Darwin, Australia
Darwin is a vibrant, tropical city perched on a deep water port, offering a blend of cosmopolitan and outback pleasures. It also acts as a gateway to the 'Top End's' natural and cultural attractions.
During the Second World War Darwin endured 64 Japanese bombing raids and witnessed the sinking of six vessels. Then in 1974 tropical Cyclone Tracey devastated the city. Rebuilt as a modern tropical capital, Darwin now sports low-rise buildings on wide, tree-lined streets, with parks and contemporary waterfront developments, all embracing a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.
A Waterfront City
Darwin sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney harbour and overlooks the Arafura Sea, offering an array of waterfront delights including superb dining, cruising, and wreck-diving.
Beaches, bays and waterholes are in abundant supply to explore and enjoy - which is just as well with Darwin having an average daily temperature in the low 30s (Celsius).
In the dry season (May to October) visit Casuarina, Fannie Bay, Mindil and Vestys Beaches, all close to the city. Be aware that from late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish make beaches and open waterways places to avoid. Fortunately, Darwin has plenty of popular freshwater swimming spots nearby, to take advantage of these times, such as Howard Springs, Berry Springs and Manton Dam.
The harbour itself offers a host of tours and activities. Enjoy a sunset cruise, or dive and explore one of the many sunken ships that are a testimony to Darwin's involvement in World War II!
The wharf precincts are perfect for those who like to dine out with a water view. The Darwin Wharf precinct and Cullen Bay are culinary hot spots.
Close to Asia
Darwin is closer to Asia than Sydney, and has the vigour and diversity you would expect of a city that is home to 50 ethnic groups. Along with Aboriginal culture, these influences help mould a unique restaurant, market and cultural scene.
Not only will you taste great seafood, and crocodile, buffalo, camel or emu (if you dare), you can take your pick of cuisine with Asian and European influences. You'll never want for a 'coldie' (cold beer) here, but you can also enjoy fine restaurants serving the best in fine wines.
Darwin has a hive of lively entertainment venues, including a casino, theatres, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Darwin's Mindil Beach Sunset Market is the most popular food market in the Northern Territory, and is situated just off the beach, within walking distance of the city. It offers a rich sample of Asia-Pacific flavours in a balmy, tropical setting.
The markets are open for business every Thursday in the dry season months, between May and October. Hundreds of holiday-makers come to the market to buy dishes from the stallholders and sit on the beach to watch the sun go down.
National Parks
Darwin is surrounded by more than 20 national parks and reserves - some world renowned, like Kakadu National Park, and some hidden treasures, just as rich in dramatic beauty, wildlife and Aboriginal culture.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park, located 252 kilometres east of Darwin, achieved international recognition as a cultural and ecological treasure with its World Heritage listing in 1984.
Its delicate beauty is almost beyond description. The size of a small country, its natural and cultural treasures stretch more than 100 kilometres from north to south and 100 kilometres from east to west. The land itself is believed to be more than two billion years old, and is a jigsaw of wetlands, gorges, waterfalls, floodplains, rainforest pockets and escarpments.
It shelters an amazing collection of flora and fauna, from sinister crocodiles to beautiful waterlillies. Kakadu houses the most diverse range of wildlife - more than 1,600 species of plant, 60 species of mammal, 290 bird species, 120 reptile species, 25 frog species and 55 species of fish. Quite a number of the fish species are unique to Kakadu.
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