The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) is one of Australia’s truly iconic organisations. This wonderful service manages to get doctors where they’re needed even when isolation and a lack of infrastructure would seem insurmountable obstacles. The answer, of course, is to fly them in with all the required equipment on board. 

As well as being an emergency response organisation, the RFDS principally has an ongoing role in providing health care to people who live in rural and remote areas.

The RFDS Charleville Base is well worth a visit. Located adjacent to the RFDS Base and Hangar on the appropriately named John Flynn Way, and just a short walk through the mulga from the popular Charleville Cosmos Centre and Observatory, this modern facility celebrates the historical links between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Charleville, home to the longest-serving RFDS base in Queensland. 

A self-guided tour takes you on a journey from the humble beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its association with the Australian Inland Mission to the present day operations of this vital outback medical service. Walk around the museum and explore a range of historical radio and medical artefacts used by Flying Doctors of the past. There are interactive and audio-visual features as well, including a theatrette where you can watch a short film showcasing the modern Flying Doctor’s operations. 

The free attraction is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and on weekends and public holidays from 10.00am to 4.30pm (closed on weekends and public holidays from October to March.)  

The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides vital health care to anyone living, working or travelling in rural and remote Australia. Across Queensland, the RFDS operates from nine bases.

Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for more information.