Darwin History Cruise Bombing of Darwin Cruise

On 19 February 1942 lives changed forever, none more so than for the crews of the 27 Allied ships that had been at anchor in Darwin Harbour. Hear the stories of that fateful day and see the remnants of the war along the Darwin shoreline.

Bombing of Darwin Cruise
Bombing of Darwin Cruise
Brolga NT Tourism Awards: Ecotourism
2015 Winner

Brolga NT Tourism Awards: Ecotourism

Your experience Tour Highlights

Guided cruise

Guided cruise

Visit historic landmarks along the Darwin shoreline aboard our state of the art vessel.

Historic landmarks

Historic landmarks

Visit Stokes Hill and Fort Hill Wharf, oil tanks, and see the wrecks of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary as well as many other significant sites.

Hear the stories

Hear the stories

Let our experienced guides take you on a journey of what happened in February 1942.

A unique experience

A unique experience

Your Sea Darwin vessel is comfortable and uses the latest technology to give you an amazing experience.

Operation Dates

Tour operates daily April to September and Wednesday and Saturday from October to March. Year-round group departures can be arranged.
The cruise can also be combined with discounted admission to the RFDS's Bombing of Darwin display at Stokes Hill Wharf.

Tour Times

Boarding commences at either 09.20am or 10.50 am with the tour underway by 09:30am or11:00am.

Tour departs and concludes at:

Dock 2
Stokes Hill Wharf
Darwin 0800

Bet and Ron, from New Zealand

"The cruise was really great. The stories Rob told and the information he had about the war really made it. Highly recommend."

Bet and Ron, from New Zealand

About the tour Let us take you back in time

Your journey

Your journey

Board your vessel at 0930 or 11am at Dock 2 Stokes Hill Wharf, one of Darwin’s iconic locations that was centre stage during the Bombing of Darwin. This hour long Bombing of Darwin cruise takes you back in time on a journey along Darwin’s seascape as you hear the stories and take in Darwin’s WWll maritime sites.

Real time commentary

Real time commentary

You’ll be treated to real time commentary by local guides about Darwin Harbour and Darwin’s importance as Australia’s frontline port, as you get up close and personal with the historic Darwin seascape.

Bombing of Darwin Cruise

"This gave me a perspective on the Bombing of Darwin from the sea. There are still several wartime installations to be seen, and we paused over the remaining wreckage of the USS Peary, which was sunk with the loss of 88 lives. Our friendly skipper, Jim, was happy to share his extensive knowledge of Darwin past and present, which added to the interest."

Margaret, from the UK
Experience the history

Experience the history

Starting at Stokes Hill Wharf your journey on the water takes in the historic wharf areas, the Pearling Luggers, the oil tanks, discuss the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary when accessible, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, HMAS Coonawarra and the Emery Point gun emplacement before arriving at Cullen Bay at noon.

Story Telling + Story Living:  

Story Telling + Story Living:  

Your Bombing of Darwin cruise can be combined with admission to the RFDS Bombing of Darwin virtual reality attraction on Stokes Hill Wharf.  For a discounted price, you can enjoy the BOMBING OF DARWIN DOUBLE - a definitive Bombing of Darwin experience.  Your visit to the RFDS Tourist facility first, with life size holograms, interactive story telling mini ghosts, WW2 aircraft replicas and an aerial view of the bombing raids can be either before or after your cruise, or on another day entirely.   

Your journey on water is in a comfortable fast open boat with a canopy, and fully equipped with state of the art digital technology to allow you to view the remnants of the wreck of the USS Peary on the sea floor. At the culmination of this Bombing of Darwin cruise you can choose to disembark at Cullen Bay, or stay aboard for a fast boat journey back to Stokes Hill Wharf arriving back around 12.15pm.  The Bombing of Darwin Double can be booked here. 

Cancellation Policy and Terms and Conditions

Your questions answered Frequently asked questions

Do you offer children/family pricing?

Yes, we offer children prices (3-15 years) and family passes (2 adults + 2 children). Click on the book now button for details.

How long is the tour?

The Bombing of Darwin Cruise is a 1 hour guided tour from Stokes Hill to Cullen Bay. You can disembark at Cullen Bay at 12 noon, or stay on the boat to return to Stokes Hill for 12.15pm.

Can we disembark at Cullen Bay?

Yes! You can board this cruise at Dock 2 Stokes Hill Wharf (Big Bus Stop 10) at 11am and disembark at Cullen Bay (Big Bus Stop 4) at 12 noon. Or you can stay on the boat and return to Stokes Hill Wharf to disembark at 12.15pm.

Can this tour be combined with other experiences?

Yes! You can book the Bombing of Darwin Double, which includes entrance to the RDFS Bombing of Darwin virtual reality display at Stokes Hill Wharf and the cruise for a discounted price.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes, please contact us directly for a quote for your group.

Will I be allocated a seat?

Yes, our crew allocate seats on all tours. This is to ensure that people who book together, are seated together. If your group has booked separately, please contact us on 1300 065 022 to ensure that we seat you together.

Enjoy a beautiful day in Darwin with us Book your tour

Acknowledgements

Sea Darwin acknowledges the Larrakia and the Tiwi as custodians of the saltwater country in which we live, work, play and cruise.

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