Survivors Lookout — Attraction in Northern Territory

On 19 Feb 1942, the Survivors of the Japanese aircraft bombarbment of Harbour & Australia's defence port of Darwin gathered here (up on top of steep escarpment) witnessing the devastation below.

The same Japanese commander who led the attack on Pearl Harbour twice launched the first two raids on Darwin. It stopped at two for Pearl Harbour but Darwin was bombarded for a total of 64 times until Nov 1943 with hundreds of casualties & massive annihilation... Little known historical facts to most Australians, me included until this first revelatory visit to Darwin. Bit ashamed really, Darwin's history has flown under radar & for some reason until fairly recently, did not make into school curriculum. Even Kidman is supposed to have professed that until the movie "Australia" with scenes of Darwin's aerial raids - she was not aware of Darwin's bombardment in WW2 Pacific's war.

Easy walk to get here from middle of Esplanade - 15 mins at leisurely pace. Past Legislative Assembly of NT on left - note this building's uppermost support structure & four sides are in shape of the bomb tails. Past regal government house on edge of cliff on right with stone & inset copper plaque detailing the fateful day of attack. Keep walking past the massive fig trees obscuring views & you will get to this covered, fairly large Lookout with info boards. Views to harbour is somewhat obscured by cliff face vegetation but still very good. Walk past Survivors Lookout to stairs or lift down to Skybridge & Darwin Waterfront. Worth a stop & perhaps do the self guided walk as signed.

Other iconic buildings - Court house & old govt. admin buildings are right opposite this Lookout. Free brief parking on weekdays in front of Lookout - weekend is...

Came here in raining day. Free parking in the front on Saturday morning. Overgrown trees blocked all of the views - able to see Government House or Sea. Only reading stories of bombing...

A shady place for a rest and read on some history with a nice view over the water. Stairs infront to go down to the waterfront precinct or an...