Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is also the gateway to Asia, as well as Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, Katherine Gorge, the Kimberley, Litchfield National Park, and the Tiwi Islands.  Flying time from Sydney is  4 1/2 hours, from Brisbane it is 4 hours and from Cairns it is  2 hours.  The population of Australia's northern-most city is 90,000 and the area has two seasons - the Dry (extends from late April to the end of October) and the Wet (extends from November to April).  Most rain falls between December to March.   This area is called "The Top End" and consists of thousands of miles of vast plains, dramatic gorges, sandstone escarpments and tropical wetlands. A visit to Darwin, will give you a real Crocodile Dundee "outback" experience.  Darwin was bombed during World War II and remnants can be seen all over Darwin.  The movie "Australia" shows the bombing of Darwin.

Flying into Darwin, you truly feel that you are at the end of the world.  North of Darwin across the Timor Sea lies Asia & Indonesia.  Bali is only 1/12 hours away!  Above:  Crest of Northern Territory. 

Downtown Darwin - lots of pubs, aboriginal galleries, restaurants and hotels. 

View of Parliament. The people choose to remain a "territory" rather than becoming a state because they feel it gives them more freedom.    

Smith Street Mall in the center of the Central Business District (CBD).

 Administrator Tom Egan's home.  He  plays in a band and an empty case of beer is his instrument! You can buy his CD in downtown Darwin.

During the Dry season, Darwin's Deckchair Cinema is a popular spot.   They serve alcohol and good food and you can watch some interesting movies plus watch the sunset over Darwin!

Qantas was formed in 1920 in Winton, Queensland.   This was their hanger for many years.  Now it houses the Darwin Auto Club.  

Only in Darwin!   This is the site of the Rocksitter's Club that has been meeting every Saturday night for 30 years.  Anyone can join and they get together and drink beer (BYO).   They hold the World's Record for the longest rock sit - 12 days!

Lake Alexander was created by the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Alexander Fong Lim, so that the residents could swim safely year-round away from the crocodiles.

A sunset dinner cruise on the Alfred Noble  located at Stokes Hill Wharf. 

Doctor's Gully is the home to Aquascene where every day the fish come in to be fed. 

There is a "Woolies" Woolworth's  on every corner in Darwin.  Now I know where they went when they disappeared fron the U.S.!

 Remnants of World War II can be seen all over Darwin.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a great place to spend an afternoon.  This is the home of Sweetheart, the 17-foot crocodile who lived in Sweet's billabong in the Finniss River outside of Darwin.  He was captured in 1979.   The museum also has an excellent exhibit on Cyclone Tracy, Aboriginal and South East Asian Art, a Maritime Gallery, a Discovery Centre for the kids  and revolving exhibits.   Admission is free. 

 You can gamble at Sky City Casino Hotel.

The Australian Pearling Exhibition, at the Darwin Wharf Precinct, tells the story of the growth of the pearling industry in Northern Australian Waters.  The House of Pearls and Paspaley are two of the many  pearl shops in Darwin.

Mindil Beach Markets are held every Thursday night during the Dry season (April to October) to celebrate the sunset.  

Left and above:  The Parap Village Market is held every Saturday and is smaller than Mindil.  It is  home to the Amazing Drumming Monkeys!

At Mindil we discovered a group by the name of
 Em Dee.  Mark plays four digeridos electronically and the sound is amazing!  Check out his group. (singer, drummer and Mark) at http://www.rawdidge.com.

  Top