Top Things to do in Darwin

 

Top Things to do in Darwin

 

To celebrate Darwin's status as one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Must Visit Cities in 2012, Tourism NT and Territory Discoveries have announced the -Darwin: Hot Right Now' holiday package. Only available this year, the special deal gives Aussie and international visitors a chance to experience the -hip' city as featured in the travel publisher's annual Best in Travel 2012 publication.

 

'Darwin is a vibrant, multicultural city with a diverse range of attractions and events that celebrate an outdoor lifestyle, including our famous markets, the Deckchair Cinema, world class indigenous art galleries and of course, Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks and the Tiwi Islands on our doorstep," said Tourism NT Acting Chief Executive Officer Angela Collard.

 

'The new holiday package shows off Darwin's best offerings to great effect. We've officially entered the Dry Season in the Top End, with average temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and next to no rain until September.

 

'The average rainfall for July has been less than 1mm for the last 10 years, so there really is no better time to visit Darwin."

 

To highlight the perfect tropical weather conditions they are currently enjoying, residents of Darwin participated in an Umbrella Amnesty on Saturday 23 June, donating their unused umbrellas for distribution to Australia's southern states for the winter. Darwin umbrellas will be distributed to commuters in Sydney and Melbourne on rainy days during July.

 

'Many Australians are currently enduring a very wet, cold winter, so in the spirit of mateship we're offering them our umbrellas. We're also letting them know that Darwin is the perfect place for a winter escape right now."

 

For those looking for a short mid-winter break, the -Darwin: Hot Right Now' holiday package offers an ideal solution. The package takes the guess-work out of where to stay, what to do and when to go, ensuring that travellers get the best out of their trip to Darwin and its beautiful surrounding areas for just $384 per person twin share.

 

Available from now until the end of the year, the -Darwin: Hot Right Now' package includes two nights' accommodation at the city-central Palms Spring Resort, an afternoon Darwin City Sights Tour and a one-day tour of the plunging waterfalls and rugged sandstone escarpments of Litchfield National Park, where nature truly is king.

 

Travellers who purchase the -Darwin: Hot Right Now' holiday package will also go into the running to be one of 10 lucky winners to receive their holiday package for free, plus return economy flights from any major city in Australia for two people.

 

Whether experiencing the best of Darwin and its idyllic surrounds or just enjoying the tropical weather, visitors are encouraged to plan their trips around upcoming events such as the Darwin Blues Fest (June 28-30); Darwin's iconic annual Beer Can Regatta (July 15) and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair which is part of the Darwin Festival, where indigenous-owned art centres showcase their works (August 10-12).

Top things to do

In Darwin you can take things as fast or as slow as you like. From bushwalks and market stalls to being submerged with man-eating crocodiles it really is your choice in this modern, tropical city.

Tropical Markets:

Darwin is a vibrant mix of cultures, and every one of them has a stall at the open air markets. Get to Mindil Beach in time for sunset (Thursdays and Sundays, March to November) and to grab something tasty.

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is only an hour's drive from the city. Crystal-clear waterfalls, swimming holes, four-wheel driving and easy-going bushwalks are just the start.

Festivals and Events

In August, Darwin Festival ignites the city with local and international performances. Don't miss the Beer Can Regatta, Darwin Blues Festival and Darwin Fridge Festival. In March, hop over to the Tiwi Islands for a unique insight into the community's twin passions: art and AFL footy.

Famous Darwin Sunsets

A trip on the calm waters enjoying the tropical breeze is a must-do for any visit. Sit back and enjoy fiery-red sunsets while sailing the harbour on a classic pearl lugger, catamaran or seacat, Champagne in hand. Or stay on land and head to the Ski Club, Sailing Club or Trailer Boat Club for a cold beer to witness one of those iconic sunsets.

Eyeball a giant croc

Adelaide River, 70km drive from the city centre, is perfect habitat for Salties. Seeing one of these 4.5m giants jumping from the water right next to your boat is something else. So is swimming in the -Cage of Death' at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin's CBD. Or for the faint-hearted, meet Sweetheart – 5 metres long and safely stuffed - at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT.

Deckchair Outdoor Cinema

It's been a Darwin tradition since the 1920s but now the secret's out. Every evening from April to November, locals gather by the shores of Darwin Harbour to lounge in deckchairs and watch flicks under the stars.

Barra Fishing on the Mary River or Corroboree Billabong

A metre-long slab of silver haunts every fisho's dreams. And in Darwin, dreams come true - on tours, in your own chartered boat and even off the shoreline or jetty. Barra action is hot in the run-off but can be had all year round.

The Waterfront

Darwin's newest hang-out is the Waterfront precinct, in the heart of the city. The wave pool and swimming lagoon are surrounded by chilled-out cafés, bars, shops and restaurants. For a stroll, a drink and a choice of places to eat, the Waterfront makes a relaxed alternative to buzzing Mitchell St.

Indigenous Art

Sculpture, weaving, prints, paintings – all are on show or on sale. Try the Didgeridoo Hut, showcasing and selling original, authentic Indigenous artwork; the galleries in Parap; visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT or walk the shoreline in the company of a Larrakia guide to see this country through indigenous eyes.

War Relics

On 19 February 1942 an unprepared Darwin was devastated by Japanese bombing. Despite 58 further raids, Darwin rose to the challenge, becoming a major forward base for the Pacific Campaign. Discover WWII stories in the ruins at the East Point Military Museum and the Oil Storage Tunnels.

For more information about Darwin, visit http://en.travelnt.com/explore/darwin.aspx>

To book the -Darwin: Hot Right Now' holiday package, visit www.territorydiscoveries.com/hotrightnow

To win your holiday for free, visit www.facebook.com/northernterritoryaustralia