DARWIN (Northern Territory)
Darwin is a fascinating blend of cultures, with numerous city attractions, from fish feeding at doctors Gully to the sunset jazz on the lawns of the casino. Beyond, the wild, tropical beauty of the Northern Territory unfolds.
Must see and do in Darwin:
Northern Territory Parliament House: This beautiful and remarkable building is Australia’s newest parliament building, reflecting the skills and crafts of Territorians.
East Point Reserve: Fannie Bay, A 200hare creation area with natural forest and mangroves, open parkland and safe swimming area. This part of Darwin is especially beautiful at sunset.
Darwin Harbour cruises: enjoy Spectacular views from aboard a cruise vessel while various landmarks are pointed out to you.There are a number of cruises to choose from, departing either from Cullen Bay Marina or the Wharf Precinct.
Museums and art gallery in Darwin:
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory:Conacher Street, Fannie Bay. A fine art collection by major Australian artists as well as Aboriginal, South-east Asian and Oceanic artworks and objects of cultural and archaeological significance.
Australian Pearling Exhibition: Wharf Precinct, Stokes Hill. Pearling is a colorful part of the territory’s history. This exhibition brings the early pearling days to life with videos and interactive displays.
Wildlife in Darwin:
Have some fun at Aquascene in Doctors gully Road, open at feeding times. The tide brings in a large variety of fish to be fed by hand.
The best parks to see wildlife include the Territory Wildlife Park, Berry springs, Darwin Crocodile Farm on the Stuart Highway at Noonamah, and Crocodylus Park at Berrimah.
Watch jumping crocodiles on a cruise on the Adelaide River, or take a helicopter flight over the wetlands.
Night life and dining in Darwin:
The MGM Grand Darwin casino is set in tropical gardens, on the edge of the golden sands of Mindil Beach, only three minutes from Darwin’s city centre. It provides extensive entertainment options, dining choices and recreation facilities in and around the complex. Sunset jazz is staged on the lawns of the casino near the beach, from April to October.
Close to Asia and with an amazingly multicultural population, Darwin with a showcase of Asian-inspired cuisine. The menus of many Darwin restaurants also include kangaroo, water buffalo, crocodile, emu and camel and of course the famous barramundi (fish),often prepared using unusual ingredients and spices. For the best all-around eating experience in Darwin, join the crowds that gather at the Asian-style markets at Mindil Beach on Thursday evenings from 5pm, May to October.
Wander down to the Darwin Wharf Precinct and enjoy the variety of eateries, entertainment, historic walking trails, outdoor cinema,pearling exhibition and more. Cullen Bay Marina offer al fresco dining and a fabulous choice of restaurants.
Excursions and day tours from Darwin
Litchfield National Park, 120km and a 2-hour drive south of Darwin, offers a true taste of the Top End. This is an area of rocky escarpments, four spectacular waterfalls which plunge from the plateau’s safe swimming holes, rainforest beauty and varied wildlife.
Kakadu National Park, 250km east of Darwin, is a World Heritage area in a rugged country of magnificent escarpments, vast wetlands teeming with wildlife and ancient rock art. There are wonderful swimming holes and waterfalls at jimjim falls and nearby Twin Falls. Cruises operate along the East Alligator River and Yellow Waters Lagoon.
Katherine, the centre of a large region covering cattle country, fruit-producing farmlands and national parks,lies 314km south of Darwin. At the cross roads of the Top End, Katherine is the third-largest centre in the Territory and an ideal base for visitors to explore the attractions of the region, including famous Nitmiluk (Katherine gorge) National Park, Edith Falls, Springvale Homestead, Cutta Cutta Caves and the School of the Air. Take a tour to nearby Katherine Gorge, and travel by boat through the spectacular gorges, paddle a canoe or catch a scenic flight. Learn about aboriginal culture through sharing experiences at Manyallaluk. Greagory National Park lies 200km west of Katherine, home of limestone formations, deep gorges and the ultimate 4WD destination.
