[Australia] What's there in Darwin? Is that worth to visit? Enjoy Darwin, Top End of NT.

New expat in town? Working holiday? or just try to escape from somewhere with the cold weather.
So many place to visit Australia, but have you heard about Darwin?
Acutually before coming here, me, no.

I was sent here as an expat, and then...
It's actually so much to see but limited time.
Here are some top things you should do if you're visiting Darwin


The tropical weather makes you enjoy sunshine as much as you want through the whole year.
The geographic west of Australia provides you the best angle of the astonishing sunset shots that even you have only smartphone, you can be a photographer.
Close to the other south east countries makes Darwin immerse in the fusion of Asian food and the western meals.
Of course you wouldn't miss the beautiful nature of the Top end national parks
Depends on how many days you'll visit Darwin, you can pick up several ways to enjoy.
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Darwin - City vs. Nature

City
Different from other big cities in the world, Darwin city is more laid back.
There's not so many tall building in the city but more characteristic churches.
Basically you can visit different areas in Darwin and each of them has their own features.

• Darwin city CBD - Mitchell street, Smith street 
• Waterfront 
• Cullenbay
• Skycity, Mindl beach, Botanic gardens
• Fannie bay
• East point
• Nightcliff
• Casuarina beach

Sunset in Darwin

There are several nice places to enjoy the sunset in Darwin. The cover photo is the sunset at the Darwin Sailing Club where you can have dinner, drinks and sunset.It's also a family friendly restaurant that you kids can play at their playground while you can still have your meal without worrying them too much

[Darwin] Sunset by the bay

Where to enjoy the best sunset in Darwin?

• Esplanade [Darwin City]
• Cullen Bay grass
• Darwin Sailing Club [Fannie Bay]
• De la plage [Casuarina Coastal Reserve]
• Champagne Sunset Sail [Catamaran sail from Cullen Bay]
• Pee Wee [East Point]
• Mindl beach market & Skycity

[Darwin] Cullen bay

Gourmet

You should not miss these nice food in Darwin. I know you might not have enough meals to try all of them, well, it's holiday, try your best and enjoy these beautiful presentation from the chef.

Brewery 

Purple Mango cafe
You will definitely visit National park from Darwin. This is highly recommened place you should visit in Darwin. Their beer and pizza is really really good. Cocktail is ok but I prefer their beer!
Their tasting paddle can fullfill all your desire for the long day!

[Darwin] Purple mango cafe (brewery )

Restaurants 

• The Cav - Steak house
• PM eat & drink - Tapas
• Darwin Sailing club - Nice sunset @ Fannie bay
• Pee Wee
• Char
• Moorish - best tapas in the city

[Darwin city] Ruby - Softshell crab

[Darwin city] Manoli's - Seafood Platter

Markets

• Night Cilff market
• Parap market
• Rapid Creek market 
• Mindl beach market (dry season only)

Brunch

• Laneway
• Alley cats
• Eva cafe

[Darwin] Burger from Laneway

Pub & Bar 

The pub food in Darwin is actully really nice.
Don't just get a drink but try their food as well!

• Lola's 
• Shenannigans  
• Monsoon 
• Wisdom
• Viva la vida
• Stone house 



[Darwin city] Pork  belly & Scallop @ Viva la vida             

National Parks

There are quite a few place you should not miss when you visit Darwin.
Here are some day trip itinerary which we suggest you to follow.
Of course you can join the local tour then you don't have to worry about how to get there.
But if you prefer to have your own time, just hire a car and follow our recommendation!

Litch Field Park
Recommend day trip route:
Berry Spring -> Darwin Dam -> Bamboo Creek Tin Mine walk-> Wangi Falls -> Tomler  Creek walk -> Florence Falls ->Buley Rockhole

[Darwin] Litch Field - Florence Fall

[Darwin] Litch field - Darwin Dam

Kathrine gorge 
Camping at the Edith Fall or Kathrine gorge.
We recommend you to hire a Kayak and enjoy the beauty of the gorge.

Swimming in the Edith Fall

Kayaking @ Kathrine gorge

Jumping crocodille, wake borading, mango brewry and camping in the Winery

Try the wake boarding at the North Shore Parks in the morning, visit Jumping crocodile in the afternoon and have a nice dinner at the mango winery.
How to drive back to town after visit the winery?
Of course you should not do so!
Just bring you tent and stay at the winery.
They provide both powered and unpower camp site with bathroom as well
The only you have to confirm with them is if they open or not.
They normally open evening only on Sat.

[Darwin] Jumping crocodile

Kakadu National park

Kakadu is a bit far from Darwin city, we don't really recommend you to do a day trip since you might end up driving whole day only (Yes we tried and we failed, so it's our really experience sharing...)

If you combine with the jumping crocodile itinerary above, you can continue your next journey to Kakadu from there.

Gunlom - infinity pool
Twin & JimJim Falls
Rock art and look out at the Jabiru
Maguk Gorge
Anbangbang billabong