Matthew Stephen

Darwin Matthew Stephen

Darwin is a dynamic and vibrant city with a character all of its own. It is Australia's northern most capital city and the only capital city situated in the tropics. Despite only being settled by Europeans in 1869 Darwin's history is short but eventful. Since then the destruction of Darwin from the World War II bombing raids and Cyclone Tracy in 1974 dominate its history, but there are so many other stories to tell.

The evolution of Darwin's physical and social landscape can be traced through photographs. From colonial outpost to Australia's World War II frontline to today's gateway to South East Asia the photographs of each period illustrate a rich, diverse and distinctive history and highlight just how much Darwin has changed and reinvented itself.

Forged in adversity Darwin's characted and strength lies in the resilience of its people who know that when faced with extraordinary challenges they can survive, rebuild and flourish.