Damoe Ra Park

This delightful shady park, located below the escarpment on the coastal side of Parliament House, holds a special place in the hearts of Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people. Please respect the natural features of this area which include a sacred spring, for generations a treasured source of drinking water, for aboriginal, and then early European settlers alike. There are a number of these springs and soaks all around the low lying coastal escarpments of Darwin.

The park is easiest to find via the steps on the corner of Herbert Street and the Esplanade. WALK MAP 30 At the bottom of the steps you will come to the first of several concrete portals that are the only external sign of the oil storage tunnels built during WW2. There are lots of explanatory signs as you stroll along past the Deckchair Cinema, in the shadows of Government House.

You can follow the coast around to Stokes Hill Wharf, or hug the bottom of the escarpment and wander to one of the oil storage tunnels that is open for visitors; well worth a visit. You can climb the steps at the tunnel to get back up to the Esplanade and Survivors Lookout, or keep on strolling to Chinaman's Walk. These steps were the final approach to Darwin for all sea travelers of yesteryear. There is a beautiful mosaic mural depicting the history of the area on the wall alongside this walk. Print a copy of the Walk Map on our Location Page to help you find your way.