Northern Territory · Attraction
Defence of Darwin Experience
Darwin's wartime story told powerfully
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
On 19 February 1942, Darwin became the first Australian city to be bombed by a foreign power when 188 Japanese aircraft struck in two waves, killing at least 235 people and destroying much of the town. Located within the Darwin Military Museum precinct at East Point, this immersive experience uses authentic artefacts, first-hand accounts, and digital technology to bring that pivotal morning to life.
The experience is built around the voices of survivors and witnesses, with oral history recordings and personal accounts forming the emotional core of the exhibits. A digital booth allows visitors to record and contribute their own family connections to the bombing and the broader wartime story of northern Australia. A companion smartphone app extends the experience beyond the building, guiding visitors to World War II heritage sites across the Top End including airfields, gun emplacements, and crash sites.
The wider Darwin Military Museum, included in the same admission price, holds artefacts chronicling Australian involvement in conflicts from the Great War to contemporary deployments. The museum recommends allowing at least three hours for a complete visit.
The site is set within the East Point Reserve overlooking the Timor Sea, and the combination of historical content and the coastal surroundings makes it one of the most affecting destinations in Darwin. Free parking and free WiFi are available on site.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Defence of Darwin Experience.
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