Australia’s northernmost capital, Darwin is a place where things get really tropical – With temperatures soaring year ‘round and seasons made distinct not by temperate, but rainfall, it is a place like no other. When more mundane destinations have lost their appeal, its time to head north and go a little “troppo” in Darwin.
Mindil beach Magic
Throughout the Dry Season, Mindil beach plays host to the night market, where you can enjoy a bit of respite from the sun in the early evening and take in some live music, market stalls, spectacular food and wine, all on the beach. Watching the sun set as you wander the stalls or kick back with a relaxing meal is a truly unforgettable experience like no other.
Museum adventures
Spend a few pleasant hours at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and wander their intriguing exhibits. This unique museum covers a wide range of subject areas – from the aftermath of Cyclone Tracey to indigenous history, fauna and flora exhibits and war memorabilia, this is a mixed bag of education and entertainment that will intrigue and delight you. The museum is especially focused on the enjoyment of children, with lots of hands-on activities to delight the little ones. There’s also a beautiful indigenous art gallery where you can witness some of the local masters at work.
Enjoy a soak at Howard Springs
Howard Springs Nature Park is a wonderful place to attempt to escape the hit a bit, with a series of manmade rockpools and waterfalls offering the perfect safe swimming spot. There are playgrounds for the kids to scramble around, and some beautiful easy bushwalks to do enjoy as well here. The ranger-guided activities are informative and entertaining and it’s a great way to learn more about the local environment.
Fishing
Fishing Charters are big business in Darwin – the chance to get out into open sea and make a truly spectacular catch is a very popular pastime with good reason. Choose your charter wisely and you’ll have an unforgettable experience, whether you manage to bring something home for dinner or not. If you’re successful, the expert chefs will barbeque your fish and you’ll be able to feast on a very fresh dinner indeed.
Walk the long beach
One of the most amazing beach walks in the world is the twelve-kilometre stroll between Nightcliff and Casuarina Beach. Your adventures will see you crossing a river and navigating mangrove swaps along with the amazing beach itself. It will be a few hours well spent as you really take the time to appreciate this unique part of the world like no other.
Get Scenic
One of the most spectacular ways to really get a sense of the vastness of the landscapes here is from the air – booking a scenic flight can allow you to see Kakadu and Arnhem Land in a whole new light. Rocky ranges, waterfalls, deep gorgeous and incredible lush wetlands will all be part of the view depending on your sky bound route.
