Welcome to The Darwin Region

DARWIN REGION

WELCOME TO

Darwin

While a sophisticated, modern city in its own right, Darwin is also steeped in a history that has endured many hardships on its way to establishing itself as the gateway to Asia.

Darwin is the home of Northern Territory commerce and business and, with its world-class natural and cultural attractions, it is also a thriving hub of activity in terms of tourism, nightlife and retail.

Some great annual Territory events that are not to be missed include the exhilarating V8 Supercar Challenge, The Bass in the Grass concert - Darwin’s own version of the Big Day Out, the Darwin Cup Carnival - six weeks of horse racing, and the Darwin Festival, just to name a few.

The ‘must see’ attractions in Darwin include the open-air weekend markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek. During the Dry, the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets operate on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and the Palmerston Markets operate on Friday nights. These markets are rich in delicious foods as well as local artisan products and entertainment.

Make sure you set sail on the magnificent Darwin Harbour aboard one of the many sunset harbour cruises that operate out of Cullen Bay Marina and Stokes Hill Wharf.

The harbour is also great for fishing as are many of the beautiful inland billabongs, big tidal rivers and mangrovelined estuaries. If you don’t have your own boat and fishing gear then jump on board one of the fishing charters that know all the good spots and specialise in all types of fishing including barramundi, reef and deep sea. Your guide will even fillet your fish so you can take it with you and cook it straight on a barbecue.

To appreciate and enjoy the seasonal changes in the Top End, remember that the Wet is from November through to April and the Dry is from May to October.

And while the Dry is the most popular for holidaying in the Top End, the Wet delivers the Northern Territory its most beautiful scenery – waterfalls, rivers and creeks – which meld into giant floodplains and lush tropical growth. Not to mention that the Wet gives you the perfect excuse to retire on the balcony with an ice-cold beer or a chilled wine and watch the storms roll in over the ocean.

Darwin Wharf, Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia

Situated on the edge of a picturesque harbour, Darwin is a fascinating melting pot of people and cultures. It prides itself on its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle.

Challenge yourself! Challenge yourself!

Aqua Park is the place for you! Non-stop paths of entertainment will lead you in the right direction to run, jump and slide and will push you out of your physical and mental comfort zone.

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging activity for the family, Aqua Park is the place for you! Non-stop paths of entertainment will lead you in the right direction to run, jump and slide and will push you out of your physical and mental comfort zone.

10am - 6pm daily

SESSIONS START ON THE HOUR

From $28pp

Ph 1300 278 272 info@aqpk.com.au

aqpk.com.au

Things to See & Do

NT ADVENTURE PARK

Just 50 minutes from Darwin, NT Adventure Park offers up more adventure than you can muster. Enjoy a range of activities including Outback Quad Adventures, Outback Buggy Adventures, Camping and Dining Under the Stars and more. For more information, call 0468 615 608 or visit www.ntadventurepark.com.au

AQUASCENE

Aquascene is a fish feeding sanctuary located at 28 Doctors Gully Road in Darwin. Each day, the high tide attracts schools of friendly wild fish close to the foreshore. Visitors can feed the fish (bream, barramundi, milkfish, batfish and catfish) with fresh bread. Opening hours on high tide.

DARWIN AVIATION MUSEUM

The Darwin Aviation Museum, previously known as the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, features an impressive collection of the Territory’s aviation history. There’s a massive B52 Bomber; F111, Mirage and Sabre jets; a Spitfire replica; and Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters. Open daily from 9am - 5pm, entry costs $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for children (free under 5), $12 for students and $36 for family pass (2 adults & up to 5 children).

BURNETT HOUSE

Built in the late 1930s, Burnett House is a heritage-listed National Trust property and an excellent example of early tropical architecture. Open 10am - 1pm Monday to Saturday, and Devonshire Teas are served on Sundays 3pm – 5pm throughout the dry season (May - September).

CASUARINA COASTAL RESERVE

Located in the city’s northern suburbs, this coastal reserve is a great place for a walk along the beach to catch a sunset from the Dripstone Cliffs or enjoy a picnic in the shady recreational areas. For the naturists among our visitors, a section of the beach has been set aside for their use.

