A Local’s Guide to Darwin: Soul-Stirring Sunsets, Enlivening Art and Multicultural Markets | Trip
Food
For indigenous people, our lives revolve around food and bringing people together. It’s social. In Darwin we are spoiled for choice with multicultural choices.
Every Saturday morning [8am to 2pm]I go to Parap Village Markets. The aromas take you to every continent on earth. Everyone raves about Mary’s laksas… [but] I always get frozen fruit, shaved ice and Bobby’s chicken and beef satays. His peanut sauce is unique – I have yet to find anything better around the world.
Outside of Saturday, I’m a chicken parmigiana girl, and Hotel Darwin and Deck Bar serve large, juicy parmesans.
For delicious fresh seafood, go to Oyster Bar at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Char Restaurant, in Old Admiralty House, makes the best aged steaks. Too Thai/Indian it is Hanumanand Parap Tavern for the beef pie. For relaxed family meals and incredible sunsets, Darwin Trailer Boat Club and Darwin Sailing Clubboth in Fannie Bay, are my go-tos, or Eat a pizza in Cullen Bay.
In the dry season [April to October], Mindil Beach Sunset Market has the best desserts. I always go there after my mother’s Sunday roast. I grab a few honey puffs or a churro smothered in chocolate, marshmallow and cookie crumble, then savor their sweet gooeyness.
Inspiration
I get lost in Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) among history and indigenous art exhibits. I was born after Cyclone Tracy, which flattened Darwin in 1974. After seeing the destruction and devastation displayed in the museum, I reflect [on how Darwin has recovered] as we walk through our beautiful, vibrant city today. There have also been many changes in my 37 years.
The city is full of invigorating street art – and more is added every year. But you can download Darwin Street Art Festival app [which includes an interactive map] to learn about the plays and the artists at all times.
Aboriginal bush traders on Bennett Street [in the CBD] has authentic native products and a cafe with native foods. Instead of wall art, I am an avid collector of indigenous fashion, handmade earrings and jewelry – ideal for all the events I attend. Many of my dresses also come from Raw cloth. The unique designs of [founder] Rhonda Dunne often uses designer fabrics from the Daly River region.
Quarter
That Darwin Waterfront Precinct is an ideal meeting place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a wave lagoon for safe swimming or you can just laze around [human-made] beach under the shady trees. You are also surrounded by food there: seafood, steaks, Asian, Mexican, Italian and more.
During the dry season, on the last Friday afternoon of the month from April to September, you can join Dr. Richard Fejo while performing a welcoming ceremony in salt water. It is a cleansing ceremony where the people of Larrakia welcome you to the land. Your sweat is washed away in the salt water. Ancestors then have your scent and smell and will keep you safe while on Larrakia land.
Green area
One more day trip Litchfield National ParkA 90 minute drive south of Darwin, is popular – the many waterfalls and safe swimming holes are refreshing and cool.
Around town, along Darwin’s shores – from the waterfront and the Esplanade to Cullen Bay, Mindil, Fannie Bay, East Point, Nightcliff and Casuarina – are stretches of sandy beaches and lawns that are gathering places for families and friends. However, none of these areas are safe for swimming as crocodiles live in these waters.
Personally, East Point is my magical place. This is where I reflect on the same surroundings and sunsets that my ancestors have seen for over 65,000 years. Darwin’s sunsets always echo in my soul. The blues, deep reds, oranges, purples and yellows are the epitome of my home.
Nightlife
As a cocktail girl, Darwin’s growing bar scene catches my eye. Our little speakeasy, Hanky Panky; Stone House Wine Bar in the old Chinese opium warehouses and gin joint Charlie’s of Darwin are all ideal for catching up with friends.
Læssebugena bar connected to the K-BBQ restaurant Little Miss Korea serves excellent caramel-espresso martinis, and nearby along the graffiti strip, Phat Mango‘s green ant panna cotta [seasonally available] is mouth-watering.
For a noisy dinner with music, dancing and plate food, Meraki Greek Tavern serves traditional food; it’s like being transported to Greece and diners can join in.
That Beach chair outdoor cinema next to the harbor is a perfect place for the dry season. Be one with nature, try different cuisines every night as the sizzling sun sets, all the while watching a program that varies from amazing arthouse films and shorts to feature films.
Where to live
Darwin is not cheap, especially during the popular dry season. Off peak times are H on Smith and H on Mitchell Aparthotels are centrally located in the city and are good value at around $145 per night. night.
