Doing Darwin

The DHAA Symposium rolls into the top-end city of Darwin in June. We take a look at some of the exceptional experiences on offer when it’s time to relax

Take a break and join us in Darwin for three days of exciting CPD. With hands-on workshops on Thursday and our multi-stream program on Friday and Saturday, there is a topic for everyone.

From oral medicine, periodontics, environmental impacts and TMJ there is a range of topics and a fantastic lineup of speakers.

You can check out the full program and register on the official DHAA National Symposium 2022 website.

Markets

Darwin has a range of popular tourist markets with street food, fresh farmed fruits and artisan goods on offer.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

A short drive from Darwin’s CBD the Mindil Markets are run on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 4pm to 9pm. With over 300 stalls you can enjoy the sunset while grabbing a bargain.

Parap Village Markets

The Parap Village Markets is run on a Saturday morning. You can enjoy a freshly roasted coffee while you stroll stalls of delicious cuisine and local arts and crafts. Known amongst locals for its fantastic laksa, satay prawns and fresh tropical smoothies.

Nightcliff Markets

If art, craft, and vintage is more your style then head to the Nightcliff markets on a Sunday morning. With lots of craft and second-hand stalls, you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere and check out the recycled and vintage goods.

Enjoy the waterfront and city attractions

A five-minute walk from the city and the venue for our conference, the waterfront has a range of activities for every age group. Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon, enjoy the wave pool, or take a walk through the lush parklands to recharge. If you’re a foodie then explore the cafés, eateries, or craft beer from the waterfront taverns.

Looking for inspiration of where to head, check out the local tips on the Darwin Waterfront Instagram brought to you by the NT Government.

Litchfield National Park

Only an 1.5-hour drive from Darwin will take you to Litchfield National Park where you can check out the colourful birds, take a bushwalk through the monsoonal rainforest; cool off in the crystal-clear swimming holes and waterfalls or follow the 4WD track through the lost city of towering termite mounds.

Crocodiles

It wouldn’t be a trip to Darwin without seeing the Crocodiles. You can head to Crocodile Cove and swim with the crocs or take a pic with a baby saltwater crocodile. While you are there you can check out the freshwater aquarium, turtles, and the reptile house.

If you’d prefer to head out and see some crocodiles in the wild you can hop on a jumping crocodile cruise at the Adelaide River and watch the salties leap from the water from the safety of your boat.

Art and Culture

Darwin has a rich and diverse art scene with a mix of contemporary galleries, street art and small hidden galleries. You can wander the streets and take in the multi-storey coloured wildlife and local identities painted on the city walls or head down a laneway and explore the small hidden gems. Soak in the aboriginal culture and learn about the Dreamtime stories from the land’s traditional owners.

Must-see art galleries

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)

Enjoy the megafauna and wildlife displays, the maritime exhibition and take a step back in time to 1900 with the Unruly Days exhibition – website.

Sister7

Bring along a coffee and explore Darwin’s first women-only gallery showcasing professional Aboriginal female artists – website.

Aboriginal Bush Traders

Take home a piece of the Territory with aboriginal jewellery, books, candles and larger canvases available all under the roof of the almost 100-year-old Lyons Cottage – website.

Check out the Symposium Travel deals available to delegates on the Tourism Top-End website.