Bombs over Darwin – Artwork by James Baines

On 19 February 1942 two Japanese air raids were made on Darwin, the first air attacks ever made on mainland Australia. 

The air raids, planned and led by the commander responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbour ten weeks earlier, dropped more than 600 bombs on Darwin. The damage was:

• more than 250 people died
• between 300 – 400 people were wounded
• 20 military aircraft were destroyed
• eight ships anchored in the harbour were sunk, and
• most of Darwin’s civil and military facilities were destroyed. 

Since then Darwin has rebuilt itself into a thriving tropical city that prides itself on its multiculturalism. 

There are still reminders of the historical day with many locals finding military artefacts on their properties or washed up on the beaches around Darwin. 

Darwin recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. There are many places you can visit to get a glimpse into this period in time, including:

The Northern Territory Library is holding an exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin including photos, biographical details and personal stories. 

• What: Roll of Honour: Casualties of the Bombing of Darwin, February 1942
• Where: Northern Territory Library, Parliament House, Darwin
• When: 11 February – 25 March 
• Admission: Free 

Darwin Military Museum, situated in East Point Reserve, displays war memorabilia from all over the Territory. The museum is housed in the original concrete command post bunker and many military ruins can be viewed walking through the natural reserve.

• What: Darwin Military Museum
• Where: East Point Reserve (about 8kms from Darwin City)
• When: 9.30 am – 5pm, 7 days a week 
• Admission (as of March 4 2012): Adults - $14.00 Children (between 5 – 15) -$5.50 Family (2 adults 2 children) - $35. Discounts apply to pensioners/seniors and school groups. 

The WWII oil storage tunnels are located beneath Darwin city and were built by the Civil Construction Corps. Sections were reopened to the public in 1992 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. 

• What: WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
• Where: Kitchener Drive, Darwin (located on the lower level of Kitchener Drive near the Darwin Waterfront)
• Admission: Adults - $6.00 Children - $3.00
• When: May to September, Monday – Sunday 9am to 4pm. October to April, Tuesday – Sunday and public holidays 9am to 1pm. 

The Bombing of Darwin ABC walking pod tour allows you to print a map and download audio that takes you back on a journey to 19 February 1942, when the first air raids hit Darwin. Starting at Survivor’s Lookout, on Darwin’s esplanade, listen to the incredible stories of bravery, tragedy and fear as you visit historic sites around Darwin city. 

• What: Bombing of Darwin ABC walking pod tour 
• Where: Starts at Survivor’s Lookout, Darwin esplanade and takes you around Darwin city. 

Free to download http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/02/10/3428056.htm