The 19th of February, a National Day of Observance to acknowledge those who defended Australia during WWII, makes 75 years since the fatally significant yet little-known Bombing of Darwin.
Over a day-period, a greater number of bombs were dropped over Darwin than were used in the attack on Pearl Harbour just weeks earlier. However, many Australians are still unaware of the events' historical significance and how it shaped Australia's involvement in WWII.
FitzSimons says, “Whilst often overlooked, Darwin is an important hub for Australia's military heritage.
“Today's attack of 75 years ago brought the war to our home soil for the first time, and signified the start of a 21-month period of devastating attacks on Northern Australia.”In the same sense that destinations such as Gallipoli and the Kokoda Track are seen as 'rites of passage' for Australians, FitzSimons considers a visit to Darwin crucial in understanding our own history, and paying our respects to those who sacrificed so much for us.
“ I believe every Aussie should experience the Northern Territory's rich military heritage offering – from its high-tech museums, to its oil storage tunnels and expansive airfields. With so many of us yet to tick the NT off our must-do list, what better time to do so than now.”
FitzSimons will spend two nights in Darwin for the 75th anniversary, where he will attend a range of local commemorative events and experience the city's military heritage offering.
TOP FIVE DARWIN MILITARY EXPERIENCES
There are many ways to uncover Darwin's rich military history, regardless of your level of expertise.
75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Tour 2017
This six day / five night tour is the ultimate experience for military history buffs. Expert historians will guide you through Darwin's most iconic WW2 sites, including Stokes Hill, the Oil Storage Tunnels, airfields, Adelaide River War Cemetery, and Darwin Military Museum. The tour includes accommodation, hotel porterage (where available) and breakfast daily.Darwin Military Museum
Located at East Point Reserve, the Darwin Military Museum allows you to witness live footage and a captivating collection of artefacts including uniforms, weapons, artillery pieces and real life interviews with WW2 veterans. To top it off, the museum houses a café which is steeped in lush tropical gardens – the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring!Battle of Australia Tour
Want to visit all the iconic sites, but don't have time to spare? Darwin Tours' Battle of Australia Tour is just the ticket. This one-day guided tour will take you to 15 of Darwin's WW2 sites, including the RAAF Ammunition Storage Facility, sites on Darwin Harbour, and the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Tour includes morning tea, lunch, and hotel transfers.Bombing of Darwin tour
Hit the water in Sea Darwin's Bombing of Darwin cruise. The one hour journey gives a different view of historic sites such as Stokes Hill and Fort Hill Wharves, the Pearling Luggers and wreck sites of SS Neptuna and USS Peary. If you're keen for more, the cruise can also be booked as part of a half-day tour on dry land, too.Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility
History meets technology in this immersive attraction. Experience the Bombing of Darwin Harbour through cutting edge virtual reality, see amazing stories told through holographic presentations, and have your questions answered by historical figures via interactive displays.Find more information here: http://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/art-culture-and-heritage/history-and-heritage
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