Defence of Darwin

Visit Defence of Darwin

Darwin, the State Capitol of the Northern Territory, has plenty of public transport; unfortunately only one bus can drop you around 4kms from the Defence of Darwin experience at East Point. There are Taxis available and of course self-driving is easy. Darwin itself is serviced by international and domestic flights.

Stay Defence of Darwin

There is plenty of accommodation relatively near to the Defence of Darwin experience including Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Inns and a Hostel. Within the broader area of Darwin there is every type of accommodation you could wish for.

About Defence of Darwin

Ranked the best attraction in Darwin, the Defence of Darwin Experience located within the Darwin Military Museum Precinct offers visitors an ‘immersive, interactive, multimedia experience’ that elucidates Darwin and the Northern Territory’s role in World War II.

The story culminates in the Bombing of Darwin, the first and largest assault by a foreign military force on Australian soil ever. On 19 February 1942, two raids of Japanese planes bombed the harbour and the two airfields inflicting heavy losses on the Australian forces and creating collateral damage including civilian casualties.

The first attack lasted around 20 minutes and the second around 15 minutes. At least 235 people were killed, 300-400 were injured, 20 military aircraft were destroyed, 11 ships were sunk and the majority of military and civil facilities in Darwin were decimated.

Opened on 18 February 2012, the Defence of Darwin Experience commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin by acknowledging the sacrifices and courage of the people of the Northern Territory and giving insight into the impact of war on both military personnel and everyday citizens.

Joined with the Darwin Military Museum and as a gateway to nine WWII heritage sites there is no better place in Australia to understand the horror of war and the gallantry of ordinary people.