Darwin Hotels

Yet for Aussies, there is another side to Darwin. There’s something sacred and intoxicating about the place; something that is at once instinctively familiar and dangerously exotic.

Darwin, more than any other city in the country, has a healthy dose of drama about it. Unlike the manmade flair of Sydney and Melbourne, Darwin’s cosmopolitan centre is secondary to its breathtaking natural setting – in fact, it is dwarfed by it. Hugging the Timor Sea, surrounded by Litchfield National Park and the Casuarina Coast Reserve and within touching distance of Kakadu National Park, the star attraction in Darwin is definitely nature.

Whether you’re having a beer and watching the most spectacular sunset you will ever see at the Darwin Yacht Club or watching prehistoric monsters leap from the Adelaide River on a Jumping Croc Cruise, it’s the wildlife and scenery that will leave you enchanted… and more than a little frightened.

Things are done that little bit differently in Darwin. There are tubs of stubby-coolers at the entrance to every establishment, as a cold one doesn’t stay too cold in the top end. Vegemite is kept in the fridge (so is the red wine!) and locals brazenly sail very rickety looking Hobie Cats across croc and box jellyfish-infested water.

What’s that old saying: ‘You’ll never know if you never go’? Ernie Dingo had it right. See it and believe.

DARWIN’S TOP 10

DARWIN LOCAL

Darwin City/CBD

The heart and hub of Darwin has plenty to see and do. If you’re interested in the political side of life, take a trip to Parliament House, where you can take a guided tour and learn about the history of Darwin’s political scene. To indulge your arty side, head over to one of the many Aboriginal art galleries, such as the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, where you can find both traditional and contemporary creations. Wanna get wild? Head to Crocosaurus Cove to feast your eyes on the biggest crocs and the most dangerous snakes in Oz. Now that you’ve worked those legs to the point of collapse, go and lie down in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or Bicentennial Park and have a little siesta. Or head to nearby Mindil Beach if you feel like a dip!

Fannie Bay

This Darwin suburb has a slightly amusing name and a range of activities to keep you happy. Start by investigating the city’s history and cultural side at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (the Cyclone Tracy exhibit brings home the devastation the 1979 disaster wreaked) and then head south to hit up the Fannie Bay Gaol for a more rugged portrayal of Darwin’s colonial history. If you want a little relaxation, head to the East Point Reserve for a scenic walk, bike ride or just a BBQ and chill. You’ll also find Lake Alexander at East Point, a popular swimming spot for both locals and visitors.

Casuarina

This area is located in Darwin’s north and is home to the NT’s biggest shopping plaza (which, it has to be said, is not saying much), Casuarina Square. It’s biggest appeal is its hearty air-conditioning, which draws locals en masse during the cloyingly steamy wet season. Once shopping’s done, head to Casuarina Beach for a dip in cool waters and a chill on the clean sands and then head over to Casuarina Coastal Reserve for a picnic under the trees. Perfection.

DARWIN EAT & DRINK

DARWIN EVENTS

Mildil Beach is invaded by boats made entirely of beer cans during the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta in July, which combines two of Darwin’s favourite pastimes – beer and sailing. While that’s the prime event, there are also other beach favourites, including sandcastle competitions, tug-o-war, put-put and thong throwing. Plus there are market stalls for people who like their standard entertainment. It’s weird, it’s wonderful and it only costs a dollar.

Come and celebrate Darwin’s cultural diversity at the Darwin Festival every August. This three-week-long fiesta is jam-packed with a variety of music and dance performances, art exhibits and parades and focuses on the great culture of the city and it’s people.

Spend a nice night watching movies under the stars at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema from April to November. Whether you’re up for family flicks, eerie horror, sappy rom-coms or hipster arthouse, you’ll be happy with the stacks of movies on offer. Food and drinks are available. Naturally, so is booze.

WHEN TO GO

· The temps stay pretty high throughout the year, but being tropical, Darwin has only two seasons, the dry (June to August) and the (very) wet (January to March).

· The dry season is waay more pleasant, as humidity levels can reach 90% in the wet. So from the moment you step out of the shower in the morning, you’ll feel damp, sweaty and bothered.

· The average temperature is 30°C all year. The difference is in the humidity, which can make you feel as though you’re wading through soup.

WHAT TO MISS

· Exploring this hot and humid city can prove mighty dangerous when it comes to dehydration, sunstroke and a bad case of sunburn. Make sure to wear adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.

· Darwin’s critters can be a little scary (think: snakes, crocs and jellyfish). Always be wary of your surroundings, obey warnings and rules and dress sensibly.

GETTING AROUND