top of page
  • Writer's pictureYour Friendly Neighbours

Darwin is literally a tropical paradise

Updated: Jun 21, 2021


Darwin is Australia’s most colourful and exotic capital city. It’s surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea while its streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. It’s also a multicultural hedonistic hotspot and the launch pad for trips into some of Australia’s most remarkable wilderness. It’s the best location from which to explore Australia’s Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and Kimberley region.


It's closer to Bali than Bondi and certainly feels removed from the rest of the country, which is just how the locals like it.


Top 5 experiences in Darwin


1. Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Food is the main attraction here − from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more. But that's only half the fun – arts and crafts stalls bulge with handmade jewellery, fabulous rainbow tie-dyed clothes, Aboriginal artefacts, and wares from Indonesia and Thailand. As the sun heads towards the horizon, half of Darwin descends on the market, with tables, chairs, rugs, grog and kids in tow to enjoy the sunset.


2. Crocosaurus Cove

If the tourists won't go out to see the crocs, then bring the crocs to the tourists. Right in the middle of Mitchell St, Crocosaurus Cove is as close as you'll ever want to get to these amazing creatures. Six of the largest crocs in captivity can be seen in state-of-the-art aquariums and pools, while you can be lowered right into a pool with the crocs in the transparent Cage of Death. If that's too scary, there's another pool where you can swim with a clear tank wall separating you from some mildly less menacing baby crocs. Other aquariums feature barramundi, turtles and stingrays, plus there's an enormous reptile house


3. George Brown Botanic Gardens

These 42-hectare gardens showcase plants from the Top End and around the world − monsoon vine forest, the mangroves and coastal plants habitat, baobabs, and a magnificent collection of native and exotic palms and cycads. Many of the plants here were traditionally used by the local Aboriginal people. The visitor centre has birdwatching brochures, garden maps and information on walks and the orienteering courses.


4. Kakadu National Park

Cascading waterfalls, rugged escarpments, aboriginal rock art, giant crocodiles and exotic bird life. Kakadu National Park will change how you see the world. Experience the magic of this ancient land which is only a few hours from Darwin.


5. Darwin Waterfront

One of Australia’s finest waterfront communities is right in the heart of Darwin, just a five-minute walk from the city. Ride the swell at the popular wave pool, swim in the saltwater lagoon, recharge at the cafes and colourful eateries, have a craft beer in the tavern, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or sit in the shade in the lush parklands with engaging public art. Then visit the attractions at nearby Stokes Hill Wharf with fabulous views over Darwin Harbour.


 



4 views0 comments
Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page