Darwin Travel

My first trip to Darwin was as breathtaking as my last. It is a city of diversity, culture and heritage,located in the vast outback at the top northern end of Australia. There is an endless vista of scenery, and it is an ideal location for a campervan holiday as you need wheels to explore the beauty of the surrounding natural attractions.

Set in the tropics, the climate is cooler and dry from May to October, and April to November brings tropical storms and hot days. Bring some warm clothes but expect clear skies and incredible sunsets overlooking the ocean. Always come prepared with plenty of water if you are travelling out of the city, and remember that you can’t swim in the ocean or rivers unless there is a sign that says you can. Crocodiles and sharks are also a few of the locals.

You could spend a week enjoying the city of Darwin alone. One favourite of mine is the Thursday night / Sunday afternoon markets, located on the waterfront at Mindil Beach. Locals and tourists alike can be found here sampling the local cuisine, enjoying the entertainment and relaxing along the beach strip. The best time to wander down is around 4pm, as you can stay to watch one of the most famous sunsets in Australia. Sunset cruises are popular, or enjoy a glass of wine (with the multitudes) on the sand.

A great family event is the Aqua Scene Fish feeding. For decades at high tide the fish arrive in the droves to be hand fed. Fantastic for a Kodak moment, this is a must do! Expect to feed fish like the famous barramundi, bream and catfish.

Crocodylus Park is another well known attraction, which old and young alike will enjoy. You will find buffalos, emus, ostriches, iguanas and more, with crocodile shows throughout the day. This is a safe environment to see the well known wildlife that the kids will pester you to visit until you bring them here.

For a great night out, head to the Darwin Wharf Marina. Leave early as it is very popular, with fantastic views of the sunset, and plenty of seafood restaurants and delicious meal selections combining to bring a relaxing atmosphere. It is common for huge fish to swim below waiting for food to nibble on.

Afterwards, you could head to The Deckchair Cinema down the road, where you can enjoy an outdoor movie with the added bonus of the Darwin Harbour and starlit sky as a backdrop. Where else could you experience this?

My first impressions of the Museum and Art Gallery were of awe and wonder at how many collections of bird, mammal, reptile, insect displays, boats and ships, history and artwork could be found in the one place. There is an interactive room based the devastation of Cyclone Tracy which even has a recording of the actual event. Amazing!

Just a ferry trip away, the town of Mandorah is steeped in Aboriginal history, and there are great fishing spots not far from the jetty. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a drive around the top of the top end.

About 45 minutes out of town, the Territory Wildlife Park is fantastic for the whole family. There are long walking trails that take you through plenty of exhibits, with a nocturnal house, aviary, monsoon forest walk and all of the animals you would expect to find in the Territory. You need at least 3-4 hours to make the most of this vast park which stretches across 1000 acres.

Double up with a trip to Berry Springs Nature Park afterwards for a refreshing swim in the natural pools. Enjoy the rock waterfalls, and watch out for the little fish that try to nibble your toes.

The picture perfect views in the Kakadu National Park cannot be compared with any worldwide destination. You need a couple of days to get into the heart of Kakadu, and there are a number of camping sites located in the park. The Wet season is the best time to visit where you will experience incredible birdlife, scenery and of course crocodiles. It is advised to visit Alligator River with an experienced guide for obvious safety reasons.

Litchfield National Park is close to two hours out of Darwin, and apart from Kakadu, truly is an oasis in the desert. From the Tabletop Range to the cascading waterfalls and tropical paradise below, there is so much to see here. There are walking trails and camping spots scattered around the park. This is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Known for its aboriginal culture, vast horizons and magnificent scenery, Darwin has something for everyone. Enjoy the freedom of a campervan hire and choose when and where you will embark on your next adventure, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

-Jenny

Stay tuned, in my next post I will writing about my journey to the United States. I will be renting a car and taking a road trip across America; route 66 make way for Jenny!

Darwin has an unexpected vibe to it. For such a far flung and isolated city it has a very contemporary and cosmopolitan feel – everyone is happy and relaxed, and when the sun goes down the parties really begin. With a strong mix of cultures evident, the Asian influence is especially clear here, and there is a lot of culinary diversity for you to enjoy.

Darwin is mostly used as a base from which explorations of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are made. The varied landscapes of Kakadu are only a couple of hours drive away, althugh you will need at least a couple of days if you want to appreciate the Aboriginal heritage, hordes of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Litchfield, to the south, is even closer, and some say even nicer to visit than Kakadu. It is famous for having numerous waterfalls and high gorges, in which there are plenty of rock pools that have no crocodile inhabitants and are safe to swim in.

In Darwin itself you can get up close and personal with crocodiles and other animals in a safe environment at Crocodylus Park. You should also not miss Aquascene, a spot right in the heart of the city where thousands of fish come to shore to be hand fed by people on the bank and in the water. If youre in town on a Thursday or Sunday dont miss the Mindil Markets, which are a lively, fun and creative arena for displaying talents and selling goods!

Although the heat can sometimes be stifling, there is relief in the form of frequent thunderstorms which also provide a bit of excitement and drama. There really is never a dull moment in Darwin, and to appreciate it to the maximum potential make use of the Discovery Car Hire booking service and secure yourself reliable car hire in Australia! Or for the more adventurous, campervan hire is a great way to experience Darwin and the surrounding area.