Darwin Walking Tour: Exploring Mainland Australia's World War II History
4.9
18 Ratings
Darwin City
Thursday, the 19th of February, 1942, marks the day World War II came to mainland Australia with the bombing of Darwin. Embark on a historical journey with an expert local guide for a 2-hour stroll through the city’s historical district, revisiting the era of WWII.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Darwin - Through the central district of Darwin there are many hidden references to WWII. Discover them as you wander these easily walkable streets with your local guide.
- The Vic Hotel - Part of Darwin’s social history for over 100 years, this majestic building was an entertainment hub for both Australian and American service personnel during WWII.
- Brown’s Mart Theatre - A pre-WWII building at the heart of Darwin’s community which became part of the Navy base HMAS Melville throughout the preparation and defence of Australia.
- Administrator of the Northern Territory - These beautifully restored buildings encapsulate life from the early years of Darwin. Today, they are used as offices for The Administrator of the Northern Territory just as they were the Naval Command during WWII.
- Parliament House - This grand building stands in memorial to the civilian Post Office staff who lost their lives at this site during the bombing of Darwin in 1942. Step inside to see where a bomb fell and discover the rebuilt Post Office wall displaying its shrapnel scars. NOTE: Guests pass through security screening to enter this building.
- Darwin Cenotaph - The Cenotaph is an important memorial to Northern Territorians who served during War. It overlooks the harbour where many died during the first air raid on 19 February 1942. The site was home to the 14th Anti-Aircraft Battery which fired the first shots in defence of Australia on Australian soil.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Engaging 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
Location
John McDouall Stuart
Knuckey Street
Look for the guide wearing a bright orange shirt and standing near the John McDouall Stuart monument in Raintree Park.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
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Rebecca_r
Jan 1, 2024
Knowledgeable guide - Very informative walking tour about Darwins WW2 history. We learnt a lot from the guide. Well worth doing.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_l
Mar 28, 2023
Very Interesting! - We learned a lot about World War 11. The guide was very interesting and accommodating.
It was a very important moment for Darwin.
Review provided by Viator
Kellie
Mar 27, 2023
Lovely Tour with a knowledgeable and engaging guide! - We loved our walking tour. John was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. It was nice learning new things about Darwin, whilst learning of it's huge history - that realistically shaped Australia, without a lot of Australians ever knowing!
Would highly recommend this tour, and I look forward to joining another tour when I'm back in Darwin!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ell482cw
Dec 4, 2022
Great Australian history - Excellent knowledge base of Darwin Very informative Great introduction to Darwin for holiday makers Friendly staff
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim
Jul 5, 2022
Highly recommend the secrets of Darwin walking tour - We really appreciated leaning the local “secrets” of Darwin , the recommended restaurants and the stories behind the street art . John was great host of his town
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janes6708me
Jun 6, 2022
Interesting Well Run Tour - I am a big fan of walking tours - there is something about the pace of a walking tour which allows you to hear and absorb the information given by your guide.
John was a wonderful and informative guide - he knew his stuff and presented it well. I also had the good fortune to be on a tour with a group of older women who asked perceptive interesting questions which John was able to answer.
I certainly now know more about the events in Darwin during WWII.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisps3883ht
Jun 1, 2022
Wonderful tour with a great guide! - We had very little knowledge of what happened in Darwin during the war, our guide was very thorough in giving us so much information and we left feeling like we had learned a lot. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suebsydney
May 26, 2022
Interesting and informative - Best of all, this tour is early enough to not suffer from the heat! I would recommend it, it was interesting and informative. I would do a walk with John again if I find myself in Darwin in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Niall_w
Apr 30, 2022
WW11 reflections walking tour - April 2022 - Met the guide at 8.30am, at Raintree Park, in the shade, very personable, good information and presented very well and also humour at times where appropriate. The tour was about 3km of gentle walking, plenty of stops, pointing out significant landmarks, specifically related to WW11, bombing of Darwin. Excellent 👏
Review provided by Viator
Olaf_r
Apr 22, 2022
Great walking tour. - well informed tour, with lots of background information. also shade concious for the audience. highly recommend for Aussies that was to understand WWII impact on Australian soil.
Review provided by Viator
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