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RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility: Hours, Address, RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility Reviews: 5/5

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RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

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RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
5
1,004
#1 of 91 things to do in Darwin
History Museums
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility is an exciting attraction on Stokes Hill Wharf that brings to life two iconic Australian stories. Both iconic stories are retold using state of the art technology including Virtual Reality headsets, hologram movies, audio-visuals and touch screen TVs as well as the fascinating story boards. The first story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known as the RFDS. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero-medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second story is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing raids by the Japanese, brought destruction to the city of Darwin and many of the events that happened that day are featured. The RFDS Tourist Facility is a must see in Darwin for visitors of all ages and families to have an interesting learning experience about Darwin's history.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Admission tickets
from A$28.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Popular mentions
5.0
1,004 reviews
Excellent
812
Very good
164
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Margaret B
Queensland, Australia580 contributions
Australian Travellers
Jun. 2021 • Couples
This facility showcasing the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the history of the Bombing of Darwin is situated at Stokes Wharf accessible by shuttle from the waterfront shops, is a "must see" even if you see nothing else in Darwin! The staff are very helpful and friendly and great ambassadors for the Service. The theatre has two shows, one on the creator, John Flynn and the birth of the RFDS and the other on the bombing of Darwin. Virtual reality headsets put you right in the centre of the action both in the flying and the bombing. The opportunity to sit in the Pilates plane and hear the dialogue of a hospital flight is a nice experience. This is a very well laid out and informative display, housed in a clean and easy to access building. The gift shop is well priced and a good way to support the RFDS.
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandy C
4 contributions
The 'Bombing of Darwin" VR experience was AMAZING!
May 2021
To sit in a chair and see, hear & feel the sounds of the attack on Darwin was unsurpassed within my travels. A MUST DO!
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjumpstart
Sydney, Australia2,237 contributions
Interesting
May 2021
It had been suggested on ?some? website that you view the RFDS, then go outside for lunch, and come back after lunch for the Bombing Darwin Experience show. We found you could do the lot in one to two hours without the need for a break.

We were also advised to book in advance, but found it totally unnecessary … Maybe it gets busy at times, but we didn’t see any need to pre-book.

Apart from the fact they share the same space, we didn’t really see any linkage between the two distinctly different displays.

Having said all that, we did enjoy the facility, but thought maybe it was slightly overpriced. Don’t forget to show your pension card to claim a $6 discount.

On completion, the free shuttle bus will collect you right at the front door and take you around to the restaurant and bar area at the waterfront precinct. The bus also stops close-by the oil tunnels.
Written 11 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andree H
Hallett Cove, Australia22 contributions
Great experience, I highly recommend
Jun. 2021
This was a fantastic experience, RFDS & the bombing of Darwin. I highly recommend. The virtual bombing of Darwin was unbelievable, you will look ridiculous, but don't worry everyone does! as it's a 360 dec experience
Written 8 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian S
Old Beach, Australia244 contributions
Brilliant experience
May 2021
This is a terrific experience and so educational. There are two Virtual Reality displays, one on the RFDS and one on the bombing of Darwin. Both excellent. There are also two short videos with holograms on the same two topics. Again, excellent.
There is plenty to read about and an example of one of the airplanes used by the RFDS. There is also a very good shop to buy souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Staff were helpful and friendly.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jennihowie
Golden Beach, Australia239 contributions
Worth a visit
May 2021
Interactive experience giving a birds eye view of the bombing of Darwin and the history of the Royal Flying Doctors Service. The hologram movies are very informative and gives you an insight into the captain of one of the ships.
There are virtual reality headsets showing the bombing also.
I would recommend a visit to the RFDS facility to give everyone a better understanding of the incident.
Written 25 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne B
8 contributions
Not to be missed
May 2021 • Friends
This place is amazing It truly brings WW11 to life Having family who fought in the war and were in the airforce stationed in Darwin it breaks your heart seeing what they went through
The story of John Flynn is one of a true Australian Pioneer Thank god for his resilience and perseverance
Gift shop 5/5
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sambennett2016
Thank you very much for your amazing review! We are proud to tell two iconic Australian stories and encourage engagement to the history through the wonder of technology. Thank you for recommending us so highly, we hope to see you again.
Written 25 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ashc_g
Sydney, Australia153 contributions
Interesting way to spend a few hours
May 2021
A pretty solid facility this one. They've combined the 1942 Darwin bombing and the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service into one experience. The VR experience for both was quite interesting and informative. We also watched two short movies on both topics - again pretty enjoyable. Must say it was pretty cool to also check out the interior of a RFDS plane. Some pretty interesting info-boards dotted around the place also. At $28 a person, felt the experience was a little on the pricey side but felt like we got a fair bit for that too.
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sambennett2016
Thank you very much for your review. 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. Kind Regards Sam
Written 23 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mick D
Wauchope, Australia60 contributions
Interesting way to spend some time
May 2021
Well worth the visit if you have the time to spare, the VR experiences on the Darwin bombing and the RFDS were a highlight.
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sambennett2016
Thank you for visiting the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility and for sharing your experience. We agree the Virtual Reality experience is a highlight. Kind Regards Sam
Written 23 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kategibbo
17 contributions
Don't Miss This!!
The RFDS was not on our list of things to do in Darwin but we are so pleased we didn't miss it. Very informative and well set out. The added bonus of the bombing of Darwin information made it even more worth while.
Written 15 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sambennett2016
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're so pleased that you found your visit informative, our team is very happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility.
Written 17 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$28.54, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$70.69 per person. See all 3 RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 3 RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility tickets and tours on Tripadvisor