CHARLES DARWIN NATIONAL PARK

Just a short drive from the city, this park was developed to show visitors the rich mangrove habitats of Darwin Harbour. Relics of Darwin’s involvement in WWII can be seen here. These reinforced concrete bunkers were used for safe storage of munitions during the wartime action. Open 8am - 7pm and camping is prohibited.

CROCOSAURUS COVE

Crocosaurus Cove is a unique attraction that enables visitors to acquaint themselves with Australia’s very own saltwater crocodile. Showcasing the largest array of Australian reptiles in the world, Crocosarus Cove is fun for the whole family. Open daily 9am - 5pm, except for Christmas Day.

CULLEN BAY MARINA

Cullen Bay Marina features an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafés and gift shops. The marina is also home to beautiful privately-owned boats, as well as many of the sunset harbour cruises and fishing tour operators. Vessels must pass through a double-action loch to access the sea, established to protect the marina.

CAC Avon CA-27 Sabre at Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Darwin

Crocosaurus Cove, Image: Tourism Australia

Cullen Bay Marina, Image: Tourism NT

NT PARLIAMENT HOUSE & NT LIBRARY

Free guided tours of NT Parliament House are available. Parliament House is also the location of the Northern Territory Library housing the most comprehensive range of historical and contemporary NT documentary material in the world. NT Parliament House is open 7am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

USS PEARY MEMORIAL

Salvaged from the wreck of the USS Peary, the gun, now situated on The Esplanade, serves as a memorial dedicated to the officers and crew who lost their lives when the vessel was attacked and sunk during the first air attack on Darwin by the Japanese during WWII. Also honoured here is Lt. Robert Buel, a US Airforce pilot who lost his life on February 15, 1942, in a heroic attack on a Japanese aircraft during a bombing raid over Darwin City.

WWII OIL STORAGE TUNNELS

Located on Kitchener Drive, these WWII tunnels were constructed in 1943 to protect Darwin’s oil supplies. Photographic displays pay tribute to the men and women who served in Darwin during WWII. Open everyday from 9am – 4pm. Entry is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, $6.50 for children, $25.00 for a family pass.

DARWIN WHARF PRECINCT

This precinct has many historical and modern attractions. Here you can catch a cruise to explore the harbour, relax and enjoy the seasonal live entertainment or drop a line from the fishing platforms. Visitors can also do a spot of shopping, pamper themselves with day spa treatments or gather some information on Darwin day tours. For more information, visit www.waterfront.nt.gov.au

DECKCHAIR CINEMA

Located at the Waterfront Precinct, this is Darwin’s iconic open-air cinema open 5.45pm nightly. Dinner is available every night for patrons to enjoy on a balmy dining deck overlooking Darwin Harbour and fringed by tropical garden. Arrive early to enjoy a refreshing sunset beverage from the fully licensed kiosk, then kick back to enjoy the movie under the starry sky. Deckchair Cinema is closed during the Wet. Films cater to a variety of tastes.

EAST POINT RESERVE & LAKE ALEXANDER

This recreational area has extensive walking and cycling paths, relaxing picnic areas with free barbecue facilities and safe, year-round swimming in Lake Alexander. The reserve is also home to Darwin’s East Point Military Museum and Defence of Darwin Experience. Open daily, admission to the reserve is free.

FANNIE BAY GAOL

Opened in 1883, the Fannie Bay Gaol was the major detention centre in Darwin for almost 100 years and is now open to the public as a historic site. Located along East Point Road in Fannie Bay, the precinct still conveys the oppressive atmosphere for which it was originally intended. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 2pm.

GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS

These gardens span 42ha and showcase the flora of northern Australia and other tropical habitats around the world. The Wesleyan Church, located within the gardens, houses Eva’s Cafe.

MUSEUM & ART GALLERY OF NT

The museum, located at 19 Conacher Street, Bullocky Point, features collections of the region’s art, natural science, history and culture. Encompassing cultural artefacts, maritime archaeology and Northern Territory history, the museum also houses a great Cyclone Tracy exhibit and the chance to meet Sweetheart, the Top End’s most famous crocodile. Open daily 10am - 4pm and admission to the museum is free.

