History of Darwin

The Larrakia Aboriginal people lived for thousands of years in Darwin which was originally named Palmerston when founded in 1869 before being renamed Port Darwin in 1911. The towns growth was accelerated when gold was discovered at Pine Creek.

In 1942 during WW||, the city of Darwin was hit by a large number of Japanese aircraft's dropping bombs, killing 243 people and 300+ wounded. Destroying many public buildings, 24 allied aircraft’s and sinking eight allied ships. Between February 1942 and October 1943, the Japanese launched more than 60 air raids over Darwin.

On Christmas Day 1974 Cyclone Tracy devastated the city of Darwin, killing 71 people, injuring thousands more and causing immense damage on the town. Winds of up to 250 Kilometres per hour were estimated to have hit the city, it was Australia's worst natural disaster.

The city was subsequently rebuilt with newer materials and techniques during the late 1970s. Few historical buildings remain in the city. Today Darwin is a lively and multicultural city, that remains a popular holiday destination.