Royal Flying Doctor Service RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility General Entry

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Two Top End stories under one roof on Darwin's Stokes Hill Wharf: how the Royal Flying Doctor Service came to be, and the Japanese air raid on Darwin Harbour on 19 February 1942. Life-size holograms, virtual reality and two real-scale aircraft bring both to life.

Days

About 2 hours

Group size

Self-guided visit

Start / finish

Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way to Stokes Hill Wharf

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Royal Flying Doctor Service RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility General Entry

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Included experiences

John Flynn hologram — the founding story of the Flying Doctor
Pilatus PC-12 — board a retired air ambulance
Virtual reality — fly as an RFDS patient with the pilot
Bombing of Darwin — hologram, replica Zero and projection window of the 1942 raid
Virtual reality — relive the attack on Darwin Harbour

Royal Flying Doctor Service RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility General Entry

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Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING AT STOKES HILL WHARF

The facility sits on Stokes Hill Wharf at the Darwin Waterfront, a fitting place to tell both its stories: Japanese bombs hit this wharf in the first raid of 19 February 1942. There are no set session times. Arrive whenever suits you during opening hours, show your ticket at the door and move through at your own pace, or join a guided tour. It is all under one roof, which is welcome in the Top End heat, and there is free parking on the wharf.

THE FLYING DOCTOR STORY

The first half belongs to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A life-size hologram of the Reverend John Flynn, played by an actor, tells how a Presbyterian minister dreamed up a "mantle of safety" for the outback, and how it became the service of today. The first flight left Cloncurry in Queensland in May 1928, in a single-engine de Havilland biplane called Victory. Look for the real Traeger pedal radio. Before it, a cattle station hundreds of kilometres from town had no way to call a doctor. Small "ghosts" of RFDS history answer the questions you choose on a touch panel.

ON BOARD THE PILATUS PC-12

Next you climb aboard PAPA, a retired RFDS Pilatus PC-12, still fitted out as a flying intensive care unit. Walk it from the cockpit to the cargo hold and see how a patient is loaded, secured and cared for at altitude. The PC-12 is the workhorse of the RFDS fleet because it can land on short outback dirt strips. Then put on a virtual reality headset for Fly with the Doctor. You relive the flight of a real patient, Gene Hildebrand, and fly beside an RFDS pilot. The Flying Doctor has run medical flights in the Northern Territory since 1939.

THE BOMBING OF DARWIN

The second half takes you back to the morning of 19 February 1942. That day 188 Japanese aircraft, from the same carrier force that struck Pearl Harbor ten weeks earlier, attacked the town and the ships crowded in the harbour. It was the first attack on the Australian mainland. A hologram of Rear Admiral Etheridge Grant tells his part in the story, a life-size replica Zero fighter hangs overhead, and a projection window shows the raid unfolding over the water. A second virtual reality experience puts you in the middle of it. Allow about two hours for the whole visit.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, 45 Stokes Hill Road, Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront. There is free 3-hour parking on the wharf.
Departure time: Come any time in opening hours. April to September: 9am to 5pm, last entry 4pm. October to March: 9am to 4pm, last entry 3pm. Public holidays: 10am to 3pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Duration: Allow about 2 hours.
Suits: Families, history lovers and anyone interested in aviation or the Second World War. The building is mobility-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Tickets are valid for 30 days from purchase.

What is included

General entry to the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
Hologram shows, virtual reality experiences and the Bombing of Darwin exhibit
Access to the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft

Not included

Transport to Stokes Hill Wharf
Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.