Darwin - Located in the far north of the Northern Territory, west of Arnhem Land, is the capital city of Darwin. 

With its location being closer to Jakarta than it is to Sydney, and closer to Singapore than it is to Melbourne, it is no surprise that it is influenced by Asia. 

The city's unique atmosphere, tropical climate and abundance of attractions have contributed to its rapid growth and development over the past few years. 

The wet season (October to March) is considered the best time by locals to visit Darwin, when everything is green, there’s no dust, barramundi fishing is at its best, prices drop, there are spectacular electrical storms and all the tourists have gone home. 

This is the time of year when the humidity is often unbearable, roads are impassable, swimming in the ocean is impossible, and cyclones are something of a worry. Late wet, early dry is probably the best season, as the rains taper off and the humidity drops. 

 

-some Must Dos

1. Aqua Scene Fish Feeding - It's a rare sight. Every day at high tide hundreds of fish come to shore to be fed by hand. Voted 'the most popular attraction' in tourism surveys, this unique activity is fun for all ages. 

2. Crocodylus Park - A unique world-class attraction, which brings to you the secret and exciting lives of the world's crocodilians, as revealed through the latest worldwide research. Other wildlife includes: primates, emus, cassowaries, ostriches, turtles, iguanas and a white buffalo.

3. Cullen Bay Marina - Just a short trip from the City Centre discover the unique atmosphere of Cullen Bay. Relax with a cooling drink or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and bars located around the Marina, or take one of the cruise vessels and experience the glorious sunsets over Darwin Harbour. 

4. Kakadu National Park.

5 Litchfield National Park. 

6. Arnhem Land.

 

Day Tours. 

1. Afternoon city sights tour. Tour No. AATD12

Join a city sights tour this afternoon for the perfect introduction to Darwin , with expert commentary by a local guide. See the Chinese Temple and the lush Botanical Gardens. Tour the historic sites of the city including the East Point Military Precinct. See the Stokes Hill Wharf area and the Mooring Basin . There is also time available to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory . 

Departs: 2.00pm approximately Daily from Darwin (except 25 Dec & 1 Jan) Returns: 6.00pm approximately to Darwin. 

Cost: Adult AUD 54.00  Child 43.00 

2. Evening Sunset Cruise. Tour No. AATSDSS

Watch the sunset over the Top End with AAT Kings on its Evening Sunset Cruise including an informative documentary, sparkling wine & antipasto .

In the late afternoon board the 20 metre sailing schooner "Tumlaren". Enjoy the relaxed yet informative commentary as we sail Darwin Harbour . Admire the sunset accompanied by sparkling wine and ante pasto platters. Return hotel transfers included. Departs: 5.10pm Daily (except 25 Dec & 1 Jan) from Darwin Returns: 8.00pm approximately to Darwin 

Cost: Adult AUD 61.00  Child 44.00 

3. Kakadu National Park - Tour No. AATD4.

Leaving Darwin , we travel on the Arnhem Highway across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains. A wide selection of native wildlife has made this region their home. Stop at Nourlangie Rock, where your Guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. After lunch we join our local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of bird life this region is renowned for. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu, before returning to Darwin . Lunch included.

An optional spectacular 50 minute scenic flight over Kakadu is available today.

Departs: 6.45am Daily from Darwin (or earlier from your hotel) Returns: 7.30pm approximately to Darwin 

Cost: Adult: AUD 174.00  Child 87.00 

Other tours available; Litchfield National Park - one day tour. Tiwi Island - 1 day tour, 2 days Kakadu and Arnhem Land, 3 Days Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Discovery and much, much more. Please enquire. 

 

Accommodation: 

Here are some of the hotels we recommend in the Darwin/Kakadu area. We have special contract rates with many hotels so please check with us. 

5 star *****   Crowne Plaza Hotel 

4 star ****    Saville Park Suites and The Crocodile Hotel in Kakadu.

3 star ***      Mirambeen Resort 

For more information on hotels and rates please click here.

 

 

Click here for Sydney

Click here for Melbourne 

Click here for Adelaide 

Click here for Perth 

Click here for Alice Springs 

Click here for Cairns 

Click here for Brisbane/GoldCoast 

Click here for Canberra

"The crocodile made the Top End of Australia it’s home well before people ventured forth into this vast territory, Land of Dreamtime and sacred sites. Sparsely populated it offers some of Australia’s best hunting and fishing.

In the tradition of the hunt, the restless hours of waiting, the eerie malaise of dark milky waters, fears of unknown ‘lurking dangers Crocodile Rum will see you through but… beware. "

The above unique Australian design is available in t-shirt and sweatshirt. Please click here to see more Australian gifts.

 

 

Harold Thomas is a classically trained Aboriginal Artist who has lived in the top end of Australia for over 30 years. He is a writer and poet but primarily a painter. He has a deep love for the country and its wildlife and presents it in a timeless way, never showing the intrusion of modern times. His paintings resonate with light and colour with every painting seeming to exude light. His methods begin with the establishment of a strong composition paint laid down in a vigorous but masterful way. The result is a fresh and vital painting in a palette that is distinctly Thomas. Click here to see more...

© US AUS Travel Services  2006