Opened in partnership with Tourism NT in July 2016, the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility features the history of the RFDS and the Bombing of Darwin in 1942.
RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
As you enter this museum, your eyes will be captured by the big aeroplane hanging from the ceiling. This is a full-size replica of a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero warplane used during WWII.
Zero
On your left of the main entrance, you can find The Virtual Reality experience of the bombing on the wharf. The high-tech virtual reality experience takes visitors into another world and it is just spectacular!
Virtual Reality Station
You can also learn about the Darwin Bombing through the wonders of holographic technology - simply select questions from a touch panel and Prime Minister John Curtin and Japanese Pilot Hajime Toyoshima will answer them.
Hologram of Prime Minister John Curtin
In the middle of museum, under the Zero aircraft, there is a video floor showing an aerial view of Darwin Harbour as it was in 1942. Every now and again, sound effects will be played to recreate the bombing - including a vibrating floor.
A window showing Darwin Harbour in 1942
But the most thrilling experience is when you see a life-size hologram of Rear Admiral Etheridge Grant, the Commander of the USS William B Preston.
Replica of aircraft used in WWII
You can also see a replica of Camilla, the Flying Boat, that escaped from Darwin Harbour and also a replica bomb cutaway to show the inner workings.
Story board with detailed informations
There is a lot of information regarding the RFDS, a live map showing the current location of RFDS planes, and a series of touchscreen portals that take you through the story and give an insight into the operations of the RFDS and Darwin during WWII. You can also see and walk through a RFDS Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with a medically-equipped interior. The retired Pilatus PC-12 aircraft – VH-FMP or "Papa" – clocked up 17,000 flying hours on emergency retrievals, inter-hospital transfers and NT Clinic Charter flights around Central Australia.
Hop into one of RFDS aircraft
There is a small gift shop selling various souvenirs. Stokes Hill Wharf, where the museum located, has various cafes, restaurants and bars to cater to your needs. The free shuttle bus from the waterfront is a great way to go to RFDS Tourist Facility when you don't have a car with you.
Pilatus
For opening times, ticket and other information, please ring telephone number (08) 8983 5700 or visit their
website.
