Darwin

Second World War

This exhilarating off-road tour will take you through Charles Darwin National Park, located just outside Darwin City. On an ATV, discover some of Australia’s most impressive wetlands, woodlands, and indigenous and WWII historic sites. From climbing rocks to water crossings, ATVs make this adventure a truly unique way to explore Darwin's landscapes and history. Bring along the whole family for a fun-filled day in nature. Never gone off-road before? No worries, your experienced guides will steer you straight and are equipped to accommodate a range of skill levels and experience.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility provides an insight into the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. This exciting development at Stokes Hill Wharf brings to life 2 quintessential Australian stories. The 1st story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known throughout Australia as the RFDS. Founded by the Reverend John Flynn, it began its aeromedical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The 2nd story featured is the Bombing of Darwin Harbour on 19th February 1942. The bombing of the harbor brought destruction to the city of Darwin. Many of the experiences and stories of what happened that day are told through state of the art technology. Take a self-guided tour of the exhibition, knowing that the staff members are always available to assist as required. When you arrive, a staff member will provide an outline of the facility, explain the timings for the holographic cinema sessions and the Window of the 1942 bombing platform. Enjoy a range of interactive and VR experiences that bring history to life. Learn about the heroes and survivors who experienced the raids. Admire a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC-12 that allows visitors to experience a fully equipped aeromedical plane.

Departing from the meeting point in Raintree Park, begin the 2-hour guided tour as you walk the paths of pioneers. Your guide will cheerfully share their passion for the town they call home as they share its history including World War II bombings, Cyclone Tracy, and toady's multicultural atmosphere.  Discover many of the remaining buildings such as the old courthouse and police station, Brown's Mart theater, and the Palmerston Town Hall ruins, all of which have been painstakingly reconstructed. View Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory on a journey through the streets of this modern tropical city.  There are many hidden treasures to see on foot and plenty of opportunities to capture photographs of the public artworks, architecture, historic buildings, tropical plants, and wildlife.

Make the most of your time in Darwin and see two of the city’s best attractions with just one pass. Enjoy full-day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, which showcases the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile. Watch one or more of the Crocosaurus Cove's nine daily shows and learn about the Northern Territory’s wildlife through fascinating encounters with the reptiles. Later, discover the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn about the history and work of the service’s pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, as well as the experiences of the patients. You'll also relive the drama of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbor, and experience the event through the wonder of modern technology.

The day is Thursday the 19th of February, 1942. World War II has reached mainland Australia, and as a result, the Northern City of Darwin is bombed.  Move forward to present day Darwin, where you can embark on a tour that will allow you to relive that fateful and mournful day. Your friendly and informative guide will take you back to that WWII era on a 2-hour walk through the historic quarter of the city. Listen as your guide shares stories of that fateful day whilst you meander past the historic buildings of the time which have been re-built to provide lasting memories of life in the North during the War. This tour departs on a Thursday only, in memory of that fateful day in 1942.

Make the most of your time in Darwin and enjoy entry to two of the city’s best attractions, as well as a 24 hour pass for the city’s popular sightseeing bus. Tour around Darwin from the comfort of a double decker bus and see a selection of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Benefit from the freedom to hop-on or off at your own leisure and get a closer look at the sights that interest you most. Enjoy full-day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, which showcases the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile. Watch one or more of the Crocosaurus Cove's nine daily shows and learn about the Northern Territory’s wildlife through fascinating encounters with the reptiles. Later, discover the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn about the history and work of the service’s pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, as well as the experiences of the patients. Relive the drama of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbor, and experience the event through the wonder of modern technology.