Darwin in World War II: Sites, History and Where to Learn More

Darwin was bombed by Japanese aircraft on 19 February 1942 in the largest single attack ever carried out by a foreign power on Australian soil, and the city's wartime history is accessible through several sites and experiences. The Darwin Military Museum at East Point holds a significant collection of artillery, aircraft and memorabilia from the period. The Darwin WWII Oil Storage Tunnels on Kitchener Drive, cut into solid rock to protect fuel during the war, are open for tours and offer a remarkable glimpse into the city's wartime infrastructure. The annual Darwin Day of Remembrance on 19 February commemorates the raids with ceremonies and events. Entry to the oil tunnels and military museum carries a fee; details are best confirmed directly with each site.