{#
#}
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Person
Select date and participants
1

Your Product

Select participants
Adult (5-99)
Min: 0 Max: 2
You can select a total maximum of: 2
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections

5 (18)
Darwin City, AU
Share

Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections

5 (18)
Darwin City, AU
Share
Please wait, fetching options!
Travel back in time to the era of World War II with this captivating 2-hour walking tour in Darwin. On Thursday, February 19, 1942, Darwin became the first mainland Australian city to experience the impact of the war. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore the historic quarter of the city and uncover hidden references to the war as you stroll through easily walkable streets. Visit significant landmarks such as the majestic entertainment hub that hosted both Australian and American service personnel, a pre-WWII building that played a vital role in Australia's defense preparation, and beautifully restored buildings that were once the Naval Command. Step inside the grand memorial Post Office to see where a bomb fell and discover the rebuilt wall displaying shrapnel scars. Conclude the tour at The Cenotaph, an important memorial overlooking the harbor, where guests can walk through Bicentennial Park or enjoy refreshments at a nearby cafe. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Darwin and the impact of World War II on this enlightening walking tour.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 2-2 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Discover hidden references to WWII in Darwin's central district
  • Explore the majestic building that served as an entertainment hub during WWII
  • Learn about the history of a pre-WWII building that became part of the Navy base
  • Experience the beautifully restored buildings that were the Naval Command during WWII
  • Step inside the grand building that memorializes the bombing of Darwin in 1942
  • Local guide
  • Spoken commentary
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic quarter of Darwin, Australia, as you embark on the Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this 2-hour walking tour transports you back to the fateful year of 1942, when World War II reached mainland Australia and Darwin was bombed.

What to expect?

During this captivating tour, you can anticipate delving into the hidden references to WWII that can still be found throughout Darwin's central district. Wander through easily walkable streets as your guide unveils the stories and secrets of this significant era. From pre-WWII buildings that played a vital role in the defence of Australia to beautifully restored structures that were once the command center during the war, each step on the tour reveals the city's wartime heritage.

Who is this for?

The Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections is a must-visit experience for history enthusiasts, war buffs, and anyone with an interest in exploring the impact of WWII on the Northern Territory. Whether you're a local wanting to gain a deeper understanding of your city's past or a visitor looking to connect with Australia's wartime history, this tour caters to all ages and backgrounds. No prior knowledge is required, as the guide offers comprehensive explanations and captivating anecdotes throughout the tour.

Why book this?

This unforgettable walking tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Darwin's rich history and gain firsthand insights into the impact of World War II on this city. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by civilians and service personnel during this tumultuous time. The tour takes you to hidden corners of Darwin that hold poignant stories and showcases significant landmarks, leaving you with a profound understanding of the city's resilience.

Good to know

The Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections lasts approximately 2 hours and covers a variety of locations throughout the historic quarter of Darwin. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Note that the tour includes a visit to a memorial site and guests will pass through security screening at the rebuilt Post Office building. After the tour, you have the option to walk the paths of Bicentennial Park, view memorials to lives lost during WWII, or enjoy refreshments at a nearby café.

Reviews

Guests who have experienced the Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections have praised the knowledgeable guides for their engaging storytelling, which brings the history of Darwin to life. Visitors have found the tour to be a moving and educational experience, gaining a newfound appreciation for the city's resilience and the sacrifices made during the war. The well-curated itinerary and the opportunity to explore hidden aspects of Darwin's past have garnered glowing reviews from travelers. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Australia's wartime history, this walking tour is an unmissable experience.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Darwin

(Pass by)

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.

Reviews

(18)

5 (18)

REBECCA_R

Very informative walking tour about Darwins WW2 history. We learnt a lot from the guide. Well worth doing.

Diane_L

We learned a lot about World War 11. The guide was very interesting and accommodating. It was a very important moment for Darwin.

Kellie M

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!

ell482Cw

Excellent knowledge base of Darwin Very informative Great introduction to Darwin for holiday makers Friendly staff

Tim R

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

janeS6708ME

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

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

suebsydney

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.

Niall_W

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 👏

olaf_r

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.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-01 11:33