Darwin Bombing 70th Anniversary Tour

5 Nights, 17-22 February 2012 | $1750*

On 19 February 1942 war came to Australia. Dubbed the 'Pearl Harbor of Australia', Darwin was subjected to two raids by the Japanese within an hour of each other. Over 240 people were killed, with another 300-400 wounded. Aircraft were destroyed, ships were sunk, and both civil and military facilities in Darwin were devastated. Numerous bombing raids followed, both in the Northern Territory and other states. Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours is teaming up with the 'Unlock the Past' historical organisation to bring you the 'War Comes to Australia' Darwin anniversary tour. For 6 days and 5 nights, you will travel to various museums and important historical sites in Darwin and south of Darwin, as well as participate in the town's commemorations of the bombing on 19 February 2012. The tour is escorted by WW2 expert Brad Manera.

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

All excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
5 night's accommodation in twin bedded rooms with private facilities at the Novotel Atrium Hotel, Darwin
Travel by deluxe air-conditioned coach
Hotel porterage
Daily breakfasts, welcome dinner and farewell dinner
Sunset cruise with light supper
Services of professional historians, tour manager, local tour guides and experienced coach drivers
Entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
Commemorative cap and documentation wallet
Talks by various military history experts
Optional pre-tour seminar in Sydney or Canberra (to be confirmed)
Optional tour extension to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks

Day 1, 17 February (Arrive Darwin)

Welcome to this very special anniversary tour. This evening the group will come together for a welcome dinner at our Darwin hotel. (D)

Day 2, 18 February (Darwin)

Today we will tour some of the key historic sites of Darwin including Stokes Hill, Fort Hill Wharf, World War II oil storage tunnels, Christchurch Cathedral, Government House and Parliament House. A sunset cruise will be enjoyed in the evening, after which we will have free time for dinner. (B)

Day 3, 19 February (70th Anniversary)

Today we join the township of Darwin for the service and commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Details for the day to be advised once confirmed.

Day 4, 20 February (Darwin)

Today we will see more of Darwin's historic sites including the East Point Military Museum, situated in the East Point Nature Reserve. The grounds of the museum feautre a coastal battery, observation towers, bunkers and gun positions dating back from the time of the war. We will then head to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre on the outskirts of the city along the Stuart Highway. In the evening we will return to Darwin where our evening is free. (B)

Day 5, 21 February (Darwin surrounds)

Today we will venture further afield to explore the historic sites that surround Darwin. These include the region's WW2 airfields (specific visits will be subject to road conditions), Snake Creek Explosives Storage Dump and Adelaide River Cemetery. We will also have free time for lunch at the Adelaide River Hotel. In the evening we will return to Darwin where we will enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 6, 22 February (Depart Darwin)

Our battlefield tour ends this morning after breakfast. Passengers joining our Litchfield and Kakadu extension tour will meet their guide in the hotel. (B)

*Per person, twin share, land only.

Got a question or need more information?

Call us on 1300 880 340

It was a great trip, we had an amazing group on the tour and Mat, Richard and Kristof really did a fantastic job. A great 'taster' for going back to the area - which we will!"

- Kim Hudson

Mat McLachlan is one of Australia's leading war historians and battlefield guides, and has spent more than a decade following in the footsteps of Australian troops on battlefields around the world. More