Darwin Heritage Walk: A Local’s Perspective on the City’s Multicultural Blend

Explore the city with a local on this 2-hour walk and enjoy a local’s perspective whilst getting a sense of how the city of Darwin has developed to blend the past with today’s modern multicultural vibe. There are many hidden treasures to discover along the way.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Darwin - The streets of Darwin CBD are home to many buildings that have connections to Darwin’s past and many are still in use today. Stories of the past and the people who ensured Darwin became an important part of current day Northern Territory are aplenty. Public artworks dot the route.
  • Star Village - This former open-air cinema is one of the few original buildings from pre-Cyclone Tracy. Though it has been converted to a chic retail hub, your guide will point out its historic features and share with you its stories of old.
  • Brown’s Mart Theatre - This building has remained part of Darwin’s social culture for over 100 years. Your guide will share a few of its stories as you peruse the exterior of this site.
  • The Old Town Hall - Many of Darwin’s pioneers have passed through this site. Now in ruins, the Old Palmerston Town Hall provides modern-day Darwin with a visible reminder of its past residents.
  • Administrator of the Northern Territory - These beautifully restored buildings and their gardens encapsulate life from the early years of Darwin. Today, they are used as offices for The Administrator of the Northern Territory.
  • Parliament House - A grand building presiding over Darwin Harbour. Here, you’ll learn more about the self-governing modern city of Darwin.
  • Bicentennial Park - Bicentennial Park, overlooking Darwin Harbour, provides residents and visitors with green space to enjoy leisure and recreation activities. There are many hidden treasures dotting the area, reminding us of early Darwin, WWII, life pre-Cyclone Tracy. You may even see local birdlife.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Spoken commentary
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Bring camera, sunscreen, hat and drinking water
  • Good enclosed non-slip walking shoes are recommended.
  • A minimum of 2 people per tour is required for the tour to operate
  • Wheelchair accessible for active wheelchair users
Location
John McDouall Stuart
Knuckey Street
Look for your guide in a bright orange shirt, under the statue of John McDouall Stuart, in the small park on Knuckey Street which the locals call Raintree Park. It is at the intersection with Smith Street Mall.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(86 Ratings)
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Mo
Jul 7, 2024
Amazing - Guided walking tour with a very knowledgable, funny and accessible guide. He knows all kinds of stories about Darwin! We would have done the other tours with John as well, had we had a few more days here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pearl65
Jun 13, 2024
Fabulous day with Robyn - Walked to the centre of town to meet Robyn our walking tour guide. It was just us two which was perfect. We felt very relaxed all day, despite the heat which saps my energy. Robyn talked about history, buildings, Aboriginal people and more. It was a very enjoyable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lesley_t
Dec 14, 2023
Great walk - John was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about Darwin’s history. We learnt a lot. The walk was well paced. Thank you
Review provided by Viator
Karen_y
Nov 28, 2023
Good historical walking tour - Enjoyed hearing about the history of Darwin and seeing some of the older buildings in the CBD. Tour guide, John, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the Northern Territory.
Review provided by Viator
John_w
Nov 9, 2023
A Must Do Tour. - A most enjoyable tour full of interesting sites and brought to life by our tour guide Robin The knowledge and experiences Robin has was made all hemore interesting by her stories and life experiences she shared with us. Thank you Robin for a most interesting morning with us. Highly recommend this tour and experience. John, Fiona , Paul and Trish NZ.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_w
Oct 24, 2023
Memerable - John was very informative about Darwin and its history. So much in a small area was brought to life.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_m
Oct 9, 2023
Fantastic history tour - John was knowledgeable and just a lovely bloke. We really enjoyed learning about Darwin and its history. Very worthwhile.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_g
Sep 30, 2023
Interesting, Historical Walking Tour of Darwin - John was very knowledgeable regarding the history of Darwin. It was a great way to begin our vacation in Darwin.
Review provided by Viator
388jodies
Jun 25, 2024
Insightful walk around the city - Leisurely and informative walk around the city centre learning about the varied aspects of Darwins history to present day - indigenous history, European settlement, WWII bombing, cyclone Tracy through to the present day of life in multicultural Darwin and the Territory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana582015
Feb 9, 2024
Worth the Money - Robin was very gracious & very knowledgeable. She took her time answering our questions & explaining particularly the history of Darwin & the Northern Territories. We definitely recommend this walking tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
September 2024
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