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Burnett House: A Tropical Architectural Gem
Explore Darwin's architectural heritage at Burnett House, a unique example of tropical design and pre-WWII history.
Burnett House, located in Larrakeyah, Darwin, is a unique historical building and a prime example of tropical architecture designed by B.C.G. Burnett in 1938. As the only surviving two-story 'K Type' house designed by Burnett, it offers a glimpse into the Territory's pre-World War II architectural style and the lifestyle of senior public servants of the time.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Burnett House
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-1 pm
Tuesday
10 am-1 pm
Wednesday
10 am-1 pm
Thursday
10 am-1 pm
Friday
10 am-1 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Darwin City, take the Line 4 bus towards Larrakeyah. The bus departs from Woolworths Cavenagh St and arrives at Mitchell St before Lambells Tce. From there, it's a short walk to Burnett House. The bus trip costs $3 and takes approximately 6 minutes, with buses departing every 30 minutes.
Taxi
A taxi from Darwin City to Burnett House takes approximately 4 minutes and costs between $10 and $13. Taxi services like Darwin Radio Taxis are readily available. From Darwin Airport, a taxi to Burnett House will cost approximately $30-$40 and take around 15 minutes.
Walking
From Darwin City, it is approximately a 34-minute walk to Burnett House. Head southeast towards the Esplanade, then turn left onto Peel St, continue onto McMinn St, then turn right onto Burnett Pl.
Local tips
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Visit during the dry season (May to September) for pleasant weather and to enjoy Devonshire Tea in the gardens.
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Check the National Trust NT Facebook page or TryBooking for Devonshire Tea bookings.
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Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architectural features of the house.
Discover more about Burnett House
Burnett House stands as a testament to Darwin's past, offering visitors a unique glimpse into pre-World War II tropical architecture and lifestyle. Designed in 1938 by Beni Burnett, it is the only remaining two-story 'K Type' house of its kind. Built for senior public servants and military personnel, the house showcases innovative design elements tailored for the harsh tropical climate.
The house is characterized by its lightweight materials, such as asbestos cement sheeting and corrugated roof cladding, designed to maximize airflow. A unique feature is the colored compass inlay in the ground floor concrete slab. The steeply pitched roof with an asbestos ridge vent allows air to circulate, while the asbestos louvres, glass casement windows and screened walls promote natural ventilation.
Burnett House suffered damage during Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and was later restored by the National Trust in 1988. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory) and is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the house's exhibits, learn about its history, and appreciate its architectural significance. The surrounding gardens provide a serene space for relaxation and reflection. Devonshire Teas are held regularly on the second and fourth Sunday afternoons in the gardens throughout the dry season (May – September).
A brief summary to Burnett House
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