Things to Do
There's always plenty to do in Darwin. Of course there’s a packed program during the week of the Arafura Games, but it's well worth making the time to see something of this fascinating city.
Some popular options for visitors include:
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Get to know the local flora and fauna by visiting
Crocodylus Park. The park boasts a spectacular array of animals
including kangaroos, monkeys, lions, some of Australia's most
spectacular birds, and of course well over 100 crocodiles. Be sure to
make time to see the crocodile feeding sessions.
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Shopping in Darwin is simple and
accessible. The Darwin City Mall and surrounding areas offer several
speciality shops and food courts, while the air-conditioned Casuarina
Square Shopping Centre will suit all your shopping needs under the one
roof. Quality souvenirs, including stunning Aboriginal art and crafts
and exquisite jewellery made from local pearls are readily available.
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Enjoy the self-contained reef habitat of
Indo-Pacific Marine, the lush Botanic Gardens, the wallaby haven of
East Point Reserve, or hand-feeding the fish at Aquascene.
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Enjoy Darwin's beautiful harbour by hiring
or chartering a boat, taking a ferry trip across the harbour to
Mandorah, strolling down The Esplanade, or visiting the shops and
eateries of Stokes Hill Wharf or Cullen Bay.
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See the sights - hire a bicycle and take advantage of Darwin's extensive network of bike and walking tracks.
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Savour a taste of Darwin: the diverse people who make their home here
contribute to the myriad of flavours just waiting to be enjoyed at
Darwin's restaurants, cafes and markets - Mindil Beach on Thursday
nights, Palmerston on Friday nights, Parap on Saturday mornings and
Rapid Creek and Nightcliff on Sundays.
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Experience some history by visiting the
Fannie Bay Gaol, the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, the East
Point Military Museum, Myilly Point Heritage Precinct, or taking a
historical walk. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
and Parliament House, home of the Northern Territory Library, are also
worth a visit.
Outer Darwin
Darwin is also the perfect base for discovering the attractions of the
Top End: Within an hour's drive of Darwin, you can come face-to-face
with some of the Territory's best known attractions on a jumping
crocodile cruise at Adelaide River, or meet some of the cutest and most
fascinating animals at the award-winning Territory Wildlife Park.
Birdlife abounds at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, and the modern
Window on the Wetlands complex provides an excellent overview of
wetlands fauna. The Tiwi Islands (Bathurst and Melville islands, a
short flight from Darwin) are home to the distinctive Tiwi batik and
silk-screened fabrics. Access is only by organised tour, visitors are
welcome to come and experience the strong Tiwi culture.
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