PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Home to the Larrakia, it was the site of the sub-sea cable to Java to which the first Australian colonial message was dispatched in 1872, a site from which Australia’s true longitude was set in 1883 and became the completed Port Darwin Post and Telegraphic Office in 1887.

It was damaged by a cyclone in 1897.
In 1918, the ‘Darwin Rebellion’ took place in its back yard.
More cyclone damage in 1937.

In 1942, it was a primary target in the first Japanese bombing raid on Darwin and was all but destroyed. The postmaster, his wife and all staff were killed. 9 people in all.

It is Parliament House, the Northern Territory’s premier public building.

Free guided tours:
9am and 11am every Saturday
10.30am on Wednesday. 90 minutes.
From May to September (Dry Season)
Gather in the foyer. Bookings not necessary.

Images:
Post and Telegraphic Office Staff, 1940s
Northern Territory Archives Service - Patrick Murphy Collection – NTRS 1685 Item 10
Bombed post office 1942 Northern Territory Archives Clegg Collect NTRS 234 CP 57/3

Mitchell Street, Darwin
Tel: (08) 8946 1512
www.nt.gov.au/lant