George Brown Botanic Gardens, Image: Tourism Australia

Tropical night at the Deckchair Cinema, Image: Tourism NT/Friederike Franze

THE DARWIN History & Wartime Experience

The Darwin History and Wartime Experience offers a fun and informative tour through and around the city of Darwin in a genuine WWII army truck. This is a great introduction to Darwin with a comprehensive overview of the city and its history.

See historic sights such as: Government House, Fort Hill Wharf & Harbour, Parliament House, Ammunitions storage bunkers, East Point Gun Battery & Military precinct, Antiaircraft gun emplacements and the 1934 QANTAS hangar.

The museum boasts WWII relics and memorabilia, while the Defence of Darwin Experience provides an enthralling and interactive showcase of Darwin’s war history. Learn about prewar Darwin, the WWII bombing of Darwin, the devastation of cyclone Tracy and the colourful characters of the past that made Darwin what it is today. Pick-up outside the Darwin Information Centre.

Cullen Bay

Phat Joint, Yot’s, Ebb and Flow and Damsquino’s are all names synonymous with quality dining.

Ebb and Flow offers plant based delicious meals and offers live music, sun lounges and wine on a quiet and relaxing afternoon.

Lola’s is also a well known venue, but it can be noisy if you are looking to enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner.

The most famous restaurant in Cullen Bay is Seafood on Cullen and is a massive seafood restaurant which has direct sunset views, an outdoor verandah and great quality food. Kids are very welcome here too and can go out and play on the grassed area while parents can see them from the verandah.

Cullen Bay Marina, Image: Tourism NT

Cullen Bay is less known for its cuisine, but it is probably one of the best places to go for a meal. It is not as busy in Cullen Bay, so visitors can wander in, look at the menus and ask for a table.

Territory Wildlife Park

The Territory Wildlife Park is your ultimate Darwin wildlife experience!

The Park showcases the natural wonders of the “Top End” where you’ll see the animals and natural habitats of this place we call home. You’ll be amazed by the picturesque beauty of Park, and appreciate that you can see the “Top End” in a few hours rather than a few days!

Here the wildlife exhibits are integrated within the natural environment, so you’ll see pelicans, freshwater crocodiles, fish and turtles happily cruising around a natural ‘Billabong’. You’ll meet hand-raised friendly wallabies in the ‘Woodland Walk’, and see a variety of water birds at ‘Goose Lagoon’.

In the air conditioned aquarium you’ll take a journey from the small rock pools of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, down through streams and tributaries, into the larger rivers of the “Top End”, and then out to the coral reefs. A tunnel exhibit allows you to ‘walk under a river’ where freshwater whiprays, barramundi and a host of other fish swim over your head. You’ll also meet ‘Graham’ the 4 metre crocodile, resident at the Park for over 25 years.

If birds are your fancy, a walk through the Monsoon Forest aviaries will not disappoint. 12 walk-through aviaries are beautifully landscaped to show detail and diversity. Highlights include the brightly coloured Gouldian finches. A large dome aviary filled with hundreds of birds concludes the sequence as visitors walk a spiral down to the ground through the tree tops on an elevated boardwalk.

The Nocturnal House is another must-see featuring many animals that are not found in zoos or wildlife parks anywhere else in the world! Special lighting turns day into night allowing visitors to witness the cryptic creatures of the ”Top End” night going about their normal activities. Inhabitants include rock wallabies, possums, quolls, snakes, lizards, frogs, owls and nightjars. The cool comfort of the Nocturnal House makes it a popular place to slow the pace and see creatures that are not often seen.

The Park is large with almost 8 kms of well-developed walking tracks for those interested in a full exploration. Courtesy hop-on-hop-off Shuttle Trains run regularly to transport visitors comfortably to attractions, and a fully stocked and air conditioned café produces a range of delicious goodies.

