Australian Aviation in Darwin

Australian aviation history can be seen at the Qantas hanger and the Aviation Heritage Museum in Darwin.

Vic Hotel Display

As the closest point to the rest of the world, Darwin was the logical destination for flights coming from England or Europe, and the last fuel stop before leaving Australia.

This display of photographs and memorabilia can be seen at the Victoria Hotel in the Darwin mall. The caption reads "The Victoria Hotel- the aviators home away from home".

The first flight from England to Australia was accomplished by Captain Ross Macpherson Smith and his brother Lieutenant Keith Macpherson Smith as co-pilot with mechanics Sergeant W.H. (Wally) Shiers and J.M. (Jim) Bennett.

Aviation Milestone

The flight is commemorated with a monument located on the beach top in Fannie Bay, close to the end of the runway for the original Darwin Civil Aerodrome.
The runway is now a wide street, appropriotly named Ross Smith Avenue.

The old QANTAS hangar is still there, tucked in behind the netball courts, and is open to the public. (Access is via Lampe St)

Memorial Plaque

New runways were built during the second world war and are still being used by both military and civilian planes. The Aviation Heritage Museum has more displays including a US Air Force B 52 bomber, which were frequent visitors until recently

Darwin is still an important Hub for international flights

View Original Darwin Runway in a larger map

Aviation Heritage Museum

Original QANTAS hangar