Gooney Bird Adventures brings Douglas DC-3 to Darwin

A unique airframe has caught the eye of plane enthusiasts this week, intriguing those on the ground. What we know about the ‘Kaitaia Sweetheart’.

A DC-3 Douglas, owned by Stefan Wood, took to the skies over Darwin on Anzac Day, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Built “for war”, the ‘Kaitaia Sweetheart’ is a fully restored Douglas DC-3, offering onlookers a throwback to how many World War II birds looked and sounded.

With 1200 horsepower engines in-tow, the ‘Kaitaia Sweetheart’ is a special addition to Darwin’s aeronautic family.

Built in 1945 in Santa Monica, the beautiful airframe was delivered in the final months of the war before it was handed over to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The beautiful airframe took to the skies on Anzac Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

From transporting troops, flying commercial routes across the pacific and even top-dressing farms in Aotearoa, the iconic plane has a storied past.

Now in the hands of Gooney Bird Adventures, the plane now calls Australia home.

Company director Stefan Wood, whose favourite airframe happens to be the DC-3, said he “loved” the new acquisition.

“I’ve always wanted one,” he said.

“And people who know me well enough knew that.”

A DC-3 Douglas, owned by Stefan Wood, took to the skies over Darwin on Anzac Day, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Wood said the airframe, which turns 80 this month, still has “a lot of life” in her yet.

“They were built to be flown by young kids into the war – they had to hold together,” he said.

Shots taken of Darwin from the DC-3. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In 80 years, the plane has undergone many makeovers and improvements, but retains some of its original – and emotional – history.

“Most of these aircrafts were built by women during the war,” Mr Wood said.

“If you pull off certain panels you’ll see a signature or a name of a lady who was in charge of building these things.

“It just raises the hairs on the back of my neck just talking about it.”

The cockpit of the DC-3. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

With her rich history, the DC-3 will now become Darwin’s latest tourist attraction.

Gooney Bird Adventures are aiming to commercially operate mid-year, which would enable locals to and visitors to experience Darwin from above in an authentic warbird.

If the plane’s effect on Mr Wood is anything to go by, there seems to be plenty to look forward to.

Originally published as Gooney Bird Adventures brings Douglas DC-3 to Darwin