The Park has a range of Keeper Talks and Presentations that change throughout the year. Make sure you arrive in time for the Flight Deck presentation where you will see a free flight bird display like no other! You can book at admissions and book an extra special up-close encounter with some of our animals. Feeding nectar to sugar gliders in an unforgettable VIP experience at the Nocturnal House, handfeeding freshwater Whiprays at the Oolloo Sandbar, or feeding fish to rowdy Pelicans at the Billabong are just some of the options. For the ultimate Top End experience, chose a day trip to the Territory Wildlife Park!

Ranger bird presentation,

Credit: Territory Wildlife Park

Top End Safari Camp

The Top End Safari Camp Day Tour and Overnight Tour are bucket list outback adventures that tick all the boxes. Situated in an exclusive location on the edge of a billabong in the Litchfield region, showcasing the best activities and experiences the Top End has to offer.

Guests will see the majestic river systems from above in a scenic helicopter flight and spot crocodiles, birds and even buffalo on a thrilling airboat ride through the channels and into the rainforest. The cruise boat takes guests along the lagoon for a slower pace perfect for birdwatching whilst tucking into a gourmet meal.

The floating pontoon has Australia’s only nature-based croc safe pool where guests can take a dip and get face to face with a wild saltwater crocodile. Finish off on a high with an exciting feeding and exhibition with one of the rescue monster crocodiles caught by National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright himself. Guests on the Day Tour then return to Darwin via airconditioned bus transfer.

Guests who have booked the Overnight Tour return to the Sky Deck to soak up an incredible Top End sunset over the floodplains followed by a gourmet BBQ dinner, star gazing around the fire pit and an unforgettable, bespoke outback glamping experience with a delicious cooked breakfast.

DAY TOUR AND OVERNIGHT TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Crocodile encounter and feeding

• A irboat rainforest cruise

• Croc-safe swimming cage

• 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over floodplains

• BBQ late lunch

• Billabong boat cruise

• A irconditioned return bus transfers from Darwin

ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS FOR THE OVERNIGHT TOUR

• C heese board and nibbles (instead of the BBQ late lunch)

• G ourmet BBQ dinner and dessert on our open star deck

• O vernight outback glamping experience staying in Deluxe Lotus Belle Tent equipped with Double Bed and fresh rainwater shower

• Cooked breakfast on day two

The Day Tour operates all year round with the tour running for approximately 7-hours from pick up to drop off in Darwin.

The Overnight Tour runs from April-October with the tour running for approximately 23 Hours (including 1 night overnight stay) from pick up to drop off in Darwin.

For more information go to: www.topendsafaricamp.com.au or call the Bookings Office on 08 8983 4017 to book this once in a lifetime experience!

Crab Claw Island & Resort

Crab Claw Island is a magnificent part of the Northern Territory located on the Cox Peninsula, just 135km southwest of Darwin by road, 15 minutes by air, or two hours by quick boat. Truly unique, it is an island accessible by road except on extreme high tides. It is surrounded by 2500km2 of pristine waterways which include Bynoe Harbour, salt water estuaries and fresh water creeks and rivers.

Crab Claw Island is home to Crab Claw Island Resort. Nestled on the water’s edge, Crab Claw Island Resort is a relaxing escape from the everyday. The complex has elevated cabins overlooking a white sandy beach connected by walkways through the trees and palm gardens, refreshing swimming pools, an open air restaurant and bar with views across the harbour, private boat ramp to access the fabulous fishing, all surrounded by wildlife and pristine natural beauty.

Crab Claw caters for those who love the outdoors. You can go bushwalking around the island, hunt for monster mud crabs, go for a dip in one of the two refreshing pools or – when in season –watch the turtles lay their eggs on a nearby beach. However, Crab Claw’s main attraction has got to be fishing. The island is a fishing dream. A popular way to spend the day is to fish until dusk, and then eat your catch. With over 30 species of fish in the harbour, including Barramundi and crab, you’re spoilt for choice when baiting dinner.

Crab Claw Resort, Image: Tourism Australia Crab Claw Resort, Image: Tourism

Kakadu NATIONAL

PARK

Extending over 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is a landscape of contrasts. This iconic park is World Heritage listed, renowned for both its cultural and natural values.

The largest national park in Australia boasting rugged escarpments, lush rainforest, breathtaking waterfalls and rock pools, culture and one of the greatest recorded concentrations of rock art anywhere in the world.

