DARWIN
Area: Northern Territory
Country: Australia


Location:
Capital of Northern Territory, in far N of continent, within easy flying distance of Indonesia. 925 mls N of Alice Springs. 100 mls W of Kakadu National Park, 158 mls W of Jabiru. 7» mls SW of international airport, connected by shuttle buses and taxis.

Telephone code from UK:
61 8

Website:
http://www.ourdarwin.com (unofficial site)

Position:
On a spit of land overlooking Timor Sea and surrounded by mangrove swamps.

Description:
Cyclone Tracy, which devastated Darwin in 1974, saw to it that the town is far more modern looking than its isolated situation might suggest. Stretching around 3 mls N to S, the compact city centre consists of a series of wide main roads, paralleling the sea-facing Esplanade, after which the city straggles N along the Mindil and Fannie Bay beaches as far as East Point Nature Reserve. Shops and restaurants are concentrated along the S end of the 3 main streets, and many of the best hotels straddle the Esplanade. Another area of interest is Darwin Harbour, at the SE end of town overlooking Frances Bay, which has been redeveloped as the Wharf Precinct, offering a mix of attractions, bars and restaurants. Overall, the city has a spaced-out, flat feel _ just as well if you're to move around comfortably in the intense heat of the dry season.

Suitability:
Couples and families, especially those with children keen on the environment.

Accommodation:
Virtually all accommodation post-dates Cyclone Tracy and comprises mainly mundane skyscraper blocks, with a few striking exceptions. Mostly 3- to 5-star hotels, with a scattering of lower-grade motels too.

Shopping:
Although most of Darwin's city-centre shops lack distinction (they're often best as refuges from the intense heat outside!), this is a good place to shop for Aboriginal art and artefacts. Several markets, at Parap (Sat) and Mindil Beach (Thurs).

Beach:
Darwin is fringed with beaches (the best are Mindil and Fannie Bay), although they all attract deadly box jellyfish, Oct_May. Naturist beach at Casuarina.

Entertainments:
Daytime: pearling exhibition and World War 2 storage tunnels at Wharf Precinct; modern Christchurch Cathedral; Fannie Bay Gaol; East Point Nature Reserve; fish feeding at Aquascene; Crocodylus Park for crocodiles and other wildlife. Nightlife: range of bars and cafes, including Irish-themed pubs; cinema complex and performing arts centre; Diamond Beach Casino.

Eating:
A few good restaurants in the city centre and Wharf Precinct; otherwise, most hotels have their own eateries. A good place to sample barramundi, a type of fish.

Public-transport:
A rather limited bus service, especially in the evenings and at weekends. A shuttle service operates from the centre to Wharf Precinct. City tour via horse-drawn carriage. Own car a real advantage if staying in one of remoter hotels.

Local-excursions:
Kakadu National Park and smaller Litchfield National Park, both with crocodiles, waterfalls and wonderful birdlife; Kakadu also has Aboriginal rock art. Fishing charters. Flights to Bathurst and Melville Islands. Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve (permits needed to enter).