Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum home of the RFDS. Visit the original RFDS Alice springs working base that commenced in 1939. See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn about the history and the activities of the RFDS’s pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day. Learn the importance of the RFDS to outback Australians and the medical care required to service isolated regions. The NEW John Flynn Hologram a truly amazing experience! The pioneering holographic show forms the centrepiece of the facility as Flynn tells the story of his vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. The RFDS Virtual Reality is awesome!! 2 x Virtual Reality Stories of the RFDS - Relive the true experience of patient Gene Hildebrand and see what its like to fly with an RFDS Pilot. Walk through the museum and meet Alf Traeger and Nurse Kathy.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
130 within 3 miles
Attractions
58 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- travelwriter2016Adelaide, Australia89 contributionsA great cafe that invites return visits.Brilliant! The Base Cafe is set in an old Alice Springs building and features caneware tables and chairs for meals and more casual lounge-type setting for coffee and cake. The coffee and food is very good and prices reasonable. There is also an interesting selection of local crafts. The cafe and nearby toilets are immaculate. A good eating place that makes you want to return time and time again.What a wonderful review, I will definitely pass your glowing comments to the Manager/Staff of the Base Cafe. Perhaps, on your next visit, if you have time, you may also enjoy the RFD Tourist Facility and Museum. (adjacent buildings) Which showcases the amazing history of John Flynn and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.Written 13 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 November 2023
- MozzaruuneeLeeds, United Kingdom12 contributionsFantastic time spent there, the museum was suitable for all agesFantastic time spent at RFDS museum. Had information that suited myself and my 25 yr old and 16yr old son. Understanding about the work of the RFDS made us realise how lucky we are. The lady who showed us around was really lovely and helpful and made us feel at home (and we are a long way from home) I felt we could have chatted for ages and she could answer all our questions (I’m so sorry I didn’t get her name)Jane remembers you and your family. She would like to send you her very best wishes. We hope you enjoyed your holiday to the Red Centre/ Alice Springs and thank you for taking the time to visit with us.Written 13 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 January 2024
- Michelle J3 contributionsAn experience that was better than expected. Do it!!Loved this museum. The virtual reality headset gave you such a realistic aerial view over Central Australia while experience what happens on board the aircraft while transporting a patient. The hologram was brilliant and answered every question you could have, while presenting in such an engaging way. The museum was so much better than I expected. The staff were lovely also. Well worth the visit.Thank you, Michelle, for your wonderful review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us. I will pass your compliments to our staff.Written 21 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,355 reviews
Excellent
752
Very good
432
Average
129
Poor
33
Terrible
9
Dan
Adelaide, Australia28 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Our family, consisting of 4 children (5 and under) decided to pop in to the cafe to have some morning tea, and check out the gift shop while showing the kids the model of the RFDS plane.
We were met with a grumpy gatekeeper who told us that we couldn’t see the plane unless we did a tour, which would cost $56. We explained that we just wanted to show the kids the plane, and that they wouldn’t be able to sit for the tour. This wasn’t good enough for her (even though the plane is In the gift shop, that can be accessed by the general public)
We asked how much it would cost to just let the kids have a look, and climb In the plane. She responded with “Fine” and then walked off in a huffy voice. We asked again, as we were genuinely happy to pay a small fee, but we were advised again that it would be the cost of a tour which is “$56 for families.” (The Facebook page says otherwise).
Needless to say we left without buying anything, and got our morning tea elsewhere.
I’d think, after a year like the one we’ve had, a place like this would be a little more friendly and accommodating to their guests. Oh well.
We were met with a grumpy gatekeeper who told us that we couldn’t see the plane unless we did a tour, which would cost $56. We explained that we just wanted to show the kids the plane, and that they wouldn’t be able to sit for the tour. This wasn’t good enough for her (even though the plane is In the gift shop, that can be accessed by the general public)
We asked how much it would cost to just let the kids have a look, and climb In the plane. She responded with “Fine” and then walked off in a huffy voice. We asked again, as we were genuinely happy to pay a small fee, but we were advised again that it would be the cost of a tour which is “$56 for families.” (The Facebook page says otherwise).
Needless to say we left without buying anything, and got our morning tea elsewhere.
