Darwin Aviation Museum

Darwin Aviation Museum

Darwin Aviation Museum
4.5
Military MuseumsHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A B-52 bomber (one of only two on display outside the U.S.) is exhibited here along with other military aircraft, engines and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Robert D
    4,655 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent museum
    The Darwin Aviation Museum is adjacent to Darwin Airport, but on the other side. A local bus stops in front of the museum. Its prize exhibit is the only Boeing B-52 Stratofortress on display in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built in 1959 and gifted by the U.S. government to the people of Darwin in 1990. They had to build a special hangar to accommodate this huge aircraft. I spent two hours at this museum enjoying their many exhibits.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 1 November 2023
  • C_and_J_Lewis
    Sydney, Australia503 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow! Huge array of incredible aircraft headlined by the ENORMOUS B52!!
    An incredible array of aircraft. I love visiting aviation museums and this is one of the best. If you like Australian aviation you will be amazed! If you just like planes you will love it. There is not much interactive, it is a walk around and read type museum, but the amount and quality of aircraft is awesome. From memory they have the unbelievably huge B52, the F18, F111, P3 Orion, Mirage, Spitfire, Sabre, a Cobra helicopter, Wessex helicopter, and this would be less than a tenth of the lineup. The information is great, and they provide the opportunity to see into some of the more fascinating areas - eg. the gunner area of a Lancaster Bomber (I'm too big and won't fit!!) Definitely worth a visit (AUD$20) adult and $15 for seniors and service people (July 2024). As a bonus the outside of the museum is at the end of the runway for the airport where amazing military and civilian aircraft take off. PS. you cannot capture the size of the B52 as it is just way too huge, but most aircraft in the museum are under it's enormous wings.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 July 2024
  • Cosmopolitan800580
    United Kingdom177 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    See biggest US bomber ever built plus lots of other planes
    Interesting collection of mostly military planes, including a giant US Bomber that dominate the hanger. The planes vie with the bombing of Darwin in WW2 and the subsequent Ariel warfare in and around Darwin for the visitor's attention. There are some good short videos and lots of show cases and a sort of chronological tour that takes the visitor around the bomber. No obvious explanations about the planes parked outside the hanger and it was too hot to go and explore them. Staff were friendly and there is a good bookshop including some second hand books for sale plus the usual hats and other museum merchandise. Also, ice-creams that are welcome when the temperature is in the 90s. To get to the museum take the number 8 bus, an experience in itself and currently free. The bus stops outside the museum entrance. You can buy a combined ticket for the RFDS and aviation museum that is cheaper than 2 separate tickets. worth the visit if you have kids or are interested in Darwin's history in relation to the air and the defence of northern Australia.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 21 August 2024
  • Walterc
    Greenwood, Australia16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth doing
    Well worth a visit. we did it on the way to departing Darwin. From the waterfront to the museum we took an Uber that was around $25.00 and then to the airport from there also a similar price. Lots of info and displays that are easy to see closeup. An hour there should be fine unless you are into aviation.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 August 2024
  • David n Sally B
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Reminiscing.
    Outstanding as always. Sad to see 757 still suffering outside, but understandable. Big thanks to Owen for indulging me a trip down memory lane in her nonetheless. Have been here many times, but still find something new to look at every time.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles984 reviews
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345
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Poor
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Simon M
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
This imposing museum, primarily located in a large hangar, feels increasingly absorbing and intriguing every second you wander around and under the array of aircraft, engines, and displays. Initially, most patrons will feel in awe of the huge B52 bomber that covers most of the hangar--with a range of aircraft, from the slick F111C, to the Mirage, Avon Sabre, A21, and Wessex helicopter, surrounding this imposing plane. But, after the initial sense of wonder, as you climb the ladders to peer inside some of the cockpits, you are likely to notice many other remarkable features: the fascinating movie footage about the first flight, featuring the Smith brothers, from London to Darwin, the remarkable display that journals each day of their journey, the display of 500 personnel killed in Vietnam, the wreckages of air crashes, and so many other features. Perhaps, the museum is bursting at the seams and could be organised slightly more coherently, perhaps with a display or brochure that unifies the journey. But otherwise, this museum is flawless and fascinating.
Written 6 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.

