Known as the jewel of the Northern Territories, Darwin is a tropical city like no other, with a state population close to 140,000 in 2021, most are living in Darwin. The tropical climate consists of a wet and a dry season, with the wet season arriving at the end of November/start of December; before this, humidity levels rise, which can be a shade uncomfortable. The locals seem to handle it without any effort, indeed, the NT people are extremely resourceful and if you are planning a visit, here are a few experiences to add to your schedule.
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1. Litchfield National Park
About one and a half hours on the road from Darwin you enter the amazing Litchfield National Park. If you stay at one of the holiday apartments in Darling Harbour, this would be a perfect day trip; leave early in the morning and enjoy the drive. Huge termite mounds make it look like a scene from Mars and you can stop at some of the waterholes, where wildlife is abundant. Crocs are part and parcel of life in NT, always check with a local regarding going in the water!
2. Mindil Beach Market
Thursday and Sunday evening, Mindil Beach hosts a great market where you will find local arts and crafts. You can enjoy the sunset across the Timor Sea, which is Instagram-worthy, as the shimmering red ball slowly drops over the horizon. This market is only open between April and October, which is the dry season.
3. George Brown Botanical Gardens
Located within Darwin, these 42 hectares contain many tropical species, making them a must for all nature lovers; you can marvel at how Mother Nature adapts species to survive in a changing world. It is a great picnic venue and there are refreshments in the form of coffee shops and bakeries. Definitely worth a morning or afternoon, the cooler time is early in the morning. Click here for information about Victoria Falls in Zambia.
4. NT Museum & Art Gallery
The cultural centre of NT, the gallery hosts a great collection of Aborigine art, both traditional and contemporary. You could easily spend a few hours immersed in cultural art and discover how Darwin was rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy, while a huge croc named Sweetheart will send shivers down your spine.
5. Darwin Waterfront Precinct
This is definitely the place to go in the evenings; overlooking Darwin Harbour, there are restaurants and cafes, a very popular wave pool and a saltwater lagoon where you can swim. Enjoy craft beer as you watch the sun go down and explore the waterfront. There are a few entertainment venues where you can drink with the locals.
The Northern Territories are amazing and Darwin is the perfect place to rent a holiday apartment at reasonable prices. A treasure trove of natural beauty awaits the tourist, with abundant wildlife as you would expect in the tropics.
