A local’s guide to Darwin: soul-stirring sunsets, enlivening art and multicultural markets

Food

Our lives revolve around food and the bringing of people together. It’s social. Darwin is a multicultural paradise.

Every Saturday [8 am-2 pm], I go to Parap Village Markets. Aromas from all over the world. Mary’s Laksas is a favorite, but I prefer Bobby’s chicken or beef satays. His peanut sauce is the best I’ve ever tasted.

Outside of Saturdays, I am a huge fan of chicken parmigiana. The Deck bar serves large, juicy parmesan.

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct has a delicious Oyster Bar that serves up fresh seafood. The Char Restaurant in the old Admiralty House has some of the best-aged beef. Hanuman is the place to go for Thai/Indian food, while The Parap Pub has the best beef pie. I like Darwin Trailer Boat Club or Darwin Sailing Club for relaxed family meals with incredible sunsets. Eat A Pizzeria is also a good option.

The best desserts are available in the dry season (April to October) at Mindil Beach Sunset Market. After Sunday roasts at my mum’s, I head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market. I love to eat honey puffs, churros, or churros drenched in marshmallow, cookie crumble and chocolate.

Enjoy the Inspiration

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory(MAGNT) is a place where I can get lost among the displays of Indigenous art and history. I was born in the year 1974 after Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin. As I walk through Darwin, I think about the city’s recovery after seeing the destruction and devastation shown in the museum. My 37 years have seen many changes.

 

There is a lot of street art in the city, and it is growing every year. You can also download the Darwin Street Art Festival App to find out more about the artists and pieces.

Aboriginal bush Traders in Bennett Street [in the CBD] offer authentic Indigenous products as well as a native food cafe. I collect wearable Indigenous clothing, earrings, and jewelry, which are perfect for the many events I attend. Many of my dresses are also from raw cloth. Rhonda Dunne’s one-off designs often feature designer fabrics from the Daly River area.

Neighbourhood

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct offers a great place to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can swim in the wave lagoon or relax on the beach. There’s also a wide variety of food available: steaks, seafood, Asian, Mexican and Italian.

Join Dr. Richard Fejo for a welcome ceremony with salt water during the dry season. This will take place on the last Friday of each month from April to September. This is a cleansing ritual where the Larrakia welcome you to their country. Your sweat is washed into the seawater. Your ancestors will then be able to smell you and keep you safe on Larrakia Land.

Green space

The many waterfalls and swimming holes that are safe and refreshing make a day trip to Litchfield National Park a popular one.

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Darwin’s beaches and lawns are a great place to gather with family and friends. These areas are not safe to swim in, however, because crocodiles inhabit the waters.

East Point is where I find magic. It’s a place where I can reflect on the same sunsets and surroundings that my ancestors have seen for more than 65,000 years. Darwin’s sunsets are always in my heart. My home is a kaleidoscope of blues, deep oranges, yellows, and purples.

Nightlife

Darwin’s bar scene is growing, and I love it. The old Chinese opium stores, Stone House Wine Bar, and Charlie’s of Darwin all have a speakeasy.

The loading bay is a bar attached to K-BBQ Little Miss Korea. It serves excellent caramel espresso martinis. Phat Mango has a green and pannacotta (seasonally available) nearby.

Meraki Greek Taverna offers a traditional Greek meal with dancing, music, and plate-smashing. Diners are welcome to join in.

The deckchair cinema is the perfect venue for dry seasons. As the sun sets, be one with nature and enjoy a variety of cuisines while enjoying a varied program, which includes arthouse films, short films, and blockbusters.

What to do?

Darwin can be expensive, especially in the dry season. The H. Mitchell and H. Smith are located centrally in Darwin and offer good value for money at $145 per night.