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Discover two very different chapters of Northern Territory history at the award-winning RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility at Stokes Hill Wharf.
Here you can step inside the extraordinary history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and experience the devastating 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbour through immersive virtual reality, holograms, interactive displays and historic aircraft.
For visitors interested in Darwin's history, aviation, military heritage or the unique story of the Australian outback, the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility is one of the city's most memorable attractions.
Two experiences. One waterfront location. One fascinating insight into Darwin's past.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin |
| Experiences | RFDS Experience + Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience |
| Best For | History, aviation, families, military history and first-time Darwin visitors |
| Experience Style | Interactive, immersive and self-guided/guided experiences |
| Highlights | Virtual reality, holograms, interactive exhibits and RFDS aircraft |
| WWII Connection | The 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbour |
| Location Advantage | Convenient Darwin waterfront location |
| Tickets | General admission and combination ticket options available |
BlueSun Insight
Don't think of the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility as simply an aviation attraction. For visitors interested in Darwin's World War II story, the Bombing of Darwin Harbour experience makes it particularly worthwhile. It provides an immersive introduction to the events of 19 February 1942 before you explore the wider network of wartime sites around Darwin.
If you're building a Darwin history itinerary, we'd recommend combining the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience with our Darwin World War II Tours and other significant military sites around the city. The result is a much better understanding of just how dramatically World War II changed Darwin.
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility brings two important Australian stories together at one waterfront location.
The first is the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the extraordinary people who pioneered medical care across Australia's remote outback.
The second is the story of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour on 19 February 1942, when Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin during World War II.
Rather than simply displaying historical objects behind glass, the facility uses modern technology to place visitors much closer to the people and events being explored.
Virtual reality, holograms, interactive exhibits, historic equipment and aircraft help turn history into an experience.
There are two principal experiences at the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility.
| Experience | Discover | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RFDS Experience | The history and pioneering work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service | Aviation, outback history and families |
| Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience | The Japanese attack on Darwin on 19 February 1942 | WWII, military history and Darwin history |
Explore the RFDS Experience
Discover the remarkable story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service through interactive exhibits, virtual reality, historic equipment, aircraft and immersive storytelling.
[EXPLORE THE RFDS EXPERIENCE →]
Explore the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience
Step back into Darwin on 19 February 1942 and experience the city's wartime history through immersive technology, virtual reality and interactive displays.
[EXPLORE THE BOMBING OF DARWIN HARBOUR EXPERIENCE →]
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of Australia's great outback stories.
From its pioneering beginnings to the vital service it provides across remote Australia today, the RFDS has played an extraordinary role in connecting isolated communities with medical care.
At the Darwin Tourist Facility, this history is brought to life through a combination of historic exhibits and modern technology.
Visitors can discover the people, aircraft, communications equipment and pioneering ideas that helped make the Flying Doctor possible.
Highlights include:
❖ Explore the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service
❖ See a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC-12 aircraft
❖ Experience an immersive virtual reality flight
❖ Meet RFDS founder John Flynn through an interactive hologram
❖ Discover historic communications equipment
❖ Learn about the pilots, doctors, nurses and other people behind the service
[DISCOVER THE RFDS EXPERIENCE →]
Darwin was Australia's frontline during World War II.
On 19 February 1942, Japanese aircraft launched devastating attacks on Darwin Harbour, military installations and airfields around the city.
The Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience allows visitors to explore this pivotal event using immersive technology.
Rather than simply reading about the attack, visitors can experience a recreation of the events and gain a better understanding of what happened in Darwin on that extraordinary day.
Highlights include:
❖ An immersive virtual reality experience
❖ The story of the attack on Darwin Harbour
❖ Interactive displays and historical interpretation
❖ Holographic storytelling
❖ A recreation of the Japanese attack
❖ A Japanese Zero aircraft replica
❖ The opportunity to understand Darwin's place in Australia's WWII history
[DISCOVER THE BOMBING OF DARWIN EXPERIENCE →]
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility offers something different from a traditional museum.
