Most backpackers leave
Darwin off their list of destinations to visit whilst travelling around Australia. It is in the middle of nowhere and takes a long time to get to.
Alot of Aussies I know questioned why I wanted to go to this 'back water town' - but for me Darwin was true Australia. With a frontier town feel, Aboriginal influence and fantastic natural reserves on its doorstep Darwin is definately worth a detour.
So what to see?Depending upon your budget here are some
Lazyshark suggestions on how to spend your time and Aussie dollars whilst you're there:
Money to burn?Guided tour of the National Parks - You can spend as much money as you want with a huge choice of trips to pick from. Highlights include Sunrise at Yellow River - you go out in canoes paddling through swampy mangroves silently waiting for the wildlife to come to life at first light. Truly breathtaking.
Aboriginal Rock painting - The
Kakadu National Park is a way out of Darwin but worth seeing. You could combine this with a trip to the Yellow River.
Fishing - Go out big game fishing for barramundi. The coast off Darwin is renowned for it and attracts visitors from afar.
Jewellery shopping - South Sea Pearls are the jewel of Darwin - literally. If you enjoy trying on fab jewellery for hours then this is something not to be missed. Beware though - your credit card could take a hit!
On a shoestring budget? Mindil Beach Sunset Markets - Open-air asian food markets that run from April to October. Fabulous - worth going for a wander even if you don't like asian food as the atmosphere is excellent
Lightning storms - The climate in Darwin often leads to the most amazing lightning storms. The harbour front offers front row seats to some spectacular sunsets and lightning strikes. Pick up a few 'cold ones' and enjoy the show!
Botanic Gardens - Free admission to the 42 hectare
George Brown botanic garden with over 450 species of palm tree on display alongside other equally exotic rainforest vegetation to behold and relax in. Remember to take some insect repellant in case the mozzies like you!
2009 marks the 80th anniversary for the legendary Ghan - named after the Afghan camel drivers who opened up Australia's interior. On the 4th August 1929, The Ghan departed Adelaide for its inaugural journey bound for Alice Springs. However it was only as recently as 2004 that the line was finally extended to Darwin; due to multiple problems with money, aborginal land right issues (famously recounted in the Bruce Chatwin book 'The Songlines'), and flooding.