To enter the park entry fees apply to visitors to help preserve Kakadu’s World Heritage listed natural and cultural sites and provide better services and facilities. For more information on the cost of park passes visit www.kakadu.com.au

Take in the wonder of this beautiful location at these top spots.

BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE

A great first stop on your Kakadu adventure is the Bowali Visitor Centre where you can get advice on your trip and learn about the plants, animals and landscapes you will see in the park. Open daily.

WARRADJAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE

Spend some time at the Warradjan Cultural Centre learning stories that inspired Aboriginal laws and explore the extensive exhibit of tools, message sticks and artworks. Open daily.

GUNLOM PLUNGE POOL

This picturesque waterfall is one Kakadu’s most spectacular and popular places to visit. Here a cascading waterfall joins up with a tranquil plunge pool to provide a stunning backdrop for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a picnic. 4WD only. Check seasonal access.

JARRANGBARNMI (KOOLPIN GORGE)

A stunning gorge hidden in the southern region of Kakadu. Permit required to enter this area, apply at least 7 days in advance. 4WD only. Check seasonal access.

JIM JIM FALLS

Whether the falls are raging with water or just trickling, this majestic waterfall is a sight to behold. This 200 metre cascading waterfall is one of the best-known attractions. Best seen by air during tropical summer when heavy rains send huge volumes of water crashing into the gorge below. 4WD required. Check seasonal access.

TWIN FALLS

Along with Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls is one of Kakadu’s big two waterfalls. Twin Falls gorge has a split cascade that plunges from a 150m high cliff face into a deep pool. You can see the falls via the boat shuttle. 4WD only. Check seasonal access.

MAGUK (BARRAMUNDI GORGE)

Maguk is a pristine waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls. A 1km walk through monsoon rainforest leads to the base of the beautiful plunge pool. Check seasonal access.

MAMUKALA WETLANDS

A bird-lovers paradise, here you will see a haven of bird life including magpie geese, kites, comb-crested jacanas, cormorants, willie wagtails, purple swamp hens, finches and kingfishers. It is an easy walk from the carpark. Check seasonal access.

YELLOW WATER BILLABONG

Yellow Water is one of Kakadu’s best-known landmarks. Take a cruise through these wetlands and experience the lush scenery and thriving wildlife that inhabits the region. Book a fishing tour to try your hand at catching Kakadu’s resident barramundi. Check seasonal conditions.

BURRUNGKUY (NOURLANGIE) ROCK ART SITE

The rock walls at Nourlangie have served as both a shelter and canvas for Aboriginals for thousands of years. The paintings can be reached by the circular 1.5km rock art walk.

UBIRR

Ubirr is one of Kakadu’s two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy 1km circular walking track. Check seasonal conditions.

Always remember to be Crocwise in the NT and stay safe, particularly near waterways.

Woman relaxing at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk), Image: Tourism NT/Adriana Alvarado

Looking down over Twin Falls, Image: Tourism NT/Jewels Lynch

Sunset over the Yellow Water Billabong, Image: Tourism NT

Litchfield NATIONAL PARK

BAMBOO CREEK & WALKER CREEK

Relics of the mining era can be seen at Bamboo Creek Tin Mine. The Walker Creek Walk, which is two hours in duration, is also worth checking out. 2WD accessible.

BLYTH HOMESTEAD

The historic Blyth Homestead is the location of an old tin mine and serves as a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers in remote areas. 4WD only. Check road conditions. Open daily.

BULEY ROCKHOLE

Buley Rockhole is a series of waterfalls and rock-holes, where you can find your own spot to swim and relax. 2WD accessible. Open all year round. Camping is available with toilet facilities and fees apply.

FLORENCE FALLS

The spectacular Florence Falls cascades into a plunge pool, which sits within a pocket of monsoon forest. 2WD accessible. Open all year round.

GREENANT CREEK WALK

Greenant Creek Walk tracks through rainforest to another attractive plunge pool. 2WD accessible.

MAGNETIC TERMITE MOUNDS

One of the park’s unique sights is the many termite mounds standing up to two metres in height. 2WD accessible. Open all year round. Free entry.

