Australia's Frontline Darwin Bombing Tour

Australia's Frontline: WW2 Half Day Tour

Hear the stories, visit the land and sea sites, and remember those who lost their lives during the 1942 Bombing of Darwin.

Darwin, Australia

Duration
4.5 hrs

Start & End Time
7:45 am to 12:15 pm

Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Included

Minimum Age
All ages

Fitness Level
Low

Meals
Not included

What's Included

Return transfers from Darwin CBD hotels
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
Stops at various sights including Charles Darwin National Park and The Defence of Darwin Museum
1 hr Bombing of Darwin Cruise

What to Expect

This half-day experience takes in significant war history sites and includes both land-based sights around Darwin city and sea sites on Darwin Harbour. Using local amateur historians as your guides and real-time commentary, you will hear the stories of Darwin’s front line activity, starting with the WWII history and the Bombing of Darwin and tracing developments up to the modern-day.

In February 1942, Darwin sat at the top of Australia as a small insignificant port and forgotten military base. But all that changed on the day of the 19th, when the Japanese attacked Australia with two successive air raids killing at least 243 people. The city was destroyed, along with many allied aircraft and ships. Today Darwin has recovered to be a vibrant city, but there are still scars to share with the world.

Start your journey in an air-conditioned vehicle out to Charles Darwin National Park to see bunkers and other WWII relics. Then you'll visit the acclaimed Defence of Darwin Museum and join an immersive, interactive, multimedia experience that tells more about this extraordinary chapter in Australia's military history. The last land stop is the East Point Military precinct, which is also rich in military history and WWII relics.

For the final leg of the tour, you'll take to the water on a 1 hr Bombing of Darwin Cruise on Darwin Harbour. It covers the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas, the Pearling Luggers, wreck sites of the SS Neptunaand USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully and HMAS Coonawarra before arriving at Cullen Bay where you will see the gun emplacements from the water.

Where we visit:

Sites hit by Japanese air raids
Charles Darwin National Park
The Defence of Darwin Museum
Darwin Harbour
SS Neptuna and USS Peary wrecks
HMAS Coonawarra
Cullen Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Please bring flat shoes or sandals. We also recommend you bring a camera. We supply sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water.

Yes, we will pick up from caravan parks on the city edge, including Hidden Valley, Free Spirit and Discovery

Yes, you can do the Bombing of Darwin Cruise tour separately.

Minimal. The visit to the Darwin Military Museum is self guided, so you can walk as much or as little as possible there.

Policies

Terms & Conditions:

The operator reserves the right to refuse passage to any person who presents for boarding in an intoxicated or substance affected state
Participants should arrive at the floating pontoon at Stokes Hill Wharf at least 10 minutes before your cruise starts
While every effort will be made to ensure your comfort and safety the operator will not be held responsible for any personal injury or any equipment or clothing lost or damaged

Cancellation Policy:

Customers will be entitled to a full refund or a reschedule of the ticket if the cruise is cancelled because of bad weather or any other reason
For customer cancellations, the following fees apply
Up to 48 hours before departure customers will receive a 70% refund
Up 24-48 hours before departure, customers will receive a 50% refund
Within 24 hours of departure, the price is non-refundable