Two Iconic Territory Stories across two Darwin Locations

Explore the Northern Territory’s unique aviation history with the Aviation Combo Ticket.

Learn about the birth and growth of the RFDS in the Northern Territory and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour through VR technology and see over 19 aircraft & memorabilia on display.

The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility and the Darwin Aviation Museum have come together to create a combo ticket giving you access to 2 of Australia’s premier aviation attractions. See history come to life through VR technology, learn about the Bombing of Darwin Harbour & see over 19 aircraft on display.

THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR TOURIST FACILITY:

Using the latest innovations in holographic technology, the life size hologram of John Flynn is portrayed by an actor, who tells the story of Flynn’s vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today.

Experiences 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 Bombing of Darwin Harbour

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. This new and exciting world-class facility feature’s never seen before cutting edge technology – a hologram cinema experience telling the story of Etheridge Grant, a virtual reality recounting the events on that day and a projection window of the Japanese air attack on the harbour.

Located on Stokes Hill Wharf near to the Darwin Waterfront, the RFDS Darwin Tourist Precinct is a must see attraction when visiting Australia’s Top End.

The Darwin Aviation Museum

Located in the Darwin suburb of Winnellie, a trip to the Darwin Aviation Museum is a must do for any aviation and history buff.

On display includes:

19 Civil and Military Aircraft

Aircraft include a B-25 Mitchell Bomber (one of the few surviving in the world), a replica Spitfire, Mirage, Avon Sabre, a Royal Australian Navy Wessex helicopter that assisted in the clean-up of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy, F-111C, the legendary B52 Bomber and many more.

21 Engines and relicts of crashed aircraft

On display are Prat & Whitney, Rolls-Royce Avon/Derwent, Allison 1710 Engines and many more. There are also relics of the time when fierce combats took place including the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin.

Darwin’s aviation history and wartime experience

An impressive presentation of the bombing of Darwin and the only known colour footage of the first air-raid in Darwin are continuously displayed as well as displays that depict the epic flight of Ross and Keith Smith in the Vickers Vimy in 1919, Bert Hinkler, Dick Smith, and the National Coastwatch service.

Amy Johnston – A pioneer in the industry

Johnson was the first female pilot to fly alone from Britain to Australia in 1930. Flying from Croydon, south of London on May 5th and crash landing in Darwin, Northern Territory, on may 24th after flying 18,000 km, her achievement gained worldwide recognition. Find out more about Amy and other female aviators at the museum.

BOOK ONLINE OR BUY TICKETS AT EITHER LOCATION. There aren’t any specific session times – Come any time during opening hours.

RFDS TOURIST FACILITY 

DRY SEASON OPENING HOURS (Apr 24 – Sept 24) – 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) 

WET SEASON OPENING HOURS (Oct 24 – Mar 25) – 9am-4pm (last entry 3pm)
Public Holidays 10am-3pm (last entry 2pm) 

CLOSED: Good Friday and Christmas Day

AVIATION MUSEUM Opening Hours

Daily 9am to 5pm