Making the NT a military history destination

The funding is part of the NT $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract more visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.

Visitors to the NT will find many sites of military heritage throughout the Territory including the Anzac Hill Memorial and Spencer Hill war time sites in Alice Springs, the Katherine Museum, a former WWII regional air terminal that holds an eclectic collection of artefacts, photographs and memorabilia, and the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Travellers journeying south from Darwin along the Stuart Highway will discover many fascinating reminders of the time when the war came to Australia with several airfields dotted along the highway.

“Military history is a big draw card for tourists and we have an incredible story to tell – this funding will allow us to promote our story,” Ms Moss said.

“Darwin played a significant role in Australia’s defensive and offensive activities during World War II - the Bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia, with the City under attack up to November 1943.

“We want military history visitors to see Darwin and the NT as the ultimate pilgrimage destination in Australia.”

Darwin is under recognised as one of Australia’s most influential and historic military locations.

With its significant military history, current functioning strategic role for the defence forces, and military tourism model already in place, Darwin is the ideal pilgrimage destination for all Australians to remember and commemorate the sacrifices of so many Australians and our allies.

An extensive event program will be developed for 2019 that showcases the exceptional existing military history experiences available in Darwin and the NT.  There will be a focus on increased promotion of our military history raising its status nationally and internationally and cementing the NT as the 'go to' destination.