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Lyons Cottage, Darwin or the BAT (British Australian Telegraph) House, as it is popularly know as is an early example of the architectural style of Darwin. From Lyons Cottage, Darwin, one can soak in the splendid views overlooking the harbor. This sole remnant example of colonial bungalow style architecture to be found in Darwin is located on the Esplanade. Lyons Cottage, Darwin was built in 1925 to house staff working on the submarine cable that connected Australia with Britain and thus got the name- British Australia Telegraph (BAT) House. The structural resilience of the Lyons Cottage is well displayed by the fact that it survived the Japanese bombing raids of 1942 and 1943, and escaped any structural damage from the devastating Cyclone Tracy that hit Darwin in 1974. At the time when Lyons Cottage, Darwin was constructed, using locally quarried porcelanite stone it was the first stone residence constructed in Darwin for thirty years. The Cottage has shuttered windows and high ceilings, with the structural design of the cottage emanating a distinct flavor of the distinctive architectural style of British colonial dwellings in India, Malaysia and Singapore. There is a prized collection of Aboriginal, Larrakia and European early history in terms of photographic displays and other memorabilia of the times present in Lyons Cottage, which provide visitors with an insight into Darwin's history. Do visit Lyons Cottage, Darwin on your trip to the city. Opening hours of Lyons Cottage, Darwin: The Cottage remains open from 10am to 4:30pm every day of the year except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. Postal address of Lyons Cottage, Darwin: PO Box 4646, Darwin, NT 0801 Telephone: (08) 8999 1750 Facsimile: (08) 8981 8289 Lyons Cottage, Darwin has Wheelchair access Facility for the disabled. There is no admission charge for Lyons Cottage.
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