I’d think, after a year like the one we’ve had, a place like this would be a little more friendly and accommodating to their guests. Oh well.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerryn H
Melbourne, Australia12 contributions
Jan 2021
Alas we didn't get to see much of this "must see of Alice", as we turned up at 3:45pm for the sign posted 4:00pm tour to be told it wasn't running, like a previous reviewer said - it would be handy if they updated the outdoor signage (which we walked past on the day) with the new COVID opening times... for a commercial museum with a fundraising element, I must confess we expected better.
My advice - it may be tedious for all involved, but phone ahead on the planned day of your visit (but not before) to the check for opening hours and tour times.
From what we saw of the gift shop, it was well light, a great range of products and easy to move about.
My advice - it may be tedious for all involved, but phone ahead on the planned day of your visit (but not before) to the check for opening hours and tour times.
From what we saw of the gift shop, it was well light, a great range of products and easy to move about.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa L
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Enjoyed our hour here. The introduction provided by the host was informative and the movie in the theatre was very well done. The traditional museum area was well done and interactive but small and pokey to get around. The shop was good with a variety of relevant merchandise available to purchase. We were disappointed that the museum is located in town rather than at the airport- it would have been good to see actual aircraft.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon and Hannah
41 contributions
Aug 2020
The movie at the start gives you the background and sets the scene for what you will see. Exploring the plane is great - gives some perspective.
We loved seeing the memorabilia in the museum.
The cafe also has great food and beverages. Definitely worth a visit.
We loved seeing the memorabilia in the museum.
The cafe also has great food and beverages. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roadtripping Nanny
Newcastle, Australia518 contributions
Aug 2022
What a great place. Lovely staff welcome you, then you enjoy a wonderful RFDS documentary in the cinema, before wandering around the museum. There is a cafe during the week, and clean toilets and a wonderful gift shop.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia962 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Located on the southern end of the town centre this museum, gift shop and cafe is great to visit. A staff member gives you an introduction to the RFDS then you watch a very well done and extremely informative movie about the history and import facts. This was very insightful and gave an extremely invaluable knowledge about the service. You then can do a virtual tour of a flight, walk through a life size replica of one of the current fleet of planes then read dozens of information on display in the museum. A must tour to do in Alice Springs.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margar550
Barossa Valley, Australia76 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Highly recommended. The RFDS is a unique Australian innovation and an essential service to those who live in regional, remote and Outback communities. The innovation and imagination that spurned the establishment of the RFDS is an inspiration. Find out its history and its role in Australian life.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C8428BFchrisw
Adelaide, Australia196 contributions
Apr 2022
The RFDS Museum is a great place to visit to truly understand the impact and history of the RFDS in Australia. Well worth it to view a movie and check out the location where it all started. Good souvenir shop as well
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelwriter2016
Adelaide, Australia89 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Brilliant! The Base Cafe is set in an old Alice Springs building and features caneware tables and chairs for meals and more casual lounge-type setting for coffee and cake.
The coffee and food is very good and prices reasonable. There is also an interesting selection of local crafts. The cafe and nearby toilets are immaculate. A good eating place that makes you want to return time and time again.
The coffee and food is very good and prices reasonable. There is also an interesting selection of local crafts. The cafe and nearby toilets are immaculate. A good eating place that makes you want to return time and time again.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful review, I will definitely pass your glowing comments to the Manager/Staff of the Base Cafe.
Perhaps, on your next visit, if you have time, you may also enjoy the RFD Tourist Facility and Museum.
(adjacent buildings) Which showcases the amazing history of John Flynn and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Written 13 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle J
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Loved this museum. The virtual reality headset gave you such a realistic aerial view over Central Australia while experience what happens on board the aircraft while transporting a patient. The hologram was brilliant and answered every question you could have, while presenting in such an engaging way. The museum was so much better than I expected. The staff were lovely also. Well worth the visit.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Michelle, for your wonderful review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us.
I will pass your compliments to our staff.
Written 21 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi I was there beginning of Dec 2022, had a great time and staff couldn't have been more helpful,, I walked up Anzac hill one day and then walked to Flying Dr.s telegraph hill place found a few Kangaroos in the wild on my travels there, great experience, I am 81 and always wanted to visit Alice, since I was about 10 years old still living in England where i was born, but been in Canada since 1965, and finally got to come to OZ and NZ to visit family there.
Written 21 April 2023
Entry to gift shop (which includes part full size plane) is free
Memory tells me it was ~$11 concession (includes senior card holders from interstate) or ~$16 adult, ~$42 family to view the informative hologram presentation and museum
Written 17 July 2017
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing