Defence of Darwin Experience
5434 Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0820
Part of Darwin Military Museum, the multimedia Defence of Darwin Experience transports you back to one of the most pivotal moments in the city’s history—the Japanese Bombing of Darwin on Feb 19, 1042. Learn about life in the Northern Territory during the war and uncover the long-untold stories of those who experienced it first-hand.
The basics
Some Darwin WWII tours visit the Defence of Darwin Experience, and the museum is also a stop on hop-on, hop-off city tours. The interactive audio-visual exhibition includes a video presentation, where you’ll learn about the fateful events that led to the loss of more than 250 people and ten ships in Darwin. Hear personal accounts, watch wartime footage, and see the military maps, historic equipment, and details of the counter-offensive. You can even share your thoughts and personal accounts in the digital story-telling space.
Things to know before you go
There is an admission fee, which includes entrance to the Darwin Military Museum. A free app is also available that provides a self-guided tour.
There is a café, restrooms, and free parking at the museum.
The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The Defence of Darwin Experience is located at the Darwin Military Museum at East Point. From downtown Darwin, it’s about a 15-minute drive. It’s possible to reach the museum using public transport, but expect it to take about 1.5 hours with multiple changes—it’s much easier to take a taxi.
When to get there
Opening hours for Darwin Military Museum are 9:30am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 3pm on Sundays. The museum is closed on some public holidays, so check ahead. It’s air-conditioned inside the museum, making it a popular place to escape Darwin’s scorching heat.
Visiting the Darwin Military Museum
The Defence of Darwin Experience is just one part of the Darwin Military Museum. Exhibitions mostly focus on WWII and the Vietnam War, and there’s a large collection of artifacts, weaponry, and photographs. Admire the original concrete command post bunker that houses the museum, then explore the gardens, where you’ll find a selection of military vehicles and a 9.2” gun.
Visiting the Darwin Military Museum
The Defence of Darwin Experience is just one part of the Darwin Military Museum. Exhibitions mostly focus on WWII and the Vietnam War, and there’s a large collection of artifacts, weaponry, and photographs. Admire the original concrete command post bunker that houses the museum, then explore the gardens, where you’ll find a selection of military vehicles and a 9.2” gun.
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