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Home , Northern Territory

History and Heritage

The Territory’s history The legendary journeys of John The Territory has played a significant McDouall Stuart, one of ’s role in the ongoing journey of of ancient and enduring most intrepid explorers, led the first reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples Aboriginal culture, successful expedition to traverse in Australia. The `Wave Hill walk-off’, intrepid explorers, mainland from south where Gurindji Aboriginal stockmen to north. This journey saw the demanded fair wages for their work courageous pioneering epic construction of the Overland is one of the most symbolic historical women and men, and Telegraph Line in the 1870s, described events for Aboriginal peoples, which wartime battles is as ’Australia’s greatest engineering led to the birth of Aboriginal land feat of the nineteenth century’ rights. unlike any other across and the first direct communication Australia. From the Top between Australia and Britain. The For military heritage, the is End to the Red Centre stories of pastoralists and the Gold unparalleled being Australia’s only Rush days of Pine Creek attest to the location of major battle during World the stories of the people fact that the Territory has narrative War II. Darwin felt the full force of who have shaped the that embodies the pioneering the war with air raids by aircraft of Territory underpin our spirit. From driving routes, heritage the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1942, sites and museums, there are many wreaking destruction on the city. distinctive sense of place opportunities to relive the footsteps and unique identity. of the early explorers and pioneers.

Anniversary Key Dates • – 19 February • – 25 April • Wave Hill Walk Off - 23 / Gurindji land handback – 16 August • Overland Telegraph Line; joining of the wires – 22 August What are we doing and Aspirations how to get involved? • Showcase the Northern Territory as a significant Australian • Tourism NT and Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours (MMBT) destination for World War II military history. led a film production showcasing the Top End’s military attractions and experiences. The film will be aired to • Share the unique stories of Territory pioneers through thousands of history fans on Mat McLachlan’s podcast engaging experiences, products and itineraries. and the Living History Channel, bringing awareness to our important military history. Goals • The Heritage Link Attraction Pass was established to • Raise awareness of the Territory’s unique World War II history showcase four Top End History and Heritage operators. to domestic and international markets to drive increased The pass includes access to must see attractions with visitation. a valued discount for consumers and is sold through relevant distribution channels. Further package and pass • Develop enhanced military, history and heritage product and developments will continue to grow this sector’s popularity. experiences in the Territory that can be promoted year round. Contact [email protected] to express • Grow commemorative military and/or history events to interest in future package developments. attract visitors to the Territory. • Military, heritage and history content is featured across • Promote the Territory’s heritage and history along self-drive our consumer website northernterritory.com on various itineraries in alignment with the Tourism NT Drive strategy. regional pages, in the NT Drive guide, itineraries and articles. To feature your attraction or tour across the consumer • Integrate key history and heritage product and experiences website, be sure to have an up-to-date ATDW listing. Log in or into the , and sectors. education drive cruise register for an ATDW listing here.

• Military and heritage attractions are profiled throughNT Strengths Learning Adventures and highlighted in relevant itineraries. • Drive experiences within the Northern Territory offer unique Further product and experiences that aligns with education journeys for holiday visitors to self-drive or fly to popular tourism groups would increase opportunities to engage with destinations and hire a car or campervan to explore the this sector. Contact [email protected] for surrounding areas. Heritage sites and stories along these more information. drives add to the visitor experience including River • Tourism NT maintains strong relationships with relevant War Cemetery, Telegraph Stations and the Battery Hill Mining stakeholders in the sector such as the NT Heritage Council Centre. and National Trust NT. • Darwin’s critical role in the defence of Australia during World • Tourism NT’s public relations and media team work closely War II, together with staging sites along the with Australian and international media in gaining coverage and the provision of camp and medical services in Alice for NT product and destinations. All new product / experience Springs are significant aspects of the Northern Territory’s updates can be forwarded to [email protected] military history. This brings the NT military experiences to the forefront from the remainder of Australia. To discuss opportunities and ideas around • Portrayal of the lives of the Territory’s pioneering men and developing the NT’s history and heritage visitor women create journeys of learning. Myilly Point Precinct is experiences contact the Department of Industry, home to four heritage listed homes; the Aboriginal and Tourism and Trade. mission story of the Hermannsburg Cultural Precinct; and the innovation behind the Road Transport Hall of Fame are key [email protected] points of interest within the founding history of the Territory. 08 8999 5194