TAKE A BATJI TOUR
“Share in the stories of our ancestors (the cockatoo clan); my father (the black sea snake); my Totem (the black tip reef shark) and our home, the Larrakia Land of Darwin.” ~ Robert Mills, Batji Tours.
I joined this Aboriginal cultural tour guided by Robbie Mills himself to learn more about Darwin through the eyes of the traditional owners, the Larrakia people. Robbie told us more about the Aboriginals who are older than the bible, as old as the earth, about the trees and plants that are important for them, their traditions etc. I learned a lot already about the Aboriginal people on my previous visit to Australia at Uluru and it keeps fascinating me.
Daily departure walking tours (bookings must be made by 5 pm previous day). Price is 35 AUD$*
CROCOSAURUS COVE
Right in the heart of Darwin city you can get up close with crocodiles. You can feed them, see them be fed or go into a death cage to be very close to them! I thought the “Fishing for crocs” was an interesting experience as you got to see their teeth grabbing for the meal.
Open Daily from 9.00 am till 6.00 pm (Closed Christmas Day). Prices start from 30 AUD$*
VISIT THE ART GALLERIES
Territory Colours
An art gallery that showcases Australian art from jewelry to furniture to paintings, promoting local art. (Open 7 days)
Mbantua Gallery
One of the largest privately owned Aboriginal art galleries in the world, specializing in original art from the Utopia region, north east of Alice Springs.
PARAP MARKETS
On Saturday morning locals gather at the stalls at Parap Markets, selling Asian food, fruit, vegetables and art. There`s a great vibe going around between the locals and visitors. You come here either for a yummy breakfast, doing your fresh grocery shopping or just to take it all in, relax and people watch.
Every Saturday from 8 am till 2 pm (rain or shine) all year round.
DECKCHAIR CINEMA
Probably my favorite activity as I`m a sucker for everything related with the stars and that`s what this is, an alternative cinema experience under the stars! Deckchairs are set up, you can get yourself some cochins and sit back with a drink to experience an open-air movie experience.
Open seven days from April to November. (Dinner and drinks are available for purchase) Price: 15 AUD$/adult
DEFENCE OF DARWIN EXPERIENCE
Darwin got bombed on 19 February 1942, it was the first attack on Australian soil. I thought the theatre experience was very well done, it almost felt as being right back in time. The Defence of Darwin Experience is located next to the current Darwin Military Museum.
Open from 9.30am till 5pm, 7 days a week (Closed – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday). Price: 14 AUSD$/adult, this will give you admission to the Defence of Darwin Experience and the Darwin Military Museum.
MUSEUM OF ART GALLERY OF NT
You can find the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory (MAGNT) in a tropical garden in the Darwin Harbor. The museum shows Aboriginal art, visual art, Northern Territory history, natural sciences and much more.
Open seven days from 09.00 am till 5.00 pm – Free admission
WHERE TO EAT?
You can find lots of different places to eat in any city. These places just stood out for me as I tried them myself.
If you want to go to a place that offers an affordable meal with a beautiful view over the Arafura Sea, have lunch at Cornucopia Café, located at MAGNT (just next to the museum).
When in Australia, you`ve got to have pie!
For a nice evening dinner in an Asian inspired decor, Hanuman Restaurant, serves exotic and spicy food. Have a look yourself at the menu, this is not a cheap restaurant, but then again I`ve discovered Australia has become more expensive since my last visit.
Another lovely location for dinner and here it`s more about the location than the food in my opinion is the Darwin Ski Club. The reason I mention this one is because of the stunning sunsets. What better way to end a day than with a meal overlooking the sun setting into the sea.
WHERE TO STAY?
When I was in Darwin I stayed at two different accommodations, the first one being the Vibe Darwin Waterfront Hotel. With a nice size room, comfortable bed and a view over the Darwin Waterfront, not to mention only a few minutes’ walk from the city center, this hotel has it all.
The second accommodation is quite the unique experience (I only stayed here for one night). The Feathers Sanctuary is located only a few minutes from Darwin Airport, but you would have never guessed it. Your room is surrounded by natural wildlife such as Wallabees, but especially birds.
Don`t forget about the big events, like the Beer Can Regatta and the Darwin Festival. Darwin is also the perfect starting point for trips to Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park and Katherine.
I got invited to Darwin by the Northern Territory Tourism Board. As always the opinion in this post are my own.
Wow, those are some big jaws on that crocodile! That hotel looks like a lovely location, too. Would love to stay there sometime.
Yes, and you can join the crocodiles in the water, in a cage of course! The hotel did have a nice location, right by the water and close to the city center.
Darwin is an awesome destination!! We liked travelling across the bay to Mandorah, and the Cyclone Tracy exhibit at the Museum – but that was 4 yrs ago! Maybe it’s time to go again!