History where you'd never expect it.

The Top End is more than just museums and reading - you might be surprised at how interesting it really is. If the Grand Parents (GP's) are visiting, there are loads of destinations that you'll find interesting too!

Bombing of Darwin WWII Tour

Why did the Curtain Government deliberately manipulate the truth?
Why was there a cover up by successive Governments for decades after?
What REALLY did happen?

Find out the answers to these fascinating questions, plus much more in this unique, 4 hour personalised tour. You will see visible reminders and relics of the bombings of World War II. You will hear accurately researched and an entertaining commentary.

Captain Cook - 1st 2nd

The first European to map a segment of the Australian coastline was Willem Janszoon, captain of the dutch ship - Duyfken which sailed into the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1606. The Dutch named the continent "New Holland". You can get up to speed on the Dutch, Massacan and indonesian explorers of Northern Australian Waters at the Maritime exhibition at the Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery.

Chin Wag with a real local

When we think of history on the esplanade perhaps only the Cenotaph comes to mind. But spend an afternoon stroll with Robert Mills, and you'll soon discover the place is full of historical landmarks and fascinating stories. Roberts' a descendant of the Cockatoo Clan, one of the many Larrakia clans in the area. His interpretive walk 'Batji Tours' will give you a unique insight into Larrakia life before and throughout white settlement, as well as pointing out landmarks, bush medicines and a ceremonial 'welcome to country'.

Cutta Cutta Caves - Katherine

You wouldn't think that caves, particularly the Cutta Cutta Caves in Katherine would hold any historical significance. However, the first European stock man to sight the caves when he stumbled on the cave entrance around 1900. During WWII the soldiers thought it would be ideal target practice to shoot stalactites whilst having a good time in the caves. Upon inspection you will find that a good few don't have their pointy ends, obviously a result of a sharp shooter!

Humpty Who?

Often people ask where on Earth did the name Humpty Doo come from? Actually the origin of the name is uncertain although there are four common tales...

• Humpty Doo is named after the station originally called ‘Umpity Doo.
• A white settler, who made occasional trips to Darwin, when asked how he was getting on replied "everything's humpty doo".
• From the Army slang term "umpty" used in 1917 for the dash when reading morse
• The place was known as "Umdidu", an English language corruption of an Aboriginal term which meant a popular resting place.

Nightcliff - What a dump!

Adjacent the Nightcliff Cliffs on Casuarina Drive was the Nightcliff World War II Dump. Here, military equipment including aircraft engines and the like were discarded during the war. Although most of the items are heavily corroded, many are still recognisable and retain evidence of manufacturers' details. It's worth taking a look next time you're in Nightcliff.

We of the never never! - Katherine

Situated at Mataranka Homestead Tourist Resort, the replica is an authentic copy of the original timber homestead, hand constructed of local cypress pine. This particular building was specially built for the film "We of the Never Never". Catch the film and then visit the building to view historic information and artifacts.

Kakadu Escarpment - Half the Age of the Earth!

Over 140 million years ago the Kakadu escarpment was a seashore cliff! The sandstone, quartzite, marble, uranium and granite layers are 2,500 million years old - half the age of the earth! The valleys were formed by lava filled faults and volcanoes along a major fracture in the Earth's crust. For over 20,000 years indigenous tribes have inhabited the area which contains an estimated 10,000 rock art sites (that represents one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world!).

Crocodile Dundee, Uranium Mines, and the End of the world!

Aborigines believe that Mount Brockman is a dangerous site where no man should ever go, in case they wake the sleeping rainbow serpent and cause the end the world! We all know of the Ranger Uranium mine which resides nearby, but another uranium mine was proposed further west at Koongarra near Nourlangie Rock. The mine never got off the ground but they did build the Koongarra Airstrip which was used in the film Crocodile Dundee. Scenic flights can take you right over the area.

It'll blow you away

The greatest natural disaster in Australia's history was the destruction of the city of Darwin by Cyclone Tracy on 24 December 1974. The Museum & Art Gallery of the NT has a gallery dedicated to Cyclone Tracy that also includes a 'rumbling' room cyclone simulator, taking you back to Christmas Eve in 1974.

The Darwin Rebellion

If you haven't yet tagged along the free parliament house tour, you probably haven't heard about how Several Hundred Union members rallied to remove Administrator Gilruth in 1918; at what is now known as Liberty Square at Parliament House. Eventually, Gilruth and his family had to be relocated to a much safer Melbourne. There are other similar events you can only find out on this tour!

World War II Oil Storage Tunnels (and Mushroom Farm!)

In 1924 the Australian Government didn't think that the 11 oil storage tanks were at risk when constructed above ground, however in 1943 the Japanese were successful at destroying them resulting in no oil holding facility for Darwin. They decided to construct a series of tunnels underground but by the time five World War II Oil Storage Tunnels were complete - the war was over! The tunnels were later used to grow mushrooms before being adapted as a facility for visitors. 

Great ale, good tale...

Did you know that Daly Waters was home of one of Australia's first international airports in the early days of transcontinental aviation? There are loads of interesting tales in and around the Pine Creek / Daly region including Grove Hill Hotel, Pine Creek Railway Station Museum and the Northern Gold Fields loops. See the tabs below for more details.

Why birds love Fogg Dam

Fogg Dam was built in the 1956 to provide the water supply for the Humpty Doo Rice Project. If successful, the project would have been one of the largest farming developments in the world and a granary for Asia. Unfortunately it was poorly managed; and a load of hungry magpie geese gulped down all the produce, resulting in the project failing miserably.

Don't do it alone...

A guided heritage walk is a great introduction to Darwin's heritage for locals and visitors. See the War Memorial, Parliament House, Darwin Heritage Precinct, monuments for past pioneers, as well as many attractions you will not find without a local guide. The informative commentary includes WWII Bombings, Cyclone Tracy, interesting Darwin history & Aboriginal Culture. Experience the heart & soul of Darwin while you wonder arcades, side streets, tropical parks & attractions where vehicles don't go.

MUST DO'S