Welcome to small cosmopolitan capital of Northern Territory of Australia! Darwin is where you will come across all Asian features blending with the Australian culture. Today, it is known for its cozy lifestyle and distinct ethnicity featuring inhabitants from more 50 cultures including of all the Asian countries along with the Aboriginals, musicians, and ‘crocodile hunters’.
Darwin enjoys a tropical climate featuring dry and wet seasons, former from May to October, while the latter is from November to April. This is also the cyclone–hit city. So, you need to first find out the weather forecast before you make a trip. However, the ideal season to come here is the dry one.
More than water adventure at the beaches, Darwin is much more famous for its natural, historical, as well as cultural attractions. So, things to do in Darwin range from exploring events to parks. One of the famous attractions is Territory Wildlife Park that is the home of the monsoon as well as paper bark jungles offering a walk along the wetlands. The most thrilling activity here is to stand face-to-face with a big saltwater crocodile as you amble via the aquarium subway. And yes, the birds of prey show is a must to see.
Aquascene is something not to be missed on the Doctors Gully Road. This is where you experience feeding fish by your own hands. Do not worry; they do not bite at all! However, you need to call before coming here as feeding is only possible if the tides are favorable. For some similar fun, head to the Batchelor Butterfly and Petting Farm – the sole of its kind in the Northern Territory. Acting as the doorway to the Litchfield National Park, it is the home of rare as well as colorful butterflies along with an assortment of a petting farm thronged with turtles, rabbits, peacocks, guinea pings, fish, and native birds. You will surely love the tropical garden scenery. Have your meal in the café here. Come and see for yourself as it is a surely beautiful place! Fees: AUD$10 per adult and $5 per child.
One of the most famous historical attractions is the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels veiled deep under the city land. Take up this one of the most probing tour for exploring those tunnels that were born during World War II because of the weakness of the storage tanks in front of aerial assaults. However, the tragedy is that these were never utilized of which only two are open to public holding a superb exhibit of photographs of the war days.
One of the interesting things to do in Darwin is to explore its East Point reserve in the north. This is full of cycling as well as walking trails. Other highlights are East Point Military Museum, World War II relics, and a video of bombing. You can even spot here Agile Wallabies if you come at dawn or dusk.
Do go for the Deckchair Cinema that is open from April to November. From 6:30 pm, you get a chance to relax on the Darwin Harbor’s deckchairs as well as watching a film beneath the stars. Each night, this is where you can enjoy watching good Australian, foreign, and family films for AUD$13. One more event worth attending is the Aboriginal Art Awards pulling a wide range of creative talent. It is mostly held anytime between August and October.
Get ready to savor exotic meals, craft, local art, and live music. I am talking about the Parap Village Markets where every Saturday morning you are welcomed to taste the famous laksa of Mary, which refers to a curry-packed chapatti or a fresh fruit juice.
Want to shop? One of the most awaited things to do in Darwin is to shop at the largest shopping complex – the Casuarina Square full of shops and food courts. Coming to the food, it is always casual and relaxed. Breakfast is best at Café Uno for its savory toasted avocado as well as cheese and tomato croissant. Want to taste one of the best coffees? Then, be at Café 21 that is in the mall. I would also recommend tasting the lemon curd with coconut loaf at the Roma Bar.
For an affordable stay, you can choose from Gecko Lodge ($50 to $65) on Mitchell Street, Frogshollow Backpackers ($55 to $68) on Lindsay Street, and FreeSpirit Resort Darwin (AUD $28 to $340) on Stuart Highway.
