Overview

Darwin is a new city, rebuilt after a devastating cyclone on Christmas Eve 1974.

Located in the tropics, Darwin has a relaxed atmosphere and is increasingly living up to its cosmopolitan claim. Recreation in Darwin centres predominately around outdoor activities such as sports, fishing, camping and swimming in "safe to swim" waterholes.

Living in Darwin is a lifestyle choice and retaining the laid back tropical lifestyle remains a key goal for both locals and politicians. The challenge however is to improve the goods and service standards as Australia looks to grow its trade and business in the region. Darwin has always been the focus of links with Asia and recent transport capital projects and developments in offshore gas exploration has reignited the national focus on Darwin. There is an overall feeling of optimism in Darwin towards the future and the potential in the region.

Darwin's charm is unique and to an outsider who only spends a short time there, the attraction isn't always obvious. Yet statistics show a number of people who spend extended time in Darwin choose to return and live there permanently.

The city has been designed for a future population of 1 million people so the relatively small population of less than 80000 enjoys excellent infrastructure. Darwin usually comes as a pleasant surprise for first time visitors.

Things to See and Do

Wildlife

Aquascene Fish Feeding: At Doctor's Gully, hundreds of fish come in for a feed every day at high tide. The fish eat stale bread and can be fed by hand. Voted 'most popular attraction' in tourism surveys it is a unique and enjoyable activity. There is a concrete ramp that allows adults and children alike to stand in the water surrounded by the fish they are feeding.

A visit to this attraction needs to be planned around opening times which vary daily according to tidal movements and taking into consideration the remainder of your sightseeing schedule.

Open: Check local publications or call 08 89817837 for feeding times. Typical Time: 1/2 hr

Territory Wildlife Park: A multi award winning and world class nature attraction designed to showcase Territory wildlife in natural habitats. It is set in 400 hectares of bushland with 6 kilometres of walking trails and a free shuttle train operating to link the 26 major exhibits. Arguably the best wildlife Park in Australia. The Staff's passion for the animals is clearly evident in the displays.

Ensure you keep hydrated as you travel around the park. Take a hat and sunscreen and use the shuttle bus . There is an eatery in the main information centre. The excellent exhibitions are complimented with park lead feedings and other displays throughout the day. A "must see" display is the Birds of Prey demonstration. At 10.00am and 3.00pm. Open Daily from 8.30am – 6.00pm last admission 4.00pm Phone: 08 8988 1450 or 08 8988 1459. Typical Time: Allow 4hrs to a full day

Berry Springs Nature Park: Next to the Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs Nature Park has a warm thermal waterfall, and two large spring fed pools. A convenient place to cool off if you've spent a hot day walking around the Territory Wildlife Park. Open Daily from 8.30am – 6.30pm

Crocodile Farm –Noonamah: The Darwin Crocodile Farm is a facility used to both study and breed crocodiles for their skins and meat. Rogue crocs that harass local communities, as well as a large number caught annually in the traps around Darwin Harbour, are relocated here.

There are reportedly 7000 crocs here. Best times to visit are during main feeding times (12.00 and 2.00pm daily). Other times the park is relatively quite with few visitors and little movement from the crocodiles.

Open: Daily from 10am – 4pm Phone: 08 8988 1450 or 08 8988 1459 Typical Stay: 45min (during feeding)

Crocodylus Park: Crocodylus Park is a research base and public education facility on the world of crocodiles. Inside videos, a museum and tours share the latest research from around the world. The park also includes emus, primates, sea turtles and iguanas.

The park claims to have the most advanced crocodile breeding pens in the world. Eggs are removed as soon as they are laid and incubated to increase the chances of survival.

Feeding and tour times are 10.00am, 12.00pm & 2.00pm. Open Daily from 9am – 5pm

Indo Pacific Marine: Part of the Wharf precinct, Indo Pacific Marine is a display of a live coral reef ecosystem in its natural state without filtration or feeding. One of only a hand full of living displays in the world, this is an interesting exhibit. Guided tours are available.

