Add dates

DarwinWorld War II

Our most recommended Darwin World War II

Darwin: 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise

1. Darwin: 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise

This one-hour Bombing of Darwin cruise departs Stokes Hill Wharf at 11:00 AM. After leaving the wharf, you will uncover the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas, the Pearling Luggers, wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, and HMAS Coonawarra, before eventually arriving at Cullen Bay. With real-time commentary from local guides, this cruise takes in Darwin Harbour’s World War II history. For an immersive experience select to try the Darwin Bombing virtual reality experience. You will later be free to disembark at Cullen Bay to join the hop-on hop-off bus, or stay aboard and return to Stokes Hill Wharf at 12:15 PM.

Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

2. Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

Travel back in time to 19 February 1942 and uncover the Bombing of Darwin on this half-day tour. Learn about how 2 Japanese air attacks on this forgotten military base killed 243 people and destroyed the city. Now a modern and vibrant city, Darwin still bares the scars of its history, which you will discover on this tour. The tour begins with an introduction into the Bombing of Darwin, as you listen to stories and information provided by local historians. Later, explore the sites that were hit by the Japanese air raids and remember those who lost their lives. Next, head to the Charles Darwin National Park to see bunkers and other WW2 relics before visiting the acclaimed Defense of Darwin museum as well as the East Point Military precinct and the Myilly Point Heritage precinct. The tour is concluded with a 1-hour cruise through Darwin Harbor which passes the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas. You’ll also sail by the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, and finally to Cullen Bay where you can see the gun emplacements from the water.

Discover the City of Darwin: Half-Day City Coach Tour

3. Discover the City of Darwin: Half-Day City Coach Tour

Join a city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. Your Driver Guide will point out significant landmarks and will speak about Darwin’s rich history and culture throughout. Darwin Aviation Museum: This is one of the major aviation museums in Australia. The main display is a B-52 Bomber, on permanent loan from the United States Air Force. You can view some rare amateur footage of the first air-raid in Darwin, and original footage from Japanese archives. There are 19 aircraft on display, from Mirage and Sabre jet fighters to a Royal Australian Wessex helicopter. Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: home to internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs. You’ll get to see the largest permanent display of Aboriginal artwork in Australia as well as an eclectic range of visiting exhibitions. Darwin Botanic Gardens: find out how these gardens have survived numerous cyclones and the direct effects of World War II. Because the site extends inland from the sea to a plateau, it provides a range of planting environments and is one of a few botanic gardens in the world which has marine and estuarine plants naturally in its grounds. Not only will you have the chance to see some unique and exotic plants but even some local wildlife!

Darwin: Small Group 2-Hour Heritage Walk

4. Darwin: Small Group 2-Hour Heritage Walk

Departing from the meeting point in Raintree Park, begin the 2-hour guided tour as you walk the paths of pioneers. Your guide will cheerfully share their passion for the town they call home as they share its history including World War II bombings, Cyclone Tracy, and toady's multicultural atmosphere.  Discover many of the remaining buildings such as the old courthouse and police station, Brown's Mart theater, and the Palmerston Town Hall ruins, all of which have been painstakingly reconstructed. View Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory on a journey through the streets of this modern tropical city.  There are many hidden treasures to see on foot and plenty of opportunities to capture photographs of the public artworks, architecture, historic buildings, tropical plants, and wildlife.

Darwin: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS Entry

5. Darwin: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS Entry

Make the most of your time in Darwin and enjoy entry to two of the city’s best attractions, as well as a 24 hour pass for the city’s popular sightseeing bus. Tour around Darwin from the comfort of a double decker bus and see a selection of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Benefit from the freedom to hop-on or off at your own leisure and get a closer look at the sights that interest you most. Enjoy full-day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, which showcases the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile. Watch one or more of the Crocosaurus Cove's nine daily shows and learn about the Northern Territory’s wildlife through fascinating encounters with the reptiles. Later, discover the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn about the history and work of the service’s pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, as well as the experiences of the patients. Relive the drama of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbor, and experience the event through the wonder of modern technology.

Darwin: Royal Flying Doctor Service Entry Ticket

6. Darwin: Royal Flying Doctor Service Entry Ticket

Get entry tickets to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility in Darwin to gain an insight into the history of the Flying Doctor Service and the Bombing of Darwin Harbor. Take a self-guided tour of the exhibition, knowing that the staff members are always available to assist as required. Witness 2 quintessential Australian stories brought to life at Stokes Hill Wharf. The 1st is about the Royal Flying Doctor Service or RFDS which began its aeromedical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The 2nd is about the Bombing of Darwin Harbour in 1942, told through state-of-the-art technology. Upon arrival at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility, meet a staff member to get an outline of the facility along with timings for the holographic cinema sessions and the Window of the 1942 bombing platform. Enjoy a range of interactive and VR experiences that bring history to life. Learn about the heroes and survivors who experienced the raids. Admire a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC-12 to experience a fully-equipped aeromedical plane.

Darwin: WWII Reflections

7. Darwin: WWII Reflections

The day is Thursday the 19th of February, 1942. World War II has reached mainland Australia, and as a result, the Northern City of Darwin is bombed.  Move forward to present day Darwin, where you can embark on a tour that will allow you to relive that fateful and mournful day. Your friendly and informative guide will take you back to that WWII era on a 2-hour walk through the historic quarter of the city. Listen as your guide shares stories of that fateful day whilst you meander past the historic buildings of the time which have been re-built to provide lasting memories of life in the North during the War.

Darwin: Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS Entry

8. Darwin: Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS Entry

Make the most of your time in Darwin and see two of the city’s best attractions with just one pass. Enjoy full-day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, which showcases the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile. Watch one or more of the Crocosaurus Cove's nine daily shows and learn about the Northern Territory’s wildlife through fascinating encounters with the reptiles. Later, discover the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctors Service and learn about the history and work of the service’s pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, as well as the experiences of the patients. You'll also relive the drama of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin Harbor, and experience the event through the wonder of modern technology.

Frequently asked questions about Darwin World War II

What are other things to do than World War II that are worth visiting in Darwin?

The other unmissable things to do in Darwin are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Darwin

Want to discover all there is to do in Darwin? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Darwin

John we excellent and very informative on our walking tour. Would highly recommend this walking tour to all who are interested in Australian history during WWll. Easy pace and most enjoyable. Ian & Suzanne

Guide was very friendly and chatty. Knew his stuff when it came to history of Darwin. Well worth doing if you are new to visiting Darwin.

John was very knowledgeable about the bombing and set the scene as to why Darwin was important.

It’s way amazing to hear what really happened in Darwin with the booming it was a eye opening

Very informative amazing to see what is like on a flight on a RFDS plane