Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise
4.5
Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise
By Sea Darwin
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About
In February 1942, over 200 Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin—the largest attack on Australia ever. Experience this slice of World War II history with a guide. Cruise the harbor, where wartime wrecks remain; tour the Darwin Military Museum and its interactive Defence of Darwin exhibition; and explore Charles Darwin National Park, home to ammunition bunkers and World War II memorabilia. Package includes transfers from the cruise port and central hotels.
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 3-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Get a fresh perspective on Darwin with a World War II history tour
- Learn about the city’s strategic importance on a harbor cruise
- Travel back in time as you explore WWII underground bunkers
- No transport hassles: Includes 2-way transfers from the port and CBD hotels
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Local guide/driver
- Live onboard commentary
- Entry/Admission - Sea Darwin
- Entry/Admission - Darwin Military Museum
- Entry/Admission - Defence of Darwin Experience
- Entry/Admission - Charles Darwin National Park
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary and Cafe, 28 Doctors Gully Rd, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia
Pickup details- Pick up is limited to Darwin CBD hotels. Please contact us if you require pick up from a CBD location not listed above. Pick up time for CBD hotels is between 0730 and 0800. Please be ready in your hotel foyer 20 minutes prior to tour start time of 0800.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal
Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary and Cafe, 28 Doctors Gully Rd, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 20168P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 20168P2
From
AU$149.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- shaunhP8879WD0 contributionsDisappointed as I was really looking forward to going!Big swell - 1 passenger couldn’t even get on because of it! One of the girls said this was the biggest swell they’d had as we were boarding I was a Solo traveller and I was told I could only sit in the back row because other groups were booked together Told we were given ‘ complimentary drinks’- that I paid for! I got off before we leftWritten 17 September 2024
- fi2370 contributionsHistory on the cooling Darwin HarbourA very informative cruise on the harbour , cooled us down and learnt so much at the same time - well Worth it 😀 Anzac biscuit a nice touch 👌Written 14 September 2024
- V4079NOcraigs0 contributionsEngaging sunset cruiseI sailed the sunset cruise on Friday, Sept. 6. The captain and his mates were awesome! They managed every aspect of the evening with ease and grace. We felt engaged by all three. Good conversation flowed. The fish and chips were delicious. I had a wonderful time!Written 7 September 2024
- richardgF5921JO0 contributionsi call and try to find out ??i call the office the day before just to double check everything ... i did get a email saying its not 11am its 9am ??? but every email after that said 11am !!!sunday so i call .. and asked hey what time tomorrow she said 11am ?? i did explain why im calling and i did what to miss out or hold people up ! she said turn up before 11am on sunday the boat captain call me at 9am saying where are you ?? i said mate im booked at 11am ... he said no.. we only do 1 tour on sunday i told him how i try to confirm it yesterday ... piss off .. then little miss i don't have a clue calls and says i should have check my ticket ??? mmmm may be someone in the wrong job ... go pick mangos ... miss out on tour .. but hey the hop on and off bus is great !Written 31 August 2024
- Walterchalupsky0 contributionsA mustWas a very nice evening, nice and relaxed. Fish was fresh Barramundi from a local eatery on the warf. My wife had Gluten Free grilled fish that we ordered before the trip directly through the operator, they were very accommodating. The first drink was free and then at a fee after that. Crew were very informative and relaxed. Sunset was very good.Written 26 August 2024
- annehJ2583JP0 contributionsLovely eveningGreat evening. Staff were informative and friendly. The fish and chips were tasty and plenty to eat.We appreciated the sunset on the water and the Darwin city lights on the return trip.Written 22 August 2024
- 122gayc0 contributionsDisappointing commentry.The views were amazing from out on the harbour. I went out to hear about the bombing of Darwin in 1942, however I came of the boat very disappointed as the guide spoke more about Darwin politics and his very negative stories about Darwin.Written 22 August 2024
- HDStripad0 contributionsInterestingThe cruise neatly complements, and can be taken in conjunction with, the Bombing of Darwin experience at the RFS on Stokes Hill Wharf. We learnt a lot about the dreadful day in Darwin in February 1942. The guide was informative and amusing but we wished for more information about Darwin 1942 and less commentary on Northern Territory 21st century politics.Written 21 August 2024
- E609GCannej0 contributionsSunset!Exactly as advertised. Had a great time, food was delicious and commentary enjoyable. Adrian and Julia made it a fantastic experience.Written 18 August 2024
- MAK05610 contributionsWonderful Evening CruiseThe sunset fish and chips cruise was fantastic. The crew were amazing, and the fish and chips soo good! The sunset was truly stunning. It was a wonderful evening out on the water.Written 17 August 2024
- SandraBrad0 contributionsStunning, Relaxed, friendly and fun!The crew were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. The fish and chips and a cold beer the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful Darwin sunset. Would definitely recommend this tour for a family or couple wanting a laid back Darwin experience. The perfect way to end our Darwin and Kakadu holiday 💛Written 17 August 2024
- GlobalTraveller70120 contributionsA microphone is needed….sit down the frontWas great to see the sunset, but we were sitting down the back of the boat (allocated seating) so heard none of the commentary along the way, was really disappointing, especially paying $109 essentially for fish and chips. I’ve done all other SeaDarwin trips previously which were excellent. Perhaps the narrator could wear the headset that’s on board so everyone can hear and be informed, not just some. Sunset was beautiful and Fish and Chips really good.Written 10 August 2024
- judithp2210 contributionsForgotten Piece of HistoryInteresting tour where I learnt many facts about the bombing of Darwin and Northern Queensland that I knew nothing about. Enjoyed the harbour cruise which included bombing sites, even though it emphasised what must have been a horrific event for the people of Darwin.Written 19 July 2024
- Escape8277200 contributionsNice relaxing time on the waterGreat sunset experience. The staff were very friendly and engaging. Tips: you can either park at the entrance to the wharf or drive all the way down the wharf and there’re also ample free parking spaces around the time of departure.Written 19 July 2024
- G8577PRdaveg0 contributionsDarwin Harbour SunsetA&C were wonderful hosts, being knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset and the fish and chips were very nice, as was the doughnut.Written 5 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
96 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
13
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4
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1
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1
424sally
Adelaide, Australia22 contributions
June 2023
Phil’s knowledge of the WWII bombing of Darwin was extensive and colourful. We visited a number of key sites in and around the city before hopping on the boat which took us to interesting and historical points around the harbour. By the time we finished we had a clear vision of how it must have felt the morning the Japanese attacked the city. Our morning culminated at the military museum where any gaps of knowledge could be filled. An informative and enjoyable morning which was not too heavy and full of variation…..ideal for a couple with one person seriously interested in military history, and the other not so!….
