Fans of the television show, The Amazing Race will no doubt remember the segment where the final four teams arrived in Darwin to discover their next clue was amongst the crocodiles at Crocodylus Park. Considered to be a worthy enough destination to include in the popular show, which is watched by millions worldwide - Darwin is certainly worth the compliment.
History
Aboriginals first inhabited Darwin many thousands of years ago and according to their stories passed down through generations, they had significant trading routes with South-east Asia. The first Europeans (Dutch) are believed to have sailed into the Top End in the 1600s, and then in 1939, the first British explorers sailed in and named the port Darwin (in honor of the historic naturalist Charles Darwin, who had travelled with them previously).
The town of Darwin first became widely known to the world in 1942 when, on February 19th, 183 Japanese warplanes attacked the city and port with an even greater ferocity than their attack on Pearl Harbour. This was the first of many attacks on Darwin to follow during the course of the war.
Today, Darwin is a modern city with a population of around 115,000 – proud to have survived the challenges of war in addition to 1974’s catastrophic Cyclone Tracy.
Outdoor exploring
If you visit Darwin in the winter, you will want to stay outdoors as much as possible. The warm weather, incredible scenery, and alfresco cafes offer an unforgettable winter escape.
Start by checking out some crocodiles. If you prefer not to wrestle the crocs alone, consider taking a cruise along the Adelaide River, or a tour of the Darwin Crocodile Farm or Crocodylus Park. If you enjoy relaxing on a cruise, also consider taking a sunset cruise out of Darwin Harbour.
With the warm Darwin weather, you will want to swim a lot – so consider a trip to Berry Springs Nature Reserve and enjoy a dip in the scenic waterholes. This is best combined with a trek around Territory Wildlife Park, which provides an excellent opportunity to see the northern wildlife in their natural habitats.
Kakadu National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the Top End, so if you don’t have time for several days there, at least arrange a day trip to see this World Heritage Park.
Another outdoor must-see is Litchfield National Park with its spectacular waterfalls, giant termite mounds, and sandstone cliffs. This park can easily be enjoyed as a day trip from Darwin.
The Tiwi Islands
Take an organized tour or fishing trip 80km to the North of Darwin and visit the culturally rich Tiwi Islands. You will be welcomed by the friendly Tiwi people, who will enjoy sharing their cultural traditions and artwork with visitors through their island galleries. Note that you must be part of an organized tour to visit these islands.
When to go
Allow yourself an escape to Darwin during the winter months. Late May to October offer sunshine while the southern states experience rain, wind and cooler temperatures. Darwin is best avoided during the summer months – although there are frequent spectacular storms to enjoy, many of your other plans could be a washout.
How to get there
An international airport, international port, train tracks and major highways make Darwin an easily accessible place. All major airlines and bus companies travel to Darwin. The historic Ghan train also heads to Darwin from Adelaide via Alice Springs several times per week. Sailors can contact the Darwin Sailing Club to enquire about possible moorings.
Accommodation
Whether you are hoping to relax in a self-contained apartment, luxury hotel, quaint bed & breakfast or prefer the adventure of towing a caravan around the Top End, you will find the perfect Darwin accommodation for you at TakeABreak.com.au
Ideal length of visit
On its own, you could enjoy four or five days exploring Darwin’s war memorials, beautiful beaches, parks, museums and galleries as well as the stunning Litchfield National Park. However Darwin is also a fantastic jumping off point for such natural wonders as Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park. You could easily spend a week or two enjoying the beauty of the Top End.
Further information
Head to Tourism NT, the official website of the Northern Territory, for suggested itineraries and handy tools for finding your ideal attractions.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a frequent rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would
enjoy.”
Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.