Burnett House, Colonial residence in Larrakeyah, Australia
Burnett House is a two-story residential building in Larrakeyah with a metal roof and timber frame construction. It features fibro sheeting cladding and wall-to-wall windows that allow natural light to fill the interior spaces.
The house was designed in 1938 by architect Beni Burnett and stood through the bombing raids on Darwin during World War II. Marks from that era remain visible on parts of the structure, including damage to the front fence.
The building represents how colonial architects rethought tropical living by drawing on Southeast Asian building ideas and practices. The tall windows and open spaces show how people wanted to construct and inhabit homes in hot climates.
The house is open for visitors on specific days during the week, with guided tours that walk you through the interior. It is useful to check opening times before visiting, as they are limited.
Inside the house on the floor is a colorful compass embedded in the concrete foundation. This detail is easy to miss during a visit, yet it serves as both a practical aid and a decorative feature.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
