Kingsford Smith at Darwin, 1930

This 1930 silent film features legendary aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith (1897-1935), arriving at the Darwin Aerodrome in his British-made Avro Avian biplane, the Southern Cross Junior. Kingsford Smith succeeded in breaking the record for a solo flight from England to Darwin in October that year. He accomplished this within ten days, beating four competitors who had left England ahead of him.

Additional footage shows aerial views of Darwin and includes buffalo hunting and bush scenes, followed by shots of the city’s streets, pedestrians, pubs, shops and homes.

Note: this film is silent.