SURPRISE CREEK FALLS

Surprise Creek Falls is a place to relax and enjoy a swim in an uncrowded waterfall. 4WD only. Check road conditions.

TOLMER FALLS

Tolmer Falls cascades over high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. 2WD accessible. Open all year. No swimming.

THE LOST CITY

These impressive freestanding sandstone blocks and pillar formations bring to mind the ruins of a long-forgotten civilisation. 4WD only. Check road conditions.

TJAYNERA FALLS (SANDY CREEK)

Nestled in an open valley, the falls can be found by walking along a 1.7km trail. 4WD only. Check road conditions.

WANGI FALLS

One of the best and easiest waterfalls to access and enjoy. A large deep-water pool where you can swim right up to the falls. An interpretive walk to the top of the falls commences near the pool. An art centre and café are also available. 2WD accessible. Open all year round.

Always remember to be Crocwise in the NT and stay safe, particularly near waterways.

Woman exploring Lost City at Abner Ranges near Borroloola, Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers

Nature’s sky scraper, Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves

Cooling off at Tjaynera Falls, Image: Tourism NT/Mitchell Cox

Litchfield National Park is just an hour and a half drive from Darwin and features a range of diverse environments.

ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS

Ethically sourced Indigenous art, products and cafe.

Aboriginal Bush Traders (ABT) is a vibrant retail, gallery and cafe located on the ground floor of the Charles Darwin Centre in Darwin’s Smith Street Mall.

The retail space sells everything from carvings, weavings and paintings to delicious bushfood pantry items, bush medicines, and fashion and beauty products. The gallery space also hosts an exhibition calendar with a new show every six weeks.

When you shop with us at ABT you are directly supporting NT remote Indigenous-led Art Centres and independent Indigenous artists who for most art is their sole income. At ABT we guarantee fair pay to those we support and true provenance of all products.

TOP END

Galleries

Indigenous galleries are prolific and almost all of them offer genuine product that is locally sourced and made. Readback Gallery in the mall, Mbantua Gallery, Sister 7, Aboriginal Fine Arts, Paul Johnstone Gallery, Mason Gallery are all amongst the most well known galleries in Darwin.

Aboriginal Fine Arts is one of the Territory’s most established galleries and visitors here can chat to a local and purchase from a massive range. The gallery is a little tricky to find and is upstairs on the corner of Knuckey and Mitchell Street. It is a very large gallery and there are literally thousands of pieces of art on display.

Sister 7 is another treasure and is focussed on local female artists who spend time in the gallery painting and sharing their stories through the medium of art. Here you are welcome to come in for a chat and browse the gorgeous paintings that are being created right in front of your eyes, or on the wall for you to enjoy.

The Museum and Art Gallery Of The Northern Territory (MAGNT) is highly regarded and is without doubt the best museum in the Northern Territory.

Heavily influenced by the ancient culture of the Top End, MAGNT does what hundreds of galleries around the globe are unable to do and that is that it connects on a local level as well as offering a spectacular showcase in a worldclass facility. For art lovers, MAGNT is a must and provides multiple exhibitions every year, many of which are free. Located in the Gardens beside Mindil Beach, if you visit Darwin, be sure to check this out.

Tactile Arts is a particularly interesting pick too and is run by the Crafts Council of the NT which was amalgamated with the Craft Council of Alice Springs and Katherine. The facility was set up to support local artists and craftspeople and offers an eclectic variety of activities. Tactile Arts holds 12 exhibitions

each year, showcasing Top End and other selected interstate artists. The public can join any of the 40-50 workshops held each year and get creative with all sorts of crafts with the most popular being the ceramic studio.

There are multiple studios at the Tactile Arts Centre which include ceramic, print/textile (on both paper and fabric) as well as glass and jewellery. Join the many artists who come to teach and interact with those interested in all things creative.

Songlines Gallery in Stuart Park is a wonderful find too for those that are looking for an experience which connects developing countries from all over the globe. Visitors to Songlines can find unusual knickknacks from countries such as Papua New Guinea, remote parts of Africa and even Vietnam. Books, rugs, crockery, cutlery are all found here and all presented in a gorgeous display that makes the time spent in this shop a true experience. Longlines isn’t just international and does offer some hand selected aboriginal art.

