Darwin Wharf
Tunnel Tours

The Darwin Wharf Tunnel Tour allows you access to the oil storage tunnels dug underneath Darwin to provide protection against Japanese bombing during the second World War.

Tunnel Opening Times & Cost

The entrance to the tunnels is from Kitchener Drive, the road running around the base of the cliff which provides access to the wharf precinct.

It's a 10 minute walk from the Darwin Mall and an easy walk from the convention centre, the wave pool and public beach in front of the Medina Wharf Hotel.

Visitors looking at the photo displays along the dimly lit main tunnel.

After most of the fuel storage facilities in Darwin were destroyed in the first bombing raid by the Japanese, work was started on these tunnels to provide the allies with secure supplies for the Pacific war.

Bombing of Darwin

Steps to main tunnel.

The photos displayed along the wall of the main tunnel provide a graphic history of the destruction caused by bombing raids during the war

A small set of steps leads down to the main tunnel, with some of the original plumbing still intact.
Work on the tunnels started in 1943 and they were only just completed before the end of the war.

Storage Tunnel

Only one of the main tunnels is accessible, although you can see a glimpse of others.

At the end of the main tunnel an emergency exit leads out to daylight at the base of the cliffs near the Deck Chair Cinema.

Emergency Exit

More information on Darwin Wharf Precinct