Steam Pump-house

Historically the Steam Pump is significant as it was a vital component of the Royal Australian Navy’s major refuelling base for its northern operations. The construction of this oil fuel installation, together with the transfer of a Garrison to defend the installation, was the beginning of the major expansion of Darwin as a defence base. This military build-up was central to Darwin’s development from a small outpost into a thriving city. The build-up also had a wider significance within Australia as it represented a divergence from Imperical Defence Policy.

Technically the Steam Pump House is significant as internally it is complete including the original steam driven oil pumps, which are early examples of steam technology.