Delve into local history at Darwin’s museums and learn about everything from Aboriginal art and culture to WWII and the story of Cyclone Tracy.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Make MAGNT your first stop on a tour of Darwin’s museums for an all-encompassing education on all things Northern Territory. Open from 10am to 4pm, there's plenty of time for you to explore. Spend your time admiring Aboriginal art and ancient artefacts, dip into maritime archaeology, brace yourself for the Cyclone Tracy interactive exhibit, and introduce yourself to ‘Sweetheart’, the giant taxidermied saltwater crocodile.
War stories
Take in Darwin’s extraordinary WWII history with a visit to its military museums and sites. Head east to the Darwin Military Museum Precinct at East Point, and take time with the artefacts and photographs at the Darwin Military Museum before immersing yourself in the interactive multimedia installations at the Defence of Darwin Experience next door.
Up in the air
Darwin’s impressive aviation history dates to the region’s pioneering days, is full of remarkable war stories, and has been instrumental in developing the city as a major Australian gateway for international visitors. Learn all about it at the Aviation Heritage Centre. Or, pay a visit to the original QANTAS hangar on the site of the former Darwin Civil Aerodrome, where you can admire other forms of ye olde transport: heritage cars.
Criminal history
See how the criminals of yesteryear were housed at the Fannie Bay Gaol. Now a museum, the gaol operated for almost 100 years, housing unlucky criminals in its stone cells – cells so sturdy they survived Cyclone Tracy.
Immigration and industry
Brush up on your Sino-Territory history at the Chinese Museum & Chung Wah Temple in central Darwin, or head to the Waterfront where displays and videos at the Australian Pearling Exhibition will expand your pearl harvesting and farming know-how.
