Darwin

Benefit from Darwin’s hot balmy weather and a vast array of food and cultures in the city’s outdoor festivities and markets. Examine the area’s gripping history of World War II air raids and Cyclone Tracey in the region’s museums and galleries. Sail alongside crocodiles at sunset on Darwin’s Harbour and trek through rugged monsoon forest. Take a dip in the pristine waterholes of the Litchfield National Park and visit the vibrant villages of the Tiwi Islands. Darwin is a must see destination for the adventurous, energetic and warm weather devotees.


Enjoy festivities with the locals and cruise the harbour

At the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets from May to October, enjoy a plate of sizzling satay with the locals. Watch the annual Darwin Beer Can Regatta in July where punters build boats out of beer or soft drink cans. Go to the Deckchair Cinema and watch a movie on a starlit night with a drink and a picnic dinner. Bathe in Darwin’s tropical weather at Cullen Bay with a beautiful meal. Or go on a cruise around the harbour and learn about this intriguing area.


Have a crocodile encounter or go bird spotting

Witness the diversity of life – orchids, bromeliads and traditional Aboriginal plants as you cycle in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Have a swim in the warm waters to replenish and explore the sacred indigenous sites at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. At Berry Springs Nature Park, go bird spotting in the monsoon forest, fish in the tranquil swimming holes. Get close and personal to birds of prey, nocturnal animals in the famous Territory Wildlife Park, which is a 45-minute drive from Darwin. Encounter a giant crocodile at Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or from a cruising distance along the coast and rivers.


Learn about this city’s fascinating and stark history

Develop your knowledge of Darwin’s engrossing Aboriginal history at the Museum and Art Gallery in the Northern Territory. It is here also, where you can recount the horror and devastation caused by Cyclone Tracey of ’74. Marvel at the Chinese Temple that was nearly crushed on the street of Litchfield. Learn about the 64 air raids that the Japanese inflicted during World War II, a moment that is still fresh in the minds of many. You can see dramatic footage of the bombings and also visit the bunker where military strategy was developed at the East Point Military Museum. Walk around the Wharf Precinct and follow a myriad of trails leading to World War II oil tunnels and get a glimpse of the early B52 Bombers at the Aviation Heritage Centre. You can also check out some of the colonial style cottages that managed to survive the bombings of World War II at the Point Historical Precinct in Myilly.


Witness the majestic Florence Falls

Visit the Litchfield National Park for a day and experience waterfalls, pools, wildlife and exquisite flora and fauna, just a one and a half hour drive from Darwin. Swim at the base of the majestic Florence Falls and trek through tropical rainforests to Walker Creek. Have a picnic and admire the fruit bats at Wangi Falls and soak up the vast valley expanse at Tolmer Falls. Go on a cruise along the Reynolds River situated in a current cattle station. Go on an adventure with the traditional Aboriginal owners the Wagait people across a dense rugged landscape.


Travel the Tiwi Islands

In March, get excited because the Tiwi Islands play their grand final in Nguiu. Have a look at some native Tiwi art, known for its dynamic array of strong features and bright colours. Have a mug of some traditional billy tea and damper with some Tiwi ladies and watch them show you the native traditions of weaving and painting. After, check out a performance and a smoking ceremony to cleanse the land of evil spirits. Catch a giant barramundi on a fishing tour along the Tiwi coast. Here you’ll find an amazing tropical landscape of rainforests, beaches and rock pool spread throughout Melville and Bathurst Islands, these two islands together are known as the Tiwi Islands. Go on a day or overnight tour where you can go by a 20 minute flight or a two hour ferry from Darwin; whatever your preference.