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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