Catherine W
Kingaroy, Australia97 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
Enthusiastic volunteers welcomed us explaining what you can expect to see and hear.
I recommend going as early in the day as possible as the limited fans make it very unpleasant to spend too long in the display area without returning to the airconditioned shop to 'recover' from the NT humidity.
Terrific history boards of The Great Air Race very informative.
Lots to see. I am keen to return but in the dry season when conditions more pleasant.
Written 25 October 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.

Erin P
16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Family
My three year old son is obsessed with planes. I take him here every so often - ok, so he isn't really interested in the videos or history displays (though I have to say, from what I have been able to take in while zooming around after him, they are very well done!) But oh my word, he is in absolute heaven here. He especially likes the spitfire (shark plane, as he calls it) and the tigermoth.
My only reason for not giving five stars is this: as a child, my son wants to climb everything, see everything, and play everywhere. It's my job as his parent to tell him where he can and can't go, and what he can and can't climb. Sometimes this is obvious, but it would be nice to see some clearer pathways in place for visitors to follow, and clearer signage given on stairs, display platforms, etc of what is open to the public to access, and what is simply for display purposes.
That said, a visit here and an ice-cream is a very special treat. The staff are friendly, and it's an interesting day out.
Written 29 September 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.

BelC0001
Sydney, Australia1,007 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
The B52 decommissioned bomber is the highlight of the collection. It's rare to see one up close, outside an air show. The F1-11 is one of a handful also decommissioned and distributed to aviation museums around Australia for the public to see.

As the B52 is so large, it takes up all the available indoor space. As such, the curators have had to park other exhibits underneath it, leading to more crowded-than-usual displays. This isn't a criticism, just a comment when comparing this museum to many other aviation museums we've visited. One would like to 'back up' in order to fit the entire B52 into one photo but one can't without backing into a wall or another display.

The souvenir shop is excellent, with a deep collection of books, model kits, Humbrol paints and brushes, T shirts and clothing, badges, toys for all ages. I was very happy to find and purchase a TAA coffee cup (the only other museum stocking such is the TAA Museum in Melbourne).

The staff are welcoming and informative.
Written 23 April 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.

dukkkman
Beechboro, Australia82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
I must admit I love planes and this place ( for the price ) delivers a whole lot of interesting and diverse planes. Yes the B52 was the star of the show and I made sure I purchased The darwin museum B52 cap in the very pleasant memorabilia shop. The ultralights were so small with tiny motors that made it hard to believe that some one would be brave enough or crazy enough to fly one. Many displays, and the story of the zero pilot that was captured by the locals was a beauty. Wonderful insight to some of Darwins history.
Written 31 January 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.

LovetheKimberley
Black Rock, Australia11 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Really enjoyed our visit it has stuff that I never thought I would see close up. We only spent under 2 hours and we were able to get there by the number 8 bus from outside the Darwin Information centre.

Not only were there great aircraft but some really good video presentations including inside the B52.

Great way to spend 2 hours in Darwin
Written 5 March 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.

Andrew R
38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
Having a B52 as your USP is obviously a massive plus point (and watching a history of this aeroplane from within the bomb bay was great) , but the museum has much more than this to keep you occupied. The footage from the winners of the 30 day London to Sydney competition in 1919 was really interesting, and the display of all 6 contestants' efforts for the 10,000 prize was very well done. Staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Written 17 April 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.

Margaret B
Queensland, Australia615 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
An amazing display of aircraft, the main attraction being the B52 bomber. The volunteer staff are extremely helpful in relaying the history of various exhibits and do a wonderful job in maintaining the exhibits and running the gift shop. This is a must visit for any aviation enthusiast!
Written 18 June 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.

Peter B
Dalby, Australia178 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021
This museum has the only B52 on display outside of the U.S and is well worth a visit to see. This museum covers not only military aircraft but the history of aviation in Australia from the start.
Only one issue was it was extremely hot inside the tin hanger.
Written 17 February 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.

Lorraine L
Tarwin Lower, Australia3,581 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
I must admit we were both a bit ho hum about this museum before entering but we quickly changed our minds when we entered the hangar. There are numerous aircraft on display but of course the hero of the day is the B-52 bomber. There is lots of other equipment on display including parts of crashed aircraft, communication equipment and explosives. Well worth a visit.
Written 11 July 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.

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DARWIN AVIATION MUSEUM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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