Open Daily from 9am – 5pm Typical Time: 1hr

Parks & Reserves

Darwin Botanic Gardens: A lush and shady 42-hectare retreat, that dates back to 1870 when Darwin was first settled. Cyclone Tracy destroyed about 80 per cent of the trees and shrubs in 1974, so much of what you see today amazingly has been planted only since then. The park is internationally recognised, showcasing the tropical habitats of Northern Australia and other tropical habitats around the world.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission, in co-operation with local Aboriginal people, has established a series of self learn botanical walking trails, providing details on the use of native plants to the Aboriginal way of life. Information is presented on the use of plants as food, medicine and for ceremonies, tools and art.

There is also a Children's Evolutionary Playground which leads you through the changes in plant groups through time, using a visual blend of science and creative art.

Darwin Botanic Gardens offers a good location for picnics and barbecues.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve: This attractive reserve stretches in a wide area around Darwin's northern waterfront from Nightcliff to Lee Point .The park is the Territory's most popular reserve.

The stretch along Casuarina drive between Nightcliff and Rapid Creek is very popular with cyclists and joggers every morning and afternoon. It is also a very popular spot to watch Darwin's famous sunsets.

Box jellyfish are common in these waters between October and May and visitors are strongly urged not to enter the water at this time. Crocodiles are a risk all year round (refer section on crocodiles).

Casuarina Coastal Reserve is an area of great significance to Aboriginal people. Old Man Rock, clearly visible off Casuarina Beach at low tide, is a particularly important sacred site of the local Larrakia people and should not be disturbed or damaged in any way.

East Point Reserve & Military Museum: A 200 Hectare recreation area, East Point reserve features Lake Alexander, the only safe saltwater swimming spot in Darwin. This lake is near the entrance to the reserve and there is an interesting WWII museum at the point. The large concrete structures located at the point were built to house two large guns. Construction was disrupted when Japan raided Darwin in 1942. The guns were finally finished in 1945 by which time the war was over. The guns which cost $200,000 to build and install were sold off for scrap in 1960.

East Point offers great views of the harbour especially those towards the city.

Howard Springs Nature Park : The picturesque 383-hectare park offers safe swimming, picnic and barbecue facilities, wildlife watching and interpretive forest walks.

Barramundi and turtles are common around the main pool area and can be seen from the path across the weir. All animals are protected here and fishing is prohibited. If you're lucky you might see or better still swim with one of the local 'horses' (a Territory term for a Barramundi over a metre)

The weir that forms the main pool was built during WWII to supplement Darwin's water supplies. The informative display on the weir relates to the fish in the local area.

Open Daily from 8.00am – 8.00pm

Art & Craft

Mindle Beach Markets : One of the highlights of the Darwin social calendar in the dry season. Held every Thursday evening during the Dry Season only, it is a bustling Asian style market with food, art and entertainment. It is an extremely popular market with locals and tourists alike, attracting up to 15,000 people. A recommended experience if your stay in Darwin coincides with a Thursday evening.

Museum & Art Gallery : An excellent museum and Art gallery full of interesting displays, including the countries best aboriginal art collection. Pride of place among the stuffed animal displays is Sweetheart, a 5m 780kg saltwater crocodile who was quite famous in Darwin for attacks on fishermen

The Museum has an excellent licensed restaurant which is worth a visit in its own right.

Other Attractions

Cullen Bay: A modern and attractive marina suburb built in the 1990's. Cullen Bay is the wealthy side of town with permanent boat moorings and a number of exclusive apartments and houses. The unique two stage loch protects the bay and its houses, from the 7m tidal movements in the harbour.

Cullen Bay has a selection of good restaurants and boutique stores. It is also the pick up point for a number of watersport and Harbour sunset tour operators. Recommended.

Deckchair Cinema: An open-air cinema, that operates for six months of the year during the Dry between May & November. The Cinema shows classic and alternative films. Bring a pillow to get really comfortable on the deck chairs.

Australian Aviation Heritage Hanger: This aviation museum displays a full size B52 bomber. It is one of only two displayed outside the USA. The hanger was specifically designed to house the B52 so it takes up a considerable