Dubbo's newest tourist attraction was opened for business for the first time on Monday and tourists have already given it the thumbs up.
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The Royal Flying Doctor Service's (RFDS) multi-million dollar Visitor Experience is set to become a local tourism hotspot and it has already helped create more than a dozen new jobs in Dubbo.
Visitor Experience coordinator Michelle Wishart is one of the new faces at the RFDS and she said by 2022 the experience is expected to attract 42,000 visitors every year.
She says the experience offers "an unprecedented insight into the operations of the RFDS".
"The Visitor Experience educates the public about the history of the RFDS, its current operations, amazing staff and importance to rural communities now and into the future," Ms Wishart said.
"The Visitor Experience enhances Dubbo tourism and supports the economy of the Dubbo region.
"It provides an excellent opportunity for school groups to learn about the RFDS."
Dubbo residents and people who live in some neighbouring towns will be offered discounted mates rates if they want to visit the new attraction. Schools will be offered affordable access.
It's absolutely amazing for Dubbo... we've hired 12 new staff.
- Kerrianne Nichols.
When residents and tourists enter the experience they will be able to have hands-on fun with a range of interactive exhibits which tell the unique story of the RFDS and its rich 90-year history.
A decommissioned aircraft and vintage but essential equipment - such as a pedal radio used to communicate in the past - are expected to be popular parts of the experience.
The Outback Trek Cafe, operated by Dubbo businesswoman Kerrianne Nichols, will operate seven-days a week inside the Visitor Experience building.
"It's absolutely amazing for Dubbo... we've hired 12 new staff," Ms Nichols said.
Alongside the establishment of new emergency services training facilities nearby, Ms Nicholls feels optimistic about future growth opportunities for her business and the RFDS.
"Anyone will travel for good food and customer service, that's what we pride ourselves on," she said.
Adelaide residents Trevor and Debbie Bowen were among the first tourists to go through the Visitor Experience.
They said "it's excellent and opens your eyes to a lot more than you realised was involved with the RFDS".
