Darwin

Historical

historical
World War II Oil Storage Tunnels
+61 8 8985 6333

Hidden deep beneath the city is one of the most interesting historical sites in Darwin. The World War II Oil Storage Tunnels were built during World War II due to the vulnerability of standard storage tanks to aerial attacks. Delays and the failure to properly seal the tunnels from water meant that they were never used for their initial purpose. Two of the tunnels are open to the public and feature an awesome collection of photographs of life in Darwin during World War II.

historical
East Point reserve

East Point Reserve, just north of the city, is filled with walking trails and cycling paths. The area is also home to Darwin’s East Point Military Museum. Here you can check out WWII relics and watch footage of the Darwin bombing. Go near dawn or dusk to see Agile Wallabies.

Cultural

cultural
Deckchair Cinema
Jervois Rd off Kitchener Dr, Wharf Precinct
+61 8 89810700
$13
Gates open 6:30PM, films nightly from 7:30PM Apr-Nov

Relax outdoors in the deckchairs on Darwin Harbour and enjoy a movie under the stars. Deckchair Cinema screens quality Australian, family, foreign and popular films every night of the dry season. There is also a licenced kiosk.

cultural
Darwin Festival
Smith St.

The Darwin Festival program provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain. The festival includes everything from free outdoor events to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshops and comedy, not to mention the sensational cuisine. Running for 18 nights, the Darwin Festival reflects the indigenous, Asian and Pacific cultures of the region. August.

cultural
Aboriginal Art Awards
Darwin Convention Centre

The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the premier national indigenous event on the arts calendar. The Award attracts a broad range of artistic talent and showcases up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Aug–Oct.

cultural
Darwin Entertainment Centre
93 Mitchell Street
+61 8 8980 3366

Boasting a recent facelift, the Darwin Entertainment Centre has an unmistakable presence on Mitchell Street. Complete with playhouse, studio theatre and exhibition gallery, the Centre hosts concerts, dances and performances from Australia and overseas.

cultural
Heineken Hottest 7’s in the world

This Rugby 7’s competition is held over two days with local teams competing against the best from overseas, interstate and intrastate. It ranks as the leading prize money 7’s event in Australia with $60,000 up for grabs.

cultural
BASSINTHEGRASS

Every year, thousands of Darwin locals and visitors flock to the Darwin Amphitheatre to rock to their favourite Australian and International bands. Previous line-ups include Powderfinger, Hilltop Hoods, Wolfmother, Gyroscope, Jet and Eskimo Joe, just to name a few. This is a sell out event every year, so make sure you get your tickets early. The event is normally held in May.

cultural
Darwin Cup Carnival

Share in the excitement of Darwin’s premier horse racing calendar. The Darwin Cup Carnival features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and a glass of bubbly and culminates in the Darwin Cup race. The picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit, and the Darwin Cup Day witnesses 19,000 people bursting the rails. 4 Jul–3 Aug 2009.

cultural
Arafura Games

The Arafura Games, held in Darwin, is a sporting event for developing athletes across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. It provides the experience necessary to succeed in competition of the highest level. This biennial event is a major highlight on the sporting calendar and is recognised throughout the Asia Pacific region as a week-long celebration of sporting competition, cultural diversity and friendship.

cultural
Nightlife

Darwin’s youthful population adds energy and zest to the city’s vibrant night life. After dark there’s plenty of culture, music and entertainment to keep you busy.

Natural

natural
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
Daribah Rd.

Just a 20 min drive from the city, the casuarina coastal reserve comprises sandy beaches fringed by casuarina trees and sandstone cliffs. the reserve protects areas of cultural significance, including old man rock, a registered aboriginal sacred site. the reserve also features a large grassy area with barbeques and tables.

natural
Aquascene
28 Doctors Gully Rd
+61 8 8981 7837
entry fee applies

You feed the fish by hand and they're not little fishies, so luckily they don't bite hard! Feeding is dependent on the tide, so check the website or call for the schedule.

natural
Crocodylus Park
McMillans Rd.

(http://www.crocodyluspark.com) - only 5 min drive from the airport, the park is home to more than a thousand crocodiles. it also houses exotic birds, primates, big cats and lizards. children under 4 years have free entry.

natural
Berry Springs Nature Park

Is a popular and picturesque area for picnics and is a great swimming spot. use goggles to spot native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. the picnic area is a good base from which to take a walk through the monsoon forest and woodlands. bring your binoculars if you're keen on bird watching. around 50 km south of darwin, reachable in 45 min by car. it has a kiosk. it can be closed for swimming during the wet season.

natural
Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise

To get up close and personal to the crocs. stop at the humpty doo hotel on the way to the adelaide river and sample the cold beer on offer.

natural
Batchelor Butterfly and Petting Farm
8 Meneling Rd, Batchelor
+61 8 8976 0199
$10, $5 child, $8 senior

The Northern Territory's only butterfly farm, is situated in the heart of Batchelor, gateway to the Litchfield National Park. Proivides a cafe and licensed restaurant in a tropical setting. Offers viewing of rare and beautiful butterflies, a diverse display of birdlife, a petting farm with lots of rabbits, guinea pings, turtles, fish, peacocks and native galah birds. A secure play area for children is provided.

natural
Territory Wildlife Park
+61 8 8988 7200

The Territory Wildlife Park is a popular attraction, home to monsoon and paperbark forests and a wetlands walk. You can stand nose-to-nose with a 3.7 metre saltwater crocodile on a walk through the aquarium tunnel. Twice-daily birds of prey show or animal encounters presentation.

The Northern Territory is a great place to study, with options available in VET courses and apprenticeships, as well as undergraduate and post graduate tertiary study. Institutions are located in and around the Northern Territory’s major centres, so you will always be close to the action to unwind in your down-time. See the Territory Government's website (http://www.theterritory.com.au) for information about studying and working in the Northern Territory.

working holiday

A working holiday in the Northern Territory gives you the opportunity to experience a lifestyle and culture that's completely different from the rest of Australia and, in fact, the world. From outback stations and horticultural farms to hospitality and nursing, there are many ways to fund your holiday in the Northern Territory.