In the early days, its staffers lived in huts without air conditioning, and most programming was flown up on discs.

Since there was only one newspaper in the area, 5DR frequently broadcast funeral arrangements because the Northern Territory's humid climate made it impossible to keep a body for any long period of time.

It was the only station whose transmitter was not completely disabled by the storm, and for the next two days was the only link between Darwin and the outside world.

It was ABC Radio's ninth metropolitan station and was set up and first managed by Phil Cullen.

Programs are relayed on ABC Outback Radio services which was transmitted on shortwave until January 2017.