As the hottest trending city in Australia, Darwin has lately proved itself to be a place of enormous diversity that sums up exactly what Australia is made of. A city of juxtapositions, Darwin is a unique mix of urban living, Indigenous heritage and untarnished bushland. Hosting an uncommon balance of cosmopolitanism and rich history, you will find a new experience at every turn; from side streets littered with restaurants and bars to tropical sunsets and crocodile adventures, Darwin is full of the unexpected. It’s a big place so grab a flight, hire a car and let Darwin tick all of your holiday boxes.
1. Darwin is home to the country’s only ‘beer can regatta’
Forget the Sydney to Hobart, Darwin’s annual ‘beer can regatta’ takes place every July and has done for over forty years. As its namesake implies, contestants construct vessels out of beer cans, soft drink cans, plastic bottles and milk cartons. It’s a case of sink or swim – the boats aren’t tested for seaworthiness before competing, which makes for hilarious spectating (or participating, if you’re that way inclined!). Other activities that take place on the day include thong-throwing as well as the infamous ‘Henley-on-Mindil’ contest where competitors race their vessels like Flintstones cars.
2. The city has a population of only 140,000 – but is home to 60 different nationalities and more than 70 ethnicities
This vibrant, multicultural mix makes Darwin a more than satisfactory destination for eating out. At the city’s Waterfront Precinct, just a short five-minute stroll from the city centre, you’ll discover a lively offering of all types of foods and cuisines, from Mexican to Greek. If it’s seafood that gets you salivating, be sure to experience Darwin’s best from under the sea with a trip to The Oyster Bar. Dotted with art and lush parklands, it’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of sightseeing with friends. When you’re done wining and dining, take some time out to pamper yourself with a trip to the Elements Day Spa or head to either the Wave or Recreation Lagoon where you can gaze back at the incredible cityscape from the crystal clear water.
Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin from $117*
3. It’s only a stone’s throw from some of Australia’s last uninhabited islands
Take a small plane or cruise from Darwin and you will happen upon the Tiwi Islands. Located in the Arafura Sea, Tiwi’s two major islands, Melville and Bathurst, are known for their traditional island lifestyle and intricate Indigenous art. A total of nine completely uninhabited islands are scattered in the region and are home to an abundance of precious flora and fauna, including the world’s largest breeding colony of crested terns. The vulnerable olive ridley turtle can also be spotted thanks to successful conservation programs. For something more hands-on, experience the island region’s world class fishing opportunities where you can catch endless barramundi, threadfin salmon, and many other species. If you’ve got tropical R&R on the mind, sit down with the ‘morning tea ladies’ and share some damper and billy tea as you learn how to weave pandanus and learn why it’s called the ‘Island of Smiles’.
Stay at Novotel Darwin Cbd from $122*
4. The city’s tropical climate means that it averages 30°C – all year long!
Not looking forward to another cold winter? Skip the chilly season altogether and jet off to warm Darwin, where you can get away with a singlet, shorts and thongs year-round. Sure, the city is monsoonal and can get a little wet at times, but that only means one thing – the many towering waterfalls found in Darwin’s surrounding national parks will be gushing. Framed by rock faces cloaked in Indigenous artwork, the falls are nothing short of majestic. Take a floatplane, car or walk through Litchfield National Park to discover the waterholes underneath the waterfalls for a quick dip. Then walk through the mysterious Lost City, made of weathered sandstone pillars or magnetic termite mounds. If you’re looking to travel a bit further out of the city check out Kakadu National Park or take a tour through the Nitmulik Gorge on either a canoe or a cruiser.
5. Darwin is easily Australia’s most laid back city
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, Darwin is a capital city with a small town feel. In fact, Greater Darwin’s population density sits at 43 people per square kilometre which is incredibly sparse when compared with Greater Sydney, which has a whopping 380 people per square kilometre. With fewer people around, finding space to relax in Darwin is a breeze! The busiest Darwin gets is when the popular Mindil Beach Markets are on (held every Thursday and Sunday evening from April to October). When we mention the markets in Darwin think Bali, more than Bondi – the atmosphere is electric with 60ft stalls and over 130 vendors selling fresh and local produce that they’ll happily teach you how to cook as you watch the sun set over Fannie Bay. If markets are your thing, be sure to check out the Saturday morning Parap Village Markets, the Sunday morning Nightcliff Markets and the Palmerston’s Friday night markets.
Stay at Skycity Darwin from $133*
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy (including taxes and fees) and were found on nz.kayak.com on 11 January 2017 for travel in February 2017. Prices are in NZD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
(**The flight prices shown above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on nz.kayak.com on 16 January 2017 for travel in February 2017. Prices are in NZD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.)
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