It combines history with technology to create experiences that are visual, interactive and immersive.
For visitors to Darwin, it also provides an opportunity to explore two very different stories in a single convenient location.
It is particularly good for:
❖ Families looking for an engaging Darwin attraction
❖ Visitors interested in Australian history
❖ Aviation enthusiasts
❖ Travellers interested in the Royal Flying Doctor Service
❖ Military and World War II history enthusiasts
❖ Visitors wanting to understand the Bombing of Darwin
❖ First-time visitors looking for interesting things to do in Darwin
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility is particularly relevant to anyone interested in Darwin's wartime history.
The Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience provides an immersive introduction to the events of 19 February 1942, but the story extends far beyond the waterfront.
Darwin was transformed by World War II. Military bases, airfields, gun batteries, bunkers, ammunition storage facilities and other wartime infrastructure were established throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Today, many of these locations can still be explored.
Planning a Darwin WWII history day?
Combine the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience with other significant wartime sites and attractions around Darwin.
[EXPLORE DARWIN WORLD WAR II TOURS →]
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility is located at Stokes Hill Wharf on the Darwin Waterfront.
Its central waterfront location makes it easy to combine with other Darwin attractions, sightseeing and activities.
Address: 45 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin NT
For current opening hours, ticket prices and admission information, check the official RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility website before visiting.
Allow sufficient time to enjoy the exhibits and immersive experiences rather than treating the facility as a quick stop.
If you are particularly interested in Darwin's WWII history, consider combining the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience with other wartime attractions around the city.
Families may also find the interactive technology and virtual reality elements a particularly engaging way to introduce younger visitors to important Australian history.
Tickets are available for the individual experiences, with combination options available for visitors wanting to experience both sides of the facility.
For the latest ticket prices, availability and booking options, use the official RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility booking system.
BlueSun Insight
Don't underestimate the appeal of doing this as a half-day tour. The crocodile cruise is the main event, but you're back in Darwin around lunchtime — leaving the afternoon free for the waterfront, a Darwin history experience, a sunset cruise or simply relaxing by the pool.
For visitors who don't have a hire car, the included Darwin transfers are another major advantage. You get the Adelaide River experience without having to organise transport yourself.
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility is a visitor attraction at Stokes Hill Wharf that tells two important Australian stories: the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbour.
The two principal experiences are the RFDS Experience and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience.
The RFDS Experience includes historic exhibits, interactive displays, an RFDS Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, virtual reality and an interactive hologram featuring RFDS founder John Flynn.
It is an immersive visitor experience exploring the Japanese attack on Darwin on 19 February 1942 through virtual reality, interactive displays, historical interpretation and other technology.
The interactive exhibits and technology make the facility suitable for families. Parents should be aware that the Bombing of Darwin experience deals with the realities of a wartime attack and may be confronting for younger children.
The facility is located at Stokes Hill Wharf, 45 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin.
Yes. Visitors can choose ticket options that allow them to experience both the RFDS and Bombing of Darwin experiences.
Yes. The Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience makes it particularly relevant to visitors interested in Darwin's World War II history and can be combined with other wartime attractions around Darwin.
Planning more than just a crocodile encounter?
Explore our range of Darwin tours and Top End experiences, including wildlife, history, harbour cruises and day trips to the region's national parks.
DARWIN TOURS
Discover cruises, wildlife experiences, history tours and other things to do in Darwin.
You might also like these tours too:
From the pioneering doctors and pilots of the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the dramatic events of 19 February 1942, the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility brings two extraordinary Australian stories to life.
Located on Darwin's waterfront, it is an easy addition to a Darwin sightseeing itinerary and an especially worthwhile stop for visitors interested in history, aviation and Australia's wartime past.
Choose your experience or combine both.
For more information on our RFDS Tourist Facility and combo tours call us now.
We are available 7 days a week.
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