Darwin WW2 Tour, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jan 1st, 2002
Head to Darwin in the Northern Territory for the starting point of a World War II self-drive discovery tour.On the tour you'll go on a journey and discover that over 200 people were killed in Darwin during Japanese air raids and that Darwin was attacked not once, but 64 times. Believe it or not, more than 50 years on, bomb sirens are still considered frightening to those who experienced them here.Today, there are still signs of the military efforts that were used to protect the city. These include giant gun instalments just 15 minutes drive from the city. The Japanese air raids also destroyed the city's oil supply tanks and as a result they were rebuilt underground, in secret at Darwin Wharf. If you want a closer look, there are organised tours that allow you to explore the historic tunnels.The next stop is the Aviation Heritage Centre, which is just 15 minutes away along the Stuart Highway. There are even more war reminders here like a monstrous B-52 bomber called 'Darwin's Pride' and a replica of a 1944 spitfire fighter. A further hour's drive away is the Adelaide River, which is home to Australia's largest war cemetery. Four hundred and thirty four service men and women are all buried here.After seeing all these historic sites, head to the Adelaide River Inn, which is the place where the soldiers relaxed and enjoyed a cold beer. Today, the Inn has war photos and memorabilia pinned up in the public bar and it still remains a great place to bunk down for the night or to grab a feed.
The facts
Ansett flies to Darwin every day and tickets are available from $836 from Sydney and $748 from Perth.
Traveland
Tel: 132 002
Accommodation is available at the Adelaide River from $55 per room per night.
Adelaide River Inn
Tel: 08 8976 7047
Doc's Fossicking and Planning Tours/Hayes Creek Wayside Inn
Tel: 08 8978 2340
Tour Tub (Oil Storage Tanks Tour)
Tel: 08 8981 5233
Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Tel: 13 30 68
