The Defense of Darwin
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Port
Darwin, Australia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The Northern Territory, and Darwin in particular, played a significant role in Australia's defensive and offensive activities during World War II. East Point has a long association with Australian military history. From as early as 1925, military tacticians identified it as an ideal defensive position for protecting Darwin Harbour and its strategic assets. East Point subsequently became one of the most heavily militarized areas in Darwin. During the war, Darwin was bombed 64 times over almost two years.
Venture today to the Darwin Military Museum for some free time to view the artifacts of war, including artillery pieces, vehicles and firearms. The exhibition space includes the Bombing of Darwin Experience -- a major interpretive theater production that offers visitors a sense of what it must have been like to have witnessed firsthand the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
Visit Charles Darwin National Park on the outskirts of the city, at Frances Bay. It is both a significant wetland area and part of a network of World War II military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's northern defense line. The park is home to a number of bunkers and shelters that were used for storage between 1944 and the mid-1980s. Take a stroll along the parks pathways, approximately 500 yards, to the scenic lookout platform for views of the harbor and its surrounding wetland. Along the way, you'll view the bunkers and shelters and hear about their history and use.
Notes:
Tour does not operate on holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring insect repellent. Not advisable for guests with claustrophobia.