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill C
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Tour ran to time including hotel pickups. Came away much better informed on Australia's first war on home soil. So impressed with the bravery shown by all at that time. Tour guides were very friendly and helpful.
We subsequently visited the Aviation Museum - tour operators should consider including this as part of the tour.
We subsequently visited the Aviation Museum - tour operators should consider including this as part of the tour.
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jill, thanks for taking the time to post a review and for your compliments about the guides. We agree the Aviation Museum is well worth an independent visit. With our half day tour there isn't the time to include this as well as the Darwin Military Musuem, and the Bombing of Darwin cruise. Thankyou for the recommendation though, we will keep this in mind if we extend the tour beyond 4.5 hours.
Written 5 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kylie P
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
You will leave this tour with a deep understanding of the many bombings of Darwin. The staff were knowledgeable and took you through the key bombing locations in Darwin (by air conditioned bus), the Darwin War Museum and the harbour tour of where Darwin was bombed. This overlooked, under told and hidden WWII story of Australian history is a must!
Mariette was a great tour guide.
You will need to purchase your own food and wear comfy shoes.
Mariette was a great tour guide.
You will need to purchase your own food and wear comfy shoes.
Written 20 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your in-depth feedback, and it's very pleasing that you had such an enjoyable time, we hope to see you again some time.
Written 12 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colin C
Geelong, Australia24 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This was a very informative, comfortable and fun tour.
Would recommend it for anyone wanting to get a good overview of Darwin & WW2.
Our guide Chris, our guide, was very knowledgeable and provide some great insights to events of February 1942.
The harbor cruise gave us a different aspect to the city and the bombing raids.
Would recommend it for anyone wanting to get a good overview of Darwin & WW2.
Our guide Chris, our guide, was very knowledgeable and provide some great insights to events of February 1942.
The harbor cruise gave us a different aspect to the city and the bombing raids.
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anneetta Li
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
Sept 2022
What a great small tour. Perfect way to hear stories about the bombing of Darwin through family experiences. It was informative but also a very relaxing way to see the city from the water.
We would thoroughly recommend for all ages as the speedboat side of the tour is fun
We would thoroughly recommend for all ages as the speedboat side of the tour is fun
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Annette, thankyou for your kind review. We are pleased that you enjoyed your morning out with us.
Written 25 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SuffolkStTraveller
Toowoomba, Australia61 contributions
Bus driver was lovely, informative and interesting and the museum excellent (well worth a separate visit really- so much information and a lot of it very interactive). The boat trip was a repeat of what we were told by the bus driver and our guide, friendly as he was, was reading from notes and not at all confident with the stories and it felt really awkward to be watching /listening at times. For $150 p.p. I do expect better.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Mile End, Australia80 contributions
Incredible half-day tour. Betty our guide was wonderful and her in-depth knowledge of Darwin and the events leading up to and during the bombing was encyclopaedic! The boat trip enabled me to better appreciate the events from a maritime perspective.
I wish the trip might have included an opportunity to pay our respects and gratitude at the Cenotaph and a little more time to read all the information boards
I wish the trip might have included an opportunity to pay our respects and gratitude at the Cenotaph and a little more time to read all the information boards
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, it's great to hear you learned something new and we'll pass your kind feedback on to our exceptional guide Betty!
Written 12 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cassie_evj
Gold Coast, Australia23 contributions
Apr 2022
Highly recommend this tour esp. if you go to the Museum at Stokes wharf first.. Great way to see Darwin from the water and hear the story of the bombing of Darwin. The captain knows his history and is a great story teller... easy to get in and out of boat, comfortable seats, plenty of shade
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AEKSydney
Sydney9 contributions
Feb 2022
Great trip . Rob our tour guide really knew the history and insightful (and some funny) stories. We now have a much better picture of what happened on 19 February 1942 . Would thoroughly recommend it!
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig S
Beaconsfield, Australia95 contributions
Nice tour. About 15 people on tour.
Military musuem there was lots to see and bot cruise was enjoyable and informative. Also stopped in charles darwin national park to look ar war bunkers. Tour guide was helpful, provided free water and at the end of the tour you could be dropped wherever you want. Recommended.
Military musuem there was lots to see and bot cruise was enjoyable and informative. Also stopped in charles darwin national park to look ar war bunkers. Tour guide was helpful, provided free water and at the end of the tour you could be dropped wherever you want. Recommended.
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, it's much appreciated
Written 17 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You would need to arrange pick up from the hotel when you booked. I do remember the company picking up from various hotels
Written 13 August 2019
Best bet is to call. There is an operator number on the voucher. We had no problem with our hotel
Written 14 August 2019
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