RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility — Attraction in Darwin City

A premier Darwin highlight that is equally informative, engrossing & educational. Recounts not only the origins of the crucial medical & allied health services Australia's Flying Doctors Services provide to the remote & inaccessible outback regions but also the WW2 Bombing of Darwin from a different perspective.

After half day tour of Darwin's WW2 bombarment the day prior, I should have been fatigued by overload of info on this subject matter but not! The VR & holographic presentations are brief & totally "eye witness" immersive experience not to be missed.

Excellent & moving tribute to essential services RFDS provides to health & mental well-being of remote communities. The origin of this service by Rev. John Flynn & others who contributed is illuminating as is the association with Quensland & NT Aerial Services (Qantas). The VR that showcases this section is in 2 parts: one takes you soaring over the red centre of this continent with pilot's narrative. 2nd: you are in the plane in an emergency situation with a real patient (not confronting). A sensory appreciation for the services & skills of highly trained nurse & navigating pilot. Explore the interior of an actual RFDS plane.

Facilty staff are very welcoming & helpful with suggestions on how best to utilise your 1.5 to 2 hours here.

A free courtesy shuttle bus operates to pick up & drop off in front of facilty from 11.30 am onwards every 15 mins (check the post outside for times & locations). Operates only from upper areas to this lower Wharf facility which is quite an uphill climb to return. Was almost 2km walk from my hotel middle of Esplanade to get down here but an eye pleasing cliff edge scenic walk heading towards Darwin Waterfront via Skybridge.

Got here just after 9.00 am opening y'day Sun 27/7/25. Much quieter! Avoid VR strap on after a sweaty walk - fogs up the lenses ☺️. Courtesy wipes & sanitisers provided for before & after use. Excellent gift shop...

Excellent facilities and demonstration of modern technologies.

The hologram is great, filled with clear audio and relatively modern graphics, illustrations and detail making it enjoyable for all ages.

The VR experience is phenomenal utilising the HTC Vive for excellent detail and visual and audio comfort. The detail on the experience is breathtaking with facial expressions, textures, colours and details being completely period accurate and detailed. The slow motion diorama gives you plenty of time to absorb the full 360 degree views of extreme detail. There is almost nothing wrong with it. The VR headset is a little heavy and awkward when trying to put in on, sometimes the cable gets in the way but still very easy to deal with.

The bombing raid view is not the most detailed experience however it offers lots of action and interesting views along with a little surprise.

They have a recently retired Pilatus PC-12 with an interesting winglet retrofit making it relatively modern. This aircraft can be freely entered, even allowing access to the pilot's seat.

There is also a smll shop with RFDS merchandise which is somewhat a little steep but still acceptable for being a small shop. The staff are very friendly and approachable for any questions regarding the RFDS and...

This facility, located on the wharf, also incorporates a Bombing of Darwin presentation. One entry to experience both. Staff were really friendly and took time to explain the layout and features. RFDS - has a VR area with multiple seats and units. One a scenic flight and other an onboard flight with a nurse and patient. There is also a RFDS plane on display that you can walk through. Lots of photos and information on display. Theatre - offers two films - one on the Bombing of Darwin and other the RFDS history to date. Good size and informative. Has a holograph type presentation which is very effective. Bombing of Darwin - Great VR presentation (about 8 seats). Holograph PM Curtin and Japanese pilot (1st war prisoner of WW11 in Australia). There are other supporting displays. Overall a must see facility. Well worth a visit, that tells of a times in Australia’s history that are both important and one, sadly,...