The Top End is a massive region and art can be discovered right across the area. In Katherine there are loads of choices too including Mimi Arts, Top Didj and Gallop Thru Time to name a few. Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts is a wonderful place to stop and chat about history and learn some culture.

The Top End is the home of the didgeridoo, so here you can learn some really interesting facts surrounding the use of this timeless instrument which is used by men to share stories. Choosing a didgeridoo is something that buyers should consider carefully. Thought should be given to the fact that this instrument is for men only and when you purchase a didj, you need to remember that it is a sacred instrument to the local people. Always take the time to ask about the instrument and explain what you are doing with it. Gallery owners and staff will be sure to guide you through the significance of each piece. A good choice of didj means that you will have an item to treasure for a lifetime.

Museum and Art Gallery NT, Image: Tourism Australia

The entire Top End is literally scattered with truly amazing galleries.

Katherine Aviation

Explore Katherine and Kakadu like never before.

Take to the skies with the Northern Territory’s leading charter and scenic flight company. Offering three scenic tours out of Katherine covering the region plus Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Park, guided by our pilot’s extensive knowledge of the areas.

KAKADU SCENIC FLIGHTS FROM $130PP

30 Minute Kakadu Scenic Flight

60 Minute Kakadu Scenic Flight (Wet Season)

Kakadu Super Scenic Flight

KATHERINE SCENIC FLIGHTS FROM $195PP

40 Minute Scene it in Katherine

105 Minute Scene it up to Kakadu

4-5 Hour Scene Everything (includes the Yellow Water Cruise)

Join us for a scenic flight over some of the best country the NT has to offer. Book now at www.katherineaviation.com.au

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

Parap Village Markets - Saturdays from 8am-2pm

Oz Run

FEBRUARY

Travelling Film Festival Darwin

Bombing of Darwin Day

APRIL

Darwin Waterfront Easter Saturday Celebrations

Deckchair Cinema Season (April - Nov)

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets - Thursdays & Sundays (April - Oct)

MAY

Darwin Waterfront Craft Fair

Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival

Bass in the Grass Music Festival

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Free weekly Yoga classes at the Darwin WaterfrontSaturdays from 8am to 9am mid May through to end October

JUNE

V8 Supercars Championship

Ocean Film Festival Australia

Sugarbag Festival

NT Santos City2Surf

Darwin International Trade Show

Colour Frenzy Darwin

Nitro Up North

Wave Lagoon Aqua Zumba - Sundays 8.30am to 9.15am from end June through to end October

JULY

Royal Darwin Show

Deadly Cup Carnival

Darwin Fringe Festival

Territory Day

Darwin Beer Can Regatta

AUGUST

Darwin Cup

Darwin Festival

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA)

Ostojic Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series

SEPTEMBER

Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF)

OCTOBER

Million Dollar Fish Competition (Oct - March)

NOVEMBER

Hottest 7s NT Rugby Union

Melbourne Cup Day & Noonamah Frog Races

DECEMBER

Darwin Waterfront NYE Spectacular

Free Community Event 31 December

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.tourismtopend.com.au

Henley on Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, Credit: Henley on Todd Inc

Markets

Berry Springs Market

Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs

Last Sunday of every month from 8am to 12pm, March – Dec

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Mindil Beach, off Gilruth Avenue. Thursdays 5pm to 10pm.

Sundays 4pm to 9pm. May – Oct

Palmerston & Rural Markets

Goyder Square, Palmerston

Friday nights, 5pm to 9pm, April to October

Parap Village Saturday Markets

Parap Shopping Village, Parap

Saturdays from 8am to 2pm all year round

Rapid Creek Market

Trower Road, Rapid Creek. Saturdays & Sundays from 7am to 2pm all year round. 20 mins from Darwin.

Fred’s Pass Rural Market

Corner of Bees Creek Road & Stuart

from 8am to 1pm all

Nightcliff

Progress

Darwin waterfront, Image: Tourism Australia

DARWIN

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