Private Tour
Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: Two Iconic Territory Stories
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Two Iconic Territory Stories in One Iconic Location
One started Territory operations in 1939, the other, occurred in 1942 as an act of aggression unparalleled on Australian soil. Both forged the resolve and resilience of the people who live in Australia's Northern Territory.
The first iconic story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known throughout Australia as the RFDS. Founded by the Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939.
The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 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.
This facility sits on the iconic location of Stokes Hill Wharf which was bombed during the raid on 19th February 1942.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Covid Safety Plan
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
Two Iconic Territory Stories One Iconic Location. Experience and learn through the wonder of technology as the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility brings history to life Using the latest innovations in holographic technology, the life size hologram cinema experience tells the story of Rev John Flynn's vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. Climb aboard a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC-12 aircraft completely aero-medically equipped and learn about the activities of the RFDS's pilots, engineers, doctors, nurses and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day. The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing of the harbour brought destruction to the city of Darwin, and many of the stories have been brought to life through our innovative technology.
What‘s Included
The facility experiences are self-guided, but we provide vistors an introductory overview.
Souvenirs
Meeting points
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
45 Stokes Hill Road, Stokes Hill Wharf Darwin Australia
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Two Iconic Territory Stories
Two Iconic Territory Stories : Two Iconic Territory Stories
Reviews
256 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fun and excellent learning experience.
GlobeTrotting735563,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A small museum displaying two very interesting aspects of the history of Darwin and Australia. The first section shows the devasting bombing of Darwin a few months after Pearl Harbor. It is well done using film and stories of some of the heroes of that era. I would suggest some information about the relationship between Australia and Japan prior to WW2. The second part shows the history of The Royal Flying Doctors. A complete history is documented including an airplane giving a sense what it would be to be a nurse or doctor and a patient. Recommended highly.
Museum
Patricia S,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spotless, friendly staff, interesting VR, cool holograms in the informative movies Overall a great spot to visit!!!!
Great place for Darwin’s history
Gail S,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hostess definitely set the tone of our interesting visit: informative, energetic, friendly and very knowledgeable!
Great activity.
Sue G,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If on a cruise there is a free shuttle bus that takes you to this place. Staff are very knowledgeable and happy to help and show you around. Movie were very informative and we loved the whole experience.
Absolute “must-do” when in Darwin!
PamM837,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are 3 areas in the museum/exhibit area: 1) The February, 1942 bombing of Darwin by the Japanese in WWII, interpreted with VR, holographic kiosks, traditional posters, and a short film. VERY interesting! 2) History of the Royal Flying Doctor Service — a unique organization still serving rural Australia today. Using a static aircraft display, VR, posters and a short film, this was my favorite aspect of the museum & could have used even more info, I thought. 3) A well-curated & presented gift shop with great Australian crafts & gifts — I spent some $$ here on souvenirs, a shirt, and a gorgeous poppy scarf — thank you!
Worth a visit
MandyB525,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learnt so much about Darwin’s involvement in WW2. Great displays and videos. When talking to an uncle on return to home, he said there was a ban on any individual who served in Darwin to talk about there experiences.
Good History.
shane s,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. allow min 1 hour. Go around lunchtime and stay out on the wharf for lunch adterwards.
A great place to visit
Pineapple766,,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed. The virtual reality of the Darwin bombing was so well done. Learnt alot & very kind people working here.
I stopped to comment that the sta karla jauregui is a very complete employee and always her treatment is very friendly
GlobeTrotting704954,,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is one of the most complete hotels again nayarit in everything, good food and its location is the best for people who like to run
Overall disappointing for such an iconic organisation.
johnfA6778WW,,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Exhibits were thin on the ground and experience is built around virtual reality opportunities. For the cost of entry I don't think it represents value for money.
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