Alice Springs may be the Northern Territory's party central but Darwin is no slouch in the fun stakes either. There is a SKYCITY casino here, nightly markets on the beach and more restaurants and bars than you could shake a didgeridoo at. No one needs to be bored for long in Darwin.A plethora of natural attractions ring the city. Crystal clear swimming ponds and gorgeous parks and gardens are a stone's throw from most Darwin hotels. Anyone wanting to get up close and personal with crocodiles can do so at any of the animal reserves and crocodile parks that are located in Darwin.
Of a dry summer evening, deck chairs are set up on the beaches and in some parks for open-air cinemas while numerous major international sporting events take place in Darwin at various times of the year. Theater and dance performances take place most nights and the generally young population keep the local scene buzzing along.
Visitors should be mindful that certain parts of the Northern Territory are alcohol-free. Most bars in Darwin however are fully licensed and alcohol consumption is very acceptable. The main bar center is the Esplanade where most places spill out onto the sand. The downtown area is full of bars too. Beers and tropical cocktails are the big sellers in Darwin.
Berry Springs has a crystal clear plunge pool full of interesting marine life and the surrounding grass lands are very popular with families and people on picnics. Visitors can hand feed fish at Aquascene on Doctors Gully Road or come face to face with gigantic saltwater crocodiles at the Territory Wildlife Park.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are the largest in the Northern Territory and they run all year outside the wet season, which in other words means from May to October. They take place every Thursday and Sunday and many come just to set up a picnic and enjoy the people watching.
Darwin's annual film festival draws film makers and crowds from all over the region. In the dry season, deck chairs are set up in Wharf Precinct and patrons enjoy a glass of wine and a movie under the stars. Films range from local favorites and art house to the latest Hollywood blockbusters.
Dining out in Darwin is a great pleasure. The city is too hot and steamy for enclosed, European style restaurants even though the food here rivals that served in some of the finest restaurants in the world. Almost every eatery is al fresco and the only time tables are pulled inside is during wet weather.
Find more information about Darwin and hotels in the area:
Darwin hotels | Australia hotels
