STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Welcome dinner
Darwin is a unique tropical Australian city magnificently situated on the Arafura Sea. On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin. On this day 235 people, both armed forces personnel and civilians, lost their lives. Eleven ships were sunk and 30 aircraft destroyed. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 77 times.
Welcome to Darwin! Upon arrival you will make your own way from Darwin airport to our hotel. This evening, at 6-00pm we will meet our Historian and fellow travellers in the lobby of the hotel and come together for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at the hotel restaurant. (D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Welcome dinner
Today we will tour some of the key historic sites of Darwin including Stokes Hill (a major target during the war), Fort Hill Wharf, Doctor’s Gully flying boat base, and the World War II oil storage tunnels. We will also visit Christ Church Cathedral, where the portico added in 1944 was built as a memorial to those who died whilst on active service in the Northern Territory during World War II. Opposite the Cathedral is where the Government Offices Blocks 4 to 7, were located. They were demolished to make way for the Supreme Court and car parking spaces. Afterwards we will see Government House and visit Parliament House; the latter being built on the site of the Post Office, heavily bombed in the first raid, resulting in the death of many staff. This afternoon we will see more of Darwin’s historic sites including the Darwin Military Museum situated in the East Point Nature Reserve. The museum was originally established as an artillery museum to exhibit photographs and artefacts from Darwin’s history during WWII. The Museum now has large exhibits of items from the war, including Navy, Army and Air Force items from Australian, US and other armed forces. Its setting is, appropriately, amongst concrete gun emplacements and other fortifications in an area that was one of the most heavily fortified parts of Australia during the war. We will then move on to the Defence of Darwin Experience, adjacent to the Darwin Military Museum. This is an interactive exhibition space that tells the story of the Bombing of Darwin through an immersive, multi-media experience from the period 1932 to 1945. This evening we will get to know our fellow travellers and Historian on the grounds of the Darwin Military Museum and take part in a special night time experience at the museum. (B)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Stokes Hill ★ Fort Hill ★ Doctor’s Gully ★ Christ Cathedral ★ Darwin Military Museum
Today we will venture further afield to explore the historic sites that surround Darwin. These include the region’s WWII airfields (specific visits will be subject to road conditions). We will then visit the Snake Creek Explosives Storage Dump, some two kilometres to the north of Adelaide River. Following this, we will head to Adelaide River War Cemetery, where many of the victims of the first bombing were buried. After 1941 this area down to and including Katherine became an important military area. A major reason for this was the railway, which after the bombing of Darwin provided a supply line to replace the precarious sea link. We will enjoy a picnic lunch today before returning to Darwin City. (B, L)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Snake Creek Explosives Storage Dump ★ Adelaide River ★ War Cemetery
Today we will join the township of Darwin in commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.
Program of the official commemoration*
08:15 USS Memorial Service at The Esplanade
09.00 Transfer to the Cenotaph
09:30 Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Service
10:45 End of service
*subject to change, passengers will receive further information closer to the date
Immediately after the service we will travel to Stokes Hill Wharf to board the Sea Darwin ‘Bombing of Darwin Cruise’ – a unique opportunity to go back in time on a journey along Darwin’s seascape as we hear stories and take in Darwin’s WWll maritime sites. This afternoon we will continue to the Darwin Aviation Museum, located on the outskirts of the city along the Stuart Highway. This is one of the major aviation museums in Australia. The Centre has an impressive presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation, both civil and military, from early pioneers and record breakers through World War II and the jet age. The major display item is a massive B-52 bomber on permanent loan from the United States Air Force; one of only two on public display in the world outside the USA. We will return to the hotel to rest, then depart for a late afternoon visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Museum. Not only will we learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service founded by the Reverend John Flynn in the Northern Territory in 1939, but also the bombing of Darwin harbour in 1942. After the museum, we will enjoy some time to relax at the nearby at Stokes Hill Wharf before enjoying a final farewell dinner together. (B, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ 80th Anniversary Memorial & Commemorative Service ★ Darwin Aviation Museum ★ Royal Flying Doctor Museum
This morning the tour will finish after breakfast. The day will be at leisure to meet any onward travel arrangements. The journey may be over but the memories will last a lifetime. (B)
★ Services of an expert WWII Historian
★ All excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
★ Commemorative service for the Bombing of Darwin Anniversary
★ Special night-time experience at the museum.
★ 4 nights’ 4-star accommodation
★ Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach
★ Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
★ All entrance fees as per the itinerary
★ All tipping
★ Welcome dinner
Ask about our airfare, hotel and car hire deals, which offer great discounts when booked in conjunction with our tours.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. In addition, your Historian may alter the sites visited on each day to suit local conditions. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.
Darwin is a unique tropical Australian city magnificently situated on the Arafura Sea. On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin. On this day 235 people, both armed forces personnel and civilians, lost their lives. Eleven ships were sunk and 30 aircraft destroyed. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 77 times.
“We have no hesitation in giving you a 10/10, and highly recommend Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.
I know that these 2 days will stay with me forever.
The whole experience from the travel, accommodation and tour guide/manager was exceptional.
The four day tour was so very well organised right down to the finest detail and although tiring at some stages it was fantastic and certainly exceeded our expectations. Being selected to lay a wreath on behalf of the tour at the Menin Gate Memorial was only exceeded by being invited to read the Exhortation during the Last Post Memorial - what a highlight and one that I will never forget.
Absolutely incredible!
Erdem as guide, Roachie as our historian and Zafir as our fearless bus driver.
Stayed in the stunning çannakale, seen everything i wanted too and seriously i cannot think of a better experience in my entire life!
I would like to recommend highly the Western Front Battlefields Tour.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The whole experience was one I will remember.
The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. The facilities were amazing.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
I have been in complete awe of the service and experience from Mat McLachlan tours.
Not only was my family and I reassured about our safety from the moment we booked but we knew we were in safe hands the moment we started the tour.
As one of my first tours, I am beyond impressed!
Let’s start the journey of a lifetime!
Ask about our airfare, hotel and car hire deals, which offer great discounts when booked in conjunction with our tours.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. In addition, your Historian may alter the sites visited on each day to suit local conditions. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.