GUIDES

Darwin Guide

Darwin - Out and About

Darwin is the capital city of The Northern Territory and the northern most point of Australia. The city is situated on a peninsula, on the Eastern bank of Darwin Bay. It is the international entry point to South East Asia and a strategic commercial centre. The city, was founded in 1869 under the name of Palmerston. This was changed in1911, when the city was re-named Darwin, after the famous explorer.

The city has many noteworthy buildings: The Old Navy Headquarters, built in1884, Fanny Bay Jail built in 1883 and Brown’s Mart, the oldest building in the centre. These buildings, located along The Esplanade, are fortunately still standing, having survived Cyclone Tracy, that struck Darwin in 1975.

The Art and Science Museum and East Point are both recommended places to visit .At East Point, it is possible to observe spectacular sunsets in the company of numerous kangaroos. One of the city highlights is The Mindil Beach Casino, situated near the city’s most famous beach at Fannie Bay. Darwin, with its tropical nature, is host to an interesting Botanical Garden, covering 34 acres and offering hundreds of varieties of plants. The Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Science consists of five galleries, featuring wonderful collections of aboriginal art and culture, together with archaeology sections of the Pacific and Oceanic regions.

Darwin has rail links to Larrimah and Adelaide. The airport is only 6km from the city and has an efficient shuttle service. A taxi from the airport to the city costs about $US10. The city possesses a relatively efficient bus service, however, it is only fully operational, from Monday to Friday and does not run on Sunday. Private bus companies operate services to the more interesting areas of the city.

Darwin - Not to be missed

The Indo-Pacific Marine & Australian Pearling Exhibition This aquarium has amongst its attractions, a marvellous selection of living corals, where sea-horses and puffer-fish live together with other exotic creatures, in this special ecosystem.

The Pearling Exhibition, located in the same building, details the history of the pearl industry. The Museum & Art Gallery of NT, is host to numerous collections: aboriginal art, sculptures and bark paintings from Arnhem Land, Bathurst and Melville Islands, South East Asian art, Indonesian “Ikat” and Gamelan musical instruments.

Darwin - Walks and tours

A visit to the moor-land at the north corner of Fannie Bay, is highly recommendable. The best time to visit is the late afternoon, when the kangaroos come out in search of food, a fresh breeze blows and the sun sets in the bay. There is also a salt water lake, where it is possible to swim all-year round. Lichfield National Park can be reached travelling South across Rum Jungle. This park consists of jagged rock formations, tropical rain forests, huge ant-hills and splendid waterfalls. Visit BuleyOs Rock Hole, Florence Falls, Tolmer Gorge and Wangi Falls, followed by a picnic, with time left over, for a refreshing swim or a walk in the rain forest.

Last but not least, visit the National Park Territory, where sea water crocodiles and giant barramundi are a few of the species which make up this fine collection of Northern Territory animals, some of which are not to be found anywhere else. Travelling South, it is possible to admire the magnificent Ant Hills and visit the town of Pine Creek.

Darwin - The traveller's notebook

Currency : Australian Dollar Electric supply: 2407/250 volts, 60 hertz. The plugs are flat, three-pinned and necessitate the use of an adaptor. Climate : There are only two seasons in Darwin: The rainy/monsoon season from November to April and the dry season from April to October Language : English Opening hours : The shops are open Monday To Thursday: 9am to 5pm, Friday: 9am to 9pm, Saturday:8.30am to Noon. The banks are open from Monday to Thursday: 9.30am to 4pm, Friday 9.30 to 5pm. The public offices from Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm

Darwin - A pocket guide

Darwin, with its modern shopping centre and large hotels, offers a range of possibilities for entertainment and relaxation. It is a cosmopolitan city, which offers an extensive choice of restaurants.

Darwin is the best place in Australia to purchase Aboriginal art and crafts; visit the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Art Gallery, at 35 Cavenagh Street.

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