I have decided I really like Darwin. I wasn’t sure at first… it got off to slow start. There were a few minor incidents, mainly related around food, but then we found our feet, blitzed it with some incredible dining venues, climbed a major landmark, experienced a bit of Darwin’s rich aviation history, saw an incredible vivid sunset or two and yep, I like Darwin. There is so much to do, it is nigh on impossible to squeeze everything into a three day visit.
I was up bright and early every morning and I had my list of ‘to dos’ that we busily checked off. I thought I would share some of my favourites – I have narrowed it down to 8 – especially in the way of dining so that if you are planning a visit you can get start to the good stuff and avoid some of our early ‘tourist trap’ disasters.
I am going to start with the food. I will mention that we did have a few hits and misses so it is advantageous to do your research and read a few online reviews. Darwin can get very busy in the dry season so it also doesn’t hurt to book ahead especially to avoid disappointment, especially if you are limited for time.
1. The Pearl
If you are a serious foodie, you will love The Pearl, great for light meals, few drinks, and they have a wonderful set dinner menu.
Click here to read review of The Pearl
2. Pee Wees on the Point
Pee Wee’s at the Point is a Darwin dining experience that you need to leave room for on your dining timetable; the ultimate in Darwin fine dining.
Click here to read review of Pee Wees at the Point
3. Cullens Bay Seafood and Steak
This was a bit of a surprise. I am not a fan of seafood buffets – or buffets of any kind for that matter and I inwardly groaned when the boys decided this was our dinner choice for the evening, but it was unbelievably good. Seafood was fresh, delicious and abundant and for $39.95 per person, it was incredibly good value. There were also plenty of choices for non-seafood fans. Sitting outside on the deck watching the iridescent sunset unfold on the horizon line over Cullen Bay, there was not much to fault – big tick from me.
And the other activities…
Darwin is filled with things to do. It has a huge defence history, due to the attack on Darwin by the Japanese in World War II and its multiculturalism makes markets an interesting and eclectic mix of food and fun… oh, and then there are the national parks…
4. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Great market. Foodie delight. Dozens of food stalls in just about every cuisine you can imagine – eat your way through Darwin’s multicultural food history. Bring a blanket, make your food choices and then sit on the beach and watch one of Darwin’s amazing sunsets.
5. Darwin Aviation Museum
I love a good museum, add to the equation a bit of aviation history, and you have my attention. We spent quite a few hours at the museum, watching the historical videos and having a good prowl around the humungous aviation relics. They really are huge…
6. WWII Tunnels
I really enjoyed this – the tunnels are really interesting – bit of a snapshot of Darwin and its war history. The tunnels are remainder of a proposed series of 11 oil storage tunnels that were painstakingly built beneath the cliffs of Darwin’s Wharf Precinct by the Civil Construction Corps. The self-guided tour leads through the remaining 2 tunnels, which were opened to the public in 1992 as part of the commemorations for the 50th Anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Well worth the visit. Have a wander around the harbour area and up to Government House after you leave, it’s a lovely walk.
7. Berry Springs Nature Park
Berry Springs Nature Park is a short drive out of Darwin, the beautiful cool rockpools a welcome reprieve from Darwin’s winter warmth… and crocodile free. Beautiful, to say the least, there are some great walks as well as a picnic area. Be prepared however, this is a popular spot, so a mid week visit is much more relaxing!
8. Nourlangie Rock – Kakadu National Park
If you have time, a visit to Kakadu National Park is a must do, and Nourlangie Rock just one of the many natural wonders that Kakadu has to offer.
Click here to read about Nourlangie Rock
There are plenty more things to do in and around Darwin, we only had three days, so if you are in for a quick visit, this is my hit list of ‘to dos’ and I look forward to my next visit so I can add a few more.
This story was written by Petra Frieser – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