ALICE SPRINGS
Alice Springs a virtual oasis at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the stopping-off point for one of Australia’s great wonders, Ayers rock/Uluru.
Must see and do in and around Alice Springs:
Anzac Hill: provides an excellent outlook over the city and surrounding areas.
In Todd Mall and Todd Street you’ll find the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre as well as galleries displaying and selling Aboriginal art. The Sounds of Starlight theatre is a spellbinding music and slide journey through the landforms,history and space of Australia’s heartland. Visit the Central Australian Opal mines and watch a cutting machine at work. Todd Mall Markets offer entertainment and colourful stalls in the centre of Alice Springs.
Mecca Date Garden, Palm Circuit, This is Australia’s oldest date plantation. Stroll around, and sample delicious fruit,ice-cream and muffins.
School of the Air, Head Street, view a video ofthe school’s operations; see a display of students’ work and listen to outback children participate in radio school lessons.
Royal flying Doctor Service, Stuart terrace. A unique medical service to isolated towns, missions and homesteads. View an informative video, browse through the museum and see radio communication in operation.
Wildlifeand Nature Parks in Darwin:
Frontier Camel Farm and Tours, Ross Highway, Located 8kmsouth-east from Alice Springs. Camel museum and shop. Guided tour includes an informative talk about camels in Australia and a short camel ride.
Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta drive. Discover Australia’s unique desert environment. The park features rare and endangered species in walk-through exhibits and aviaries and one of the largest desert nocturnal houses in the world.
Nightlife and dining in Darwin:
Visit Lasseters Hotel Casino on 93 Barrett Drive for all your entertainment under one roof. The casino offers blackjack, keno, two-up roulette and money wheel.
Enjoy dining with a difference. Sample local treats and desert delicacies on one of the many tours to the surrounding area. Join a one-hour camel safari, or drive to a bushland setting to enjoy a memorable campfire meal while your host explains the aboriginal way of life.Enjoy the sight of bright stars as astronomers guide you through the galaxy.Try the following tour options;
Excursions and day tours from Alice Springs:
Alice Springs is flanked by the Macdonnell Ranges,18km to the westis Simpson’s Gap, with Standley Chasm 50km to the west. Further on are safe swimming holes at such sports as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. One of the oldest cattle stations in the Northern Territory is found at Ross River, 81km to the east of Alice Springs.
Kings Canyon, 434km west of Alice Springs(via Luritja Road), is a mighty canyoy of pastel-colored walls reaching heights of almost 300m and stretching for almost a mile. Visit the Lost City and Garden of Eden, noted for their lush vegetation of ancient cycad palms. Motel, lodge-style accommodation and cam sites are available.
Within the vast Uluru-kata Tjuta National Park, 460kmsouth-west of Alice Springs, are many aboriginal sacred sites and famous rockf ormations such as the Olgas/Kata Tjuta and Ayers rodk/Uluru, the world’s biggest monolith. This area is of significant cultural and religious importance to the Ananguy (the traditional owners) whose ancestors probably lived in the area for more than 10,000 years. Take a guided walk around the base of The Rock with aranger and learn about the history and way of life of the local Aboriginal people. It takes about four-and-a-half hours to drive there or 40 minutes by air from Alice Springs.
Ayers Rock Resort is made up to six properties offering a wide range of /accommodation from luxury hotel to the campground.Superb restaurants shops, art galleries, swimming pools and beautiful gardens make it a true oasis in the middle of the desert. Mt Olga/Kata Tjuta, located 50km to the west of the resort, is a collection of weathered red domes. The beauty of the area invites to walks and visitors can choose from a four-hour walk through the “Valley of the Winds” to shorter scenic treks.
Plan Journeys is an Aussie Specialist tour operator in India,offers best deals on the travel packages to Australia. For more information on Darwin tour packages and Alice Springs please feel free to get in touch with us at contact@planjourneys.com