Last swing home husband and I took ourselves and the boys to Darwin. It’s fast becoming a regular haunt for us now especially since my parents are still there, and so we are quickly reacquainting ourselves with her with this being our third trip this year. We are refinding in some instances our favourite places.
I was born and raised in Darwin until I left in 2000 to be with my husband in his then Cairns posting with the defence force. So whilst there has been some change it’s not changed all that much Darwins lifestyle; I think, will always stay the same. Laid back and completly relaxed. I equate it to entering the twilight zone because Darwin runs on its own time and despite its many conveniences, it’s far from the fast paced life of southern cities.
When to go.
There are just two seasons in the Territory, the wet and the dry. The dry is the best time to go which is between May and October. The humidity between these months is low and so is like a nice southern summers day.
Where to eat.
Darwin is a literal melting pot of multiculturalism and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.
Personally, I have a big tug of war between my two favourites restaurants for both Asian and Indian. The first is Nirvana located on Dashwood cresent and Hunuman in the Performing Art Centre.
Hot Tamale, Darwin Waterfront. They make some of the best Tacos I have ever tasted and their service is exceptional but if I can make an additional recommendation it is to have a Tommy Margherita; sensational.
Laneway Cafe, Parap Village. The coffee at the Lane way is the best I have tasted in Darwin and along with its modern interior, orgainic menu its a must visit.
Where to hang:
The wave pool. For just $7 you can hang out at the wave pool all day and with waves reaching 1.2 metres it’s a perfect place to relax. Best of all its croc and stinger free.
The free water park in Leayner is another great spot also completely free with a large pool, water playground and two water slides it’s a great place to cool off with little ones.
Museum. I am a lover of the Darwin museum despite its small stature it packs an enormous punch on its art quality. Sitting nestled on the beach the views from its top floor windows is enough to keep you there for hours its has the most beautiful collection of Aboriginal art. It also has a permanent gallery for Cyclone Tracey and of the animal spices of the Northern Territory, but my favourite is the two exhibition spaces that are filled with either local exhibitions or travelling exhibitions from across the country.
Markets. Darwin boasts some of the best food markets in Australia I think with four of them happening across the weekend. The first of the Markets start on Thursday night at Mindle Beach. The markets start at 5 pm and go through to 9 pm. This market is huge and if you want to grab a spot on the sand eat your dinner and see the sun go down head down early with your blanket or chairs because it can be chaotic in the later hours. The food on offer ranges from fresh plates of seafood to Dutch pancakes. Mindle also does another smaller market on Sunday afternoons. Other markets held are Parap Markets at the Parap Village and Nightcliff Markets at the Nightcliff Village. Both starts from 7 am to noon its a great spot for breakfast again a great showcase of food and crafts on offer. Another smaller but older market that I would frequent as a kid is the Rapid Creek Market at the Rapid Creek Village. This market is a more authentic Asian market with many fresh Asian vegetables and foods available.
Crocasauras croc park located in the middle of the city. Its a little pricey but its a good exhibit all the same [Im not a fan of animal exhibits but this is amongst the better ones} and whilst its nothing like seeing them in the wild they give a great tour and information on the scaly reptiles. You also have the opportunity to swim with them for a price and handle snakes in their reptile exhibit. Should you have the time – yellow waters is the place to go for a tour, however, go down to the local boat ramp and Im sure it won’t take long to spot one. Buffalo Creek if you have the time- but adhere to signs these creatures are not to be underestimated.
Where to shop:
I have to admit I have never been a big shopper in Darwin; you don’t go to Darwin for its shopping. The main shopping centre is Casuarina Shopping Centre located in the southern suburbs. Casuarina as the locals call it has many of the big brands seen in Southern Cities but without the crowds.
Where to stay:
You can’t go wrong with accommodation in the territory almost all are located within Darwin city with access to all the restaurants and bars. The Vibe is one of the newest hotels I was able to visit and has great views and comfortable rooms. Vibe sits adjacent to the wave pool and is surrounded by some great dining options. Novotel Darwin another great location and dining options.
Locals tip:
Don’t over pack. Darwin style is casual, but if you love to run or exercise, there are some great running tracks all with the most exquist views.
