Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
Reviews(18)
Very informative walking tour about Darwins WW2 history. We learnt a lot from the guide. Well worth doing.
We're delighted to hear that you found our 'WWII Reflections' walking tour informative and worthwhile. There is so much WWII history in Darwin. Thank you for joining us and taking the time to share your positive experience with everyone.
We learned a lot about World War 11. The guide was very interesting and accommodating. It was a very important moment for Darwin.
Thank you for your 5-star review of our World War II Reflections walk. We agree, World War II was an important, and some would say defining, moment in Darwin's history.
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!
Excellent knowledge base of Darwin Very informative Great introduction to Darwin for holiday makers Friendly staff
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
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.
Hello Jane S. and thank you for taking a moment to leave this wonderful review! John certainly does know his Darwin WWII history and we're pleased that he was able to provide you with more information about the events that happened in Darwin during those years.
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
Excellent! The team at Walk Darwin is pleased to read that you learned a lot in the 2 hours of our WWII Reflections walk. There is much to see and hear about from war time, isn't there? Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience with others.
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.
Thanks for taking a moment out of your holiday to leave this 5-star review it tells us that you had a great time. It makes sense to walk in the cooler parts of the day, doesn't it? That's just one way that Walk Darwin ensures your safety when on tour. We look forward to hosting you again, next time you're in Darwin!
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 👏
Thank you for your comprehensive 5-star review of the WWII Reflections walk, Niall_W. We are pleased to read that you enjoyed the tour and learning more about Darwin's WWII heritage.
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.
I'm overjoyed that you noticed we care about guest comfort and stand in the shade to share our stories, Olaf_R - walking and comfort is what we are all about! Thank you for your review of the WWII Reflections walking experience and your recommendation for Aussies to understand the WWII impact. It is certainly a part of Darwin's past which has shaped the city into the capital it is today.
