Darwin is one of Australia’s most diverse and multicultural cities made up of residents reflecting 60 nationalities and over 70 ethnic backgrounds and a population of 72,852.

Proudly Brought to you by:

A popular tourist destination for its climate, it lures travellers from all around Australia and overseas.

Darwin has had her fair share of disasters including the first ever attack by a foreign power, since Europeans settled the mainland.

It was February 1942 and the Japanese launched a massive assault on Darwin Harbour, a total of 64 raids in all, and the biggest Japanese attack since Pearl Harbour in December 1941.

The other devastating event occurred on Christmas Day 1974, the day Tracy came to town.

Damaging wind gusts and rain squalls assaulted the city and left her battered and bruised with the loss of 65 people.

The people of Darwin soon rebuilt the city, using new techniques and materials, making it the most modern city in Australia.

Situated on the Esplanade in the city, is the Darwin Cenotaph, this huge marble column overlooking Darwin harbour weighs around 7.66 tonne, the pillar is a stark reminder of those who went before, and the lives sacrificed defend Australian soil.

Just a short distance down the street and underground, is another stark reminder of the part Darwin played in WWII.

A series of interconnecting tunnels were built in the ‘40s to store oil. Originally eight were planned but only five constructed. Of those five, two are open to be explored.

There are excellent tour guides to lead you around the tunnels, with expert commentary along the way.

A fantastic display of photographs tells the story of the life of the men and women who managed to survive through such troubling times.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Darwin is without a doubt Aquascene.

Aquascene provide a unique experience where visitors can get up close and personal with the local marine life.

At high tide hundreds of fish arrive in the shallows awaiting a free feed from tourists.
Milkfish, mullet, catfish, bream and barramundi can be all be seen and come in close enough for tourists to actually touch and feed by hand.

If you are lucky you may also see some of the more reserved species in the shallows such as rays, cod, mangrove jack and diamond fish.

The routine of fish feeding began in the late 1950’s when it is said that a local resident used to throw food scraps to the hungry mullets.

Word must have got around the fish community as now hundreds of fish all arrive expecting a feed.

Anyone can enjoy this unique experience. The staff at Aquascene supply guests with bread to offer the frantic fish.

Because feeding relies entirely on tidal movement, feeding times vary from day to day, it is therefore important for visitors to check these times before arriving at Aquascene.

One of the huge draw cards in this part of Australia is Litchfield National Park it is situated 130 km’s from Darwin and covers over 1500 square kilometres.

The park is so spectacular that even the termites set up home here and never leave. Some of the termite mounds soar up to two metres in height.

Whey have inbuilt insulation which helps with the temperatures up here, and they include arches, tunnels and even chimneys.

The differing landscapes and vast horizon make for a truly spiritual experience.

The park was established back in 1986 and entices around a quarter of a million tourists every year.

Fabulous contrasting colours showcase the immense natural beauty of this vast National Park.

Some of the areas within Litchfield are only accessible via 4WD, but most enjoy easy access in a 2WD, entry to the park is free and so are the views of some of mother natures’ finest.

Mindi Beach in only minutes from the CBD and is the place, if you are in search of a great market. Seafood, culture and maybe a little Jerky are the order of the day at the Mindi Beach Markets, with its diversity of stalls you’d best make a day of it.

There is certainly a vast array of food to be had, perhaps the road kill café tickles your fancy?

No? Well there is something here for everybody and you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the markets either.

Take a walk at the end of the day along the shore and watch the cats bobbing in the water as the sun sets on another perfect day.

Are you prepared to get up close and personal with some of the largest reptiles on earth?

Crocodylus Park and Zoo is home to some of the most amazing wildlife Australia and the world has to offer, ranging from Aussie favourites such as crocs and snakes to foreign big cats including lions and tigers.

Over the years Crocodylus Park has grown into a leading research and education centre. The Park also has a formal education program being implemented for schools.

Crocodylus Park and Zoo offer feeding displays where visitors can witness the power of these huge prehistoric reptiles.

If you love a crocodile, or two or more, then this is the place for you.

We at Discover Downunder, found so much of interest in this area of Australia, it really is a great holiday destination, why not make it your next discovery?

Till next time, Happy Trails.

 

PRODUCTS & CONTACTS

1. RV SHOWCASE: ROYAL FLAIR CARAVANS
   
   26 - 28 Merola Way
   Campbellfield
   Victoria 3061
   
   Ph: (03) 9357 8118
   Fax: (03) 9357 8330
   
   www.royalflair.com.au
   
   
2. APOLLO MOTORHOMES
   
   Freecall: 1800 777 779
   
   www.apollocamper.com
   
   

3. TALVOR MOTORHOMES

   Corner Nudgee and Fraser Roads, Northgate, Queensland 4013

   Ph: (07) 3265 9220

   Email: sales@talvor.com

   