85 years since the Bombing of Darwin

Friday, 16 October 2026

On 19 February 2027, Australia will mark the 85th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, a significant milestone in our nation's history and an opportunity for students to connect with one of the most pivotal events of the Second World War.

Often described as Australia's Pearl Harbour, more than 260 Japanese aircraft launched two air raids on Darwin on 19 February 1942, damaging military and civilian infrastructure and changing the course of Australia's wartime experience. The attacks were followed by more than 60 air raids across northern Australia over the next 20 months, highlighting the strategic importance of the Northern Territory during World War II.

As schools commemorate this important anniversary, there has never been a better time to take learning beyond the classroom and explore the places where history happened.

Why visit Darwin in 2027?
The 85th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to bring Australia's wartime history to life. Here are just a couple of the experiences that are included in our Splendours of the Outback and Top End and Top End Community Experience tours. 

• Darwin Military Museum visit
  Go back in time to the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942. Discover what it was like to live in the Northern Territory during World War II, the contribution made in northern Australia to the war effort, and experience first-hand accounts of the bombing. This traumatic event changed Darwin forever.
• Royal Flying Doctor guided visit
  See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as the heroic stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) are brought to life. Through holograms and touchscreen portals, interact with John Flynn, founder of the RFDS, who tells heroic tales of its birth and growth.

Government funding for your trip
Eligible Australian school groups travelling from outside the Northern Territory may be able to access funding through the NT Learning Adventures (NTLA) Save and Learn Program. The Program is offering $5,000 plus GST per school (to the first five schools) for groups travelling to Darwin for the Commemoration of the 85^th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin on the 19^th of February 2027. Click here to find out more.

Explore the Northern Territory with G.E.T Educational Tours
The 85th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is a timely opportunity to experience one of Australia's most significant historical destinations.

Beyond World War II history, the Northern Territory offers exceptional opportunities to explore Indigenous cultures, unique ecosystems and some of Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Whether studying History, Geography, Science or Civics and Citizenship, a Northern Territory tour provides rich, cross-curricular learning experiences that leave a lifelong impact.

Explore our Northern Territory educational tours or contact our team to start planning your 2027 excursion.