This state-of-the-art museum is a must-do attraction when you’re visiting Alice Springs. Located in the original Radio Station House, a Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum tour presents the exciting and detailed story of the RFDS both past and present and showcases its importance to the people of outback Australia. There’s some amazing tech on display here with a pioneering holographic show bringing founder Reverend John Flynn to life to talk about his vision and passion: the medical care of the remote people of the Inland. Virtual reality and interactive technology present stories from pilots and nurses, and allows you to experience a flight as a patient in a replica aircraft at 15,000 feet. This is a story of innovation, bravery, and determination, one not to be missed in Alice Springs.
The Alice Springs RFDS has played a vital role in the care of the isolated people of central Australia for over 70 years. Established in Alice Springs in 1939, today the service provides 24-hour care and covers a staggering 1.25 million square kilometres.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility opened in 1970 and today’s museum rivals any across the globe presenting the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the service, the history and activities of the pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients past and present.
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As a not-for-profit organisation, all proceeds from tourist visits and souvenir purchases go directly to the replenishment of aircraft and medical equipment. So make sure you spend a little time in the gift shop where you’ll find an array of souvenirs as well as some co-branded RM Williams clothing. It’s a great way to not only remember your visit but to support this essential service.
All of our Fun Over Fifty tours that stay in Alice Springs include a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. You can join us on a fly-in/fly-out coach tour or perhaps whilst travelling aboard the iconic Ghan on an all-inclusive rail journey.
The RFDS Tourist Facility is a dedicated institution that preserves and showcases the history, achievements, and artefacts related to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Australia. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the organisation's pioneering work in providing healthcare services to remote areas using aviation technology.
The RFDS Tourist Facility is located in the heart of Alice Springs, in the original Radio Station House.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday with tours running every half hour. Allow a couple of hours to fully experience the collection, interactive displays, and replica aircraft.
At the RFDS Tourist Centre, visitors can engage in a variety of activities that highlight the history and operations of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You can watch interactive displays and exhibits that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the life-saving work of the RFDS. Virtual reality experiences and flight simulators allow you to experience the challenges the pilots and medical staff face. Additionally, guided tours offer detailed insights into the history, technology, and personal stories of the people involved in the service. The centre also has a gift shop where you can purchase RFDS merchandise and souvenirs.
Visitors to the RFDS Tourist Centre can see a range of fascinating exhibits and displays. Highlights include vintage aircraft and medical equipment used by the RFDS, providing a historical perspective on how the service has evolved over the years. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations offer in-depth information about the operations and impact of the RFDS. The virtual reality experiences and flight simulators are particularly popular, allowing visitors to simulate a flying doctor's mission.
Additionally, there are informative exhibits about the technology and communication systems that enable the RFDS to provide medical services to remote areas. The centre also showcases the personal stories and achievements of the RFDS staff and patients, bringing to life the vital role of this iconic Australian service.
The RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) Tourist Centre is located in various parts of Australia, with prominent centres in cities like Alice Springs and Darwin. To get to the RFDS Tourist Centre in Alice Springs, you can drive from the city centre, which is approximately 3 kilometres away. It’s a short 5-10 minute drive via Stuart Highway. Public transport options like local buses can also conveniently get you to these tourist centres.
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