WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Step back in time through Darwin's WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, a hidden underground heritage site revealing wartime history and sacrifice.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time through Darwin's WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, a hidden underground heritage site revealing wartime history and sacrifice.
"A hidden tourist gem in Darwin, offering an amazing bit of history and an excellent, unique experience."
🎟️ Affordable Family Fun
A family pass is a great deal at $20! Parking nearby is also budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Discover by Chance
You might stumble upon this gem while exploring the waterfront. Keep an eye out!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Echoing Tunnels
Under Darwin Wharf Precinct
Walk through the cool, dark tunnels and imagine the wartime urgency. A truly immersive historical experience.
The Digger Statue
Entrance to the tunnels
A poignant statue made from WWI bombing remnants, honoring fallen soldiers.
Historical Plaques & Radio
Inside the tunnels
Read detailed accounts of the tunnels' construction and wartime significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Uncover the Hidden History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Family Fun
A family pass is a great deal at $20! Parking nearby is also budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Discover by Chance
You might stumble upon this gem while exploring the waterfront. Keep an eye out!
💡 Learn the Full Story
Don't miss the plaques detailing the tunnels' complex history and the human cost.
🧒 Kid-Friendly History
Even younger visitors find the tunnels fascinating and the experience engaging.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Family Fun
A family pass is a great deal at $20! Parking nearby is also budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Discover by Chance
You might stumble upon this gem while exploring the waterfront. Keep an eye out!
💡 Learn the Full Story
Don't miss the plaques detailing the tunnels' complex history and the human cost.
🧒 Kid-Friendly History
Even younger visitors find the tunnels fascinating and the experience engaging.
🤫 A Hidden Gem
Many visitors discover this place unexpectedly and are delighted by its historical significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels as a surprisingly interesting and worthwhile attraction, often discovered by chance. The historical depth, atmospheric tunnels, and interactive elements are highlights, making it a great experience for all ages. Some reviews note the significant cost and the tragic human toll involved in the tunnels' construction, adding a poignant layer to the visit.
"Excellent - super interesting
Almost skipped this attraction.
So pleased we took the time to investigate.
FYI
The tunnel project failed to achieve almost every stated objective. Cost in 1943 was over 1 million pounds. Approx equal to $43,000.000 in 2025
Some of the 54,000 adult males were conscripted ( slave labored ) into building these tunnels and other wartime projects. Over 250 men 18 to 60 years old died on these wartime jobs."
Harry Hoogendoorn
"Didn’t realise this place existed & found it by chance today, a lovely lady provided an overview of what to expect & off we went. What a hidden tourist gem this place is in Darwin. would highly recommend anyone visit it down on the waterfront - a key piece of Australian history"
Gary Felstead
"What an amazing bit of history! To think it was kept hidden until 1992!
There are lots of plaques with history to read on the walk through the tunnel, a radio that you canister too. There's a small fee to enter and some merchandise to purchase."
Bernie Lea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tunnels are located in the Darwin Wharf Precinct on Kitchener Drive, part of the Waterfront Precinct. Many visitors find it convenient to park at the nearby outdoor cinema for an all-day fee of $5. It's easily accessible on foot once you're in the waterfront area.
Yes, there is parking available. One popular and affordable option mentioned is the $5 all-day parking at the outdoor cinema, which is close to the tunnels.
The tunnels are situated below the cliffs of Darwin City in the Waterfront Precinct, making them a walkable distance for many exploring the city center.
One visitor mentioned bringing their dog, suggesting that while the tunnels themselves might not be suitable for pets, the surrounding waterfront area is.
The tunnels are best explored on foot. Take your time to read the historical plaques and absorb the atmosphere. It's a relatively short visit, perfect for keeping attention spans engaged.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small fee to enter the tunnels. A family pass is available for approximately $20, making it an affordable option for groups.
Advance booking is generally not required. Visitors can typically purchase tickets upon arrival at the site.
Opening hours can vary, but the tunnels are generally accessible during daylight hours as part of the waterfront attractions. It's advisable to check local listings or signage upon arrival.
A family pass is available, offering a discounted rate for groups. Specific discounts for seniors or students are not widely advertised but may be available.
Admission typically includes access to walk through the tunnels, read the historical plaques, and experience the underground heritage museum. Some merchandise may also be available for purchase.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a network of tunnels with historical plaques detailing their construction and wartime context. There's also a radio you can interact with, offering an immersive historical experience.
Yes, the tunnels are considered excellent for both adults and kids. The cool, echoey atmosphere and the historical stories captivate younger visitors.
The visit is relatively short, often described as a 'short enough visit to keep the boys interested.' It's a great way to add a historical element to your day without taking up too much time.
Built during WWII to protect oil from Japanese bombing, the tunnels never actually stored oil by the time they were completed. They represent a significant, albeit unfulfilled, wartime project.
Yes, there's a radio that visitors can use, adding an interactive element to the historical experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the tunnels. The atmospheric lighting and historical elements make for interesting shots.
Capture the long, dark corridors, the historical plaques, and any unique architectural features. The 'Digger' statue outside is also a great photo subject.
Due to the low light, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial. Many visitors capture good shots with their smartphones.
No specific restrictions are widely mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disrupt the atmosphere or other guests.
Drone usage is highly unlikely to be permitted inside enclosed historical sites like these tunnels due to safety and preservation concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unfulfilled Purpose: A Wartime Endeavor
This historical quirk adds a layer of intrigue to the site. It wasn't just about the engineering; it was also about the human element. The construction involved a considerable workforce, and as one review highlights, some individuals were conscripted into this labor. Tragically, this wartime effort came at a cost, with over 250 men reportedly losing their lives during these projects. Understanding this context transforms the visit from a simple historical tour into a more profound reflection on the sacrifices made during wartime.
Exploring the Underground Heritage
Beyond the plaques, there's an interactive radio that visitors can use, adding a touch of engagement to the experience. The site also functions as an underground heritage museum, showcasing artifacts and information related to Darwin's wartime history. For families, it's a surprisingly engaging experience; the novelty of exploring underground tunnels often captures children's imaginations, making it a memorable outing. The visit is typically concise, ensuring that even younger visitors remain interested throughout.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit