It Happened Here.
See the stories. Hear the people. Walk the past.
The Top End has witnessed history like no other place in Australia.
The Bombing of Darwin in 1942 shaped the nation’s role in World War II after it was bombed more times than Pearl Harbour. ANZAC commemorations honour the courage of those who served, and their history and stories can be found from Katherine to Adelaide River and right in the heart of Darwin.
In 1974, Cyclone Tracy tore through the city. The Christmas Eve cyclone left little in its wake, but the impact is still remembered today and told through the lens of survivors through the tours and activations around Darwin.
Step into these stories yourself through tours and experiences that bring history to life. Visit historic sites, hear the stories of those who lived it, and experience the events that shaped the Top End. Book now and walk the past of the Top End.
The Northern Territory, and Darwin in particular, were core to Australia’s offensive and defensive role during World War II. A number of significant sites remain to this day, many within walking distance of the city centre or just a short drive away.
The Waterfront is the site of the first bomb to land in Australia during World War II. The area also features underground tunnels which were built after the bombing and designed to protect fuel and oil from aerial bombardment.
This area of the Esplanade is a must for any visitor. Government House has been restored after heavy bombing during WWII and three major cyclones. The Survivor’s Lookout exhibit provides a history of the city, including the Bombing of Darwin.
The Darwin Cenotaph commemorates Australian servicemen and women who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The memorial contains plaques commemorating WWII, Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam.
Bombed and sunk in February 1942, the Peary still lies on the floor of Darwin Harbour, with the Bicentennial Park memorial paying tribute to the 91 sailors lost. Nearby Doctors Gully was used as a flying boat base during the war.
In 1910 East Point was identified by Lord Kitchen as an ideal defensive position for the Darwin Harbour. The numerous remains and ruins dotting the area offer fantastic insights into Australia’s military strategies before, and during, World War II.
Part of the ‘stop line’ against a sea invasion, Sandy Creek Watch Post was one of many concrete and steel beach defence strong-points built along the coastline north of Darwin.
During World War II, this area was part of Australia’s front line of defence. Today you can see historic ammunition storage bunkers and testing areas, plus a fascinating display of memorabilia from World War II.
Quarantine Battery is the most complete anti-aircraft gun-site within the Darwin area, with the substantial remains located at the junction of Berrimah Road and Casey Street, near East Arm. It is a fascinating place to explore.
Named for its distance from Darwin, this camp was developed after the Darwin bombings to help defend against an expected Japanese invasion. It was used as a base for both US and Australian troops.
Wagait Beach on the Cox Peninsula was part of Darwin’s WWII Defence Plan. Two important sites remain - the 6-inch gun emplacements of Wagait Battery and the wreckage of B24J Liberator Bomber Milady.
Strauss Airfield. Built in 1942, Strauss Airfield is located 45km from Darwin and a trail of other airfields such as Livingstone, Hughes and Fenton can be visited through the top end. Information displays, and some remnants from 1942 can still be seen today.
Manton Dam, about 65km north of Adelaide River, was built to supply water to the navies and Military in Darwin. The dam is still in place now and used as emergency back-up for Darwin river dam. One of the original Beni Burnett cottages is still on site as are 2 Sidney Williams huts.
Cleared as a civil aerodrome in 1933, Batchelor aerodrome became an important base for Allied Air operations during the war years from late 1941. Visit the Batchelor Museum to find out more.
The quiet township of Adelaide River was once a major centre for Australian and American armed forces. Today you can visit the numerous military sites along with the Adelaide River cemetery, a sobering reminder of the impact of WWII.
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