as they use virtual reality headsets both for the Royal Flying Doctors area and the area for WW2. I climbed onto the aircraft and walked through it to understand the small spaces that the staff on board have to work in. The facility has an aircraft hanging near the foyer, there are information boards everywhere and there is a gift store here as well (once again, with amazing staff). Visiting this place will be a highlight of any visit to Darwin... as it was for me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Treasurechild
Mar 22, 2025
Reality 360 degrees - Both the Royal Flying Doctors and the Bombing of Darwin exhibitions are in the same place Entry fee covers both exhibitions and is cheap You get 3 simulations. 360 degrees glasses put you right into the action You can be bombed on the wharf at Darwin like it is 1942 and everything around you is exploding You can be copilot in a Royal Flying Doctors air mission Either in the pilots viewpoint Or the patient viewpoint It’s a rare simulation to experience in this vital outback service Plus you can climb up into a real RFDS aircraft. Sit in pilot seat Then there are 2 halograms relating to the RDFS and the Captain of the US ship in Darwin harbour in 1942 bombing Both are captivating Exhibit space is clean and well set out Toilets are immaculate Alda, Yvette and Chelsea were amazingly helpful. Knowledgeable about the exhibitions, other things in Cairns and suggestions for best ice cream in Darwin. Exceptional service
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772bobn
Feb 23, 2025
Tour of RFDS museum - This facility is to the point and well appointed. The example air ambulance is in great shape and accessible! The hologram of the bombing of Darwin is well done. The VR video is immersive and profs. Worth a visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bigkevs
Jan 25, 2025
Must do in Darwin - Amazing virtual reality really shows the impact of flying doctors and the bombing of Darwin. Both exhibits were very informative I strongly recommend anyone visiting Darwin to put it on the to do list. Staff were super friendly and well versed in everything to do with the facility. Excellent
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $20
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).