Aviation fans, children and grown-ups alike can let their imagination run wild in the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. This museum features interesting stories about the history of aviation and Darwin’s wartime experience, but the most attention from visitors tends to drift towards to the 18 civil and military aircraft on display.
Take a minute to stop and admire the B-52 bomber. This particular plane is one of only two available for viewing by the public outside of the United States. It was given to Darwin by the U.S. in acknowledgement of the part the city played during World War II. B-52s are able to take off at Darwin Airport at maximum weight because of the longer runway. B-52s occasionally still visit Darwin on training missions.
A replica Spitfire and an Avon Sabre are also on show. Check out the Huey Cobra helicopter, a model that served during the Vietnam War and in U.S. peacekeeping missions from then on. The F-111 on display was also last used in combat in Vietnam. These planes are all accompanied by information about their backgrounds and their capabilities.
See the remnants of the Mitsubishi Zero, and learn its fascinating history. When it was gunned down during the first bombing of Darwin in 1942, the Japanese pilot survived, but was taken to Cowra as a prisoner of war. He eventually died during the infamous POW breakout there in 1944. His aircraft had also been part of the attack on Pearl Harbour.
If you are keen to keep learning at home, visit the museum’s gift shop to browse the extensive array of books and films on aviation and Northern Territory history. The shop offers refreshments, as well, so this is the place to refuel before moving on to your next stop.
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is located on the Stuart Highway, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from central Darwin. It’s easily accessible by bus, which leaves from the city centre.
Darwin Aviation Museum Tours and Activities
Visit Darwin Aviation Museum
Plan a trip to see Darwin Aviation Museum
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Darwin City Centre
per person
23 Jun - 30 Jun
Return flight included
Sydney (SYD) to Darwin (DRW)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,490 reviews)
Fantastic relaxing stay at the Zen nothing too much trouble. The apartment is specious got everything you need even got a washing machine. Bed comfy. Huge balconies over looking pool and harbour. Wonderful Pool over looking harbour. Lots of good breakfast options, provides to go breakfsst for early starts. Rooftop bar is a real asset,bstunjing views of the city especially at sunset. The complimentary nibbles a nice touch. 10-15 minute walk to the city and waterfront. The air con in gym isnt positioned well for cardio machines and could do with more equipment. But i would def return when next in darwin.
Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2024
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tours & day trips
See all 70 activitiesOpens in new tabDarwin City Explorer Tour
Activity duration is 5 hours
Wildlife & nature
See all 21 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Activity duration is 14 hours
Free cancellation available
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu Yellow Waters Cruise & Katherine Gorge Helicopter Scenic
Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Shows & concerts
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Activity duration is 14 hours
Free cancellation available
Popular places to visit
Crocodylus Park
4.5/5(51 reviews)
See some of the largest reptiles on the planet and visit a museum documenting 30 years of crocodile research.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
4/5(131 reviews)
Admire bush orchid displays, spiky palms and local bird species as you explore one of Darwin’s most diverse natural environments.
Charles Darwin National Park
3.5/5(6 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Charles Darwin National Park, a lovely green space in Darwin.
World War II Display
Explore the great outdoors at World War II Display, a lovely green space in Darwin.
Hidden Valley Raceway
4/5(93 reviews)
Catch an event at Hidden Valley Raceway during your trip to Darwin. Amble around this relaxing area's waterfront and enjoy its lively bars.
Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation
Enjoy a round of golf in Darwin at Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation. Amble around this relaxing area's waterfront and enjoy its lively bars.
Top Darwin Aviation Museum Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Darwin Aviation Museum
Darwin Resort
378 Stuart Hwy, Winnellie, NT
Discovery Parks - Darwin
11 Farrell Crescent, Winnellie, NT
Novotel Darwin Airport
2 Sir Norman Brearly Drive, Eaton, NT
Mercure Darwin Airport Resort
1 Sir Norman Brearley Drive, Eaton, NT
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
25 Hidden Valley Road, Berrimah, NT
Winnellie Hotel Motel
34 Winnellie Road, Winnellie, NT
Hudson Berrimah
4 Berrimah Road, Darwin Suburbs, Berrimah, NT
Quality Hotel Darwin Airport
225 Mcmillans Road, Jingili, NT
Ultra modern Unit with Pool
Malak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Darwin Aviation Museum
- Hotels near popular Darwin Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Darwin Waterfront
- Mindil Beach
- The Esplanade
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Darwin Convention Centre
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Fort Hill Wharf
- Casuarina Beach
- Smith Street Mall
- SKYCITY Casino
- Hidden Valley Raceway
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Marrara Sports Complex
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Darwin Waterfront
- Hotels near Mindil Beach
- Hotels near The Esplanade
- Hotels near Cullen Bay Marina
- Hotels near Darwin Convention Centre
- Hotels near Darwin Harbour
- Hotels near Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Hotels near Fort Hill Wharf
- Hotels near Casuarina Beach
- Hotels near Government House
- Hotels near Smith Street Mall
- Hotels near SKYCITY Casino
- Hotels near Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Hotels near Hidden Valley Raceway
- Hotels near Wave Lagoon
- Hotels near Marrara Sports Complex
- Hotels near Stokes Hill Wharf
- Hotels near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Parap Village Markets
- Hotels near TIO Stadium
Hotels
Barrier Beach ResortHôtel BeaurivageCarlton Hotel SingaporeDarwin Convention Centre hotelsBondi Junction HotelsBurke and Wills Motor InnHidden Valley Raceway hotelsSanur Beach hotelsCommBank Stadium hotelsThe River Boat Hotel - EchucaCullen Bay Marina hotelsSorell HotelsJeju Island hotelsDarwin Waterfront hotelsFort Hill Wharf hotelsPort Fairy hotelsSmith Street Mall hotels