Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections
Overview
Thursday. 19 February, 1942. World War II reaches mainland Australia and the northern city of Darwin is bombed. Join your knowledgeable local guide who will take you back to that WWII era on a 2-hour walk through the historic quarter of the city.
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Spoken commentary
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Darwin, Darwin, Top End, Northern Territory
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.
Stop At: The Vic Hotel, 27 Smith St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Brown's Mart Theatre, 12 Smith St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Administrator of the Northern Territory, 29 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Parliament House, Mitchell St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Darwin Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Bicentennial Park, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Darwin, Darwin, Top End, Northern Territory
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.
Stop At: The Vic Hotel, 27 Smith St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Brown's Mart Theatre, 12 Smith St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Administrator of the Northern Territory, 29 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Parliament House, Mitchell St, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Darwin Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Bicentennial Park, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional information
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Face masks are not required in Australia, therefore guests are asked to cover a cough or sneeze with a bent elbow or tissue and then dispose of the tissue and take hand hygiene measures. Group size has been reduced. All guides are using the Australian Government Department of Health COVID Safe app.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Diane_L
March 2023
We learned a lot about World War 11. The guide was very interesting and accommodating. It was a very important moment for Darwin.
We learned a lot about World War 11. The guide was very interesting and accommodating. It was a very important moment for Darwin.Tim R
July 2022
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
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 townKellie M
March 2023
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 j...
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!janeS6708ME
June 2022
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 ...
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.chrispS3883HT
June 2022
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
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 yousuebsydney
May 2022
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.
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.