10 Specialty Museums in Top End That You Shouldn't Miss

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the NT's premier cultural institution. Enjoy permanent exhibition highlights such as Cyclone Tracy, Natural History and Sweetheart, a famous croc as well as exciting temporary exhibitions. Enjoy a meal at the picturesque Saltwater cafe overlooking the sea or purchase a book or gift at the Store at the Museum. Entry is free. MAGNT runs an engaging series of talks, public programs, workshops and school holiday programs. Check out the website for details

The people from Murumburr, Mirrar Gun-djeihmi, Badmardi, Bunitj, Girrimbitjba, Manilakarr, Wargol and other clans have combined to create an exciting and memorable exhibit. The exhibit touches on hunting techniques by the clans, the recent history of the park, blood lines and marriage rights, tribal elder stories and the effects of white settlement in the Top End.Warradjan Cultural Centre is free to enter.

The Defence of Darwin Experience is managed by Darwin Military Museum on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. It was established to tell a story of Darwin's role in World War II and is dedicated to the period 1932 to 1945 - a very important time in Territory history. The Defence of Darwin Experience opened on 18 February 2012, which was in time to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Defence of Darwin Experience is the first facility in Australia to provide visitor with an immersive, interactive, multimedia experience which extends beyond the physical walls of the precinct 'hub'. The Defence of Darwin Experience is fully airconditioned inlcuding a gift shop and cafe. The Darwin Military Museum is only a step outside of the Defence of Darwin Experience, providing visitors with a different experience: artillery pieces; vehicles, uniforms, firearms, models and paintings and much more. The Darwin Military Museum is the original military museum which was established from the 1960s by the Royal Australian Association of the Northern Territory. The Darwin Military Museum is continuing to expand by adding more exhibitions to further educate visitors of Northern Australia involvement in WWII. Defence of Darwin Experience and Darwin Military Museum has formed a large World War II precinct at East Point. Visitors can move through the precinct and view the displays and exhibitions offered by both facilities.

Discover the unique history of the Katherine region at the Katherine Museum & Gardens. Start at the McNamara Cottage and gift shop, visit the Clyde Fenton Gallery, the Overland Telegraph Line building and Wallie’s Shed to see diverse displays of people, place and culture. Through outdoor and indoor displays, the museum showcases the resilience, resourcefulness and adventurous spirit of the people of the Katherine region. From town icon and Wardaman stockman, Sabu Singh, Galloping Jack and Russian Peanut Farmers to the Daisy Cutter bombs that fell during World War Two, Katherine’s strong military ties and the Katherine Floods, find out how and where it happened. Have a picnic or take a walk in the beautiful community gardens.

Come and see some of the Northern Territories Automotive history. Everything from Steam Traction Engines and Locomotives to the first Solar Car, each with it's own piece of history and it's all housed in the old Qantas Hangar which it's self has survived both the attempts by the Japanese to destroy it in 1934 to Cyclone Tracy in 1974. It's the territories best kept secret.

Roadmaster's House was built to accommodate the staff of the North Australia Railway (NAR). The date of construction of the building is not known but was most likely in the 1920s or 1930s. It was built to accommodate staff of the North Australia Railway (NAR) and was known as Roadmaster’s House. The Roadmaster was the officer responsible for track maintenance. It was occupied by NAR staff until damaged by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. After the railway closed in 1976 the building was leased to the Roman Catholic Stella Maris organisation where it was used as a seafarers centre. Originally the house provided for an office, bar, meals, and recreational facilities up until 1991 when a new building was completed and the house became an annexe. Roadmaster’s House Museum documents the work of engineers and surveyors in the Northern Territory.