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Visit Darwin

The smallest and most northerly of all the Australian capital cities, Darwin is situated on the Timor Sea and was named by John Clements Wickam, who sailed the HMS Beagle into Darwin Harbour, naming the region Port Darwin after his former shipmate Charles Darwin.

Darwin has either the misfortune or fortune depending on how one looks at it, of having been rebuilt twice due to Japanese air raids during WWII and again by the devastation left in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Entertainment

The Darwin Festival, held annually from 12 Aug- 29 Aug, has everything from free outdoor events to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshops, comedy, and well produced cuisine.




With over 112 events and over 1,000 international and national artists, the Darwin Festival is a great place to see just how much indigenous culture Darwin has to offer.

Held annually since 1974 at Mindi Beach, the Darwin Beer Can Regatta lets participants create boats using empty beer cans and kids use empty soda cans. Funds generated during the day are donated to various charities. The Regatta is the culmination of the day, but there is also a festival throughout the day that includes activities such as tugs-of-war and thong-throwing.

SkyCity in Darwin holds a 5 star international casino, with 120 rooms, over 700 slot machines, TAB, Keno, four award winning restaurants, four bars, a specialty coffee shop, and the ability to host outdoor concerts that can hold 10,000 people, and all of this is set right next door to Mindi Beach Sunset Markets and minutes from the CBD.

Recreation

Mindi Beach Sunset Markets are an eclectic smorgasbord of food, arts, and crafts, and a relaxed tropical paradise culture that also gives off stunning sunset views over Mindi Beach. Held from May through October every Thursday 5pm-10pm and every Sunday 4pm-9pm.



The markets are alive with indigenous art and jewelry and you can sample savory flavors from the Asian Pacific region and beyond.

Darwin is the best place to catch Australia’s most famous fish the Barramundi. If you enjoy dropping a line in the water and fighting a 20-40 pounder than Darwin has many fishing tours to get your heart pumping. Half the size of Switzerland Kakadu National Park sits 171km southeast of Darwin encompassing four major river system, six major landforms, and a remarkable variety of wildlife.

Aboriginal rock art can also be found in rocky outcrops of Ubirr, Nourlangie, and Nanguluwur. The park has many beautiful waterfalls and gorges such as Maguk, Twin Falls, and Jim Jim Falls. One of the Parks distinctions is that it is commonplace for many slat water crocs, which led to it being a great place to film Crocodile Dundee and Australia.

Darwin Sports

Darwin is home to one of the most exciting horse races in Australia, second only to the Melbourne Cup, The Darwin Cup. Held annually on the first Monday of August, this horse race draws large crowds to the Fannie Bay Racecourse. The race is so popular that it is a public holiday for the Northern Territory and Darwin.

Australian Rules Football and Rugby league are held annually as well as V8 super cars which draw in big crowds to the Hidden Valley Raceway.

Darwin, now a peaceful place

Darwin is place steeped in History. From the tragic bombing raids of the Japanese in WWII to the destructive Cyclone Tracy, but every time it seems like this city cannot get up it rises higher and stronger than before.
Darwin as transformed itself into a thriving community that appreciates the quiet times that are needed oh so badly in this world and they realize how important it is to stop and just take in a sunset with maybe a cocktail or two.

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Must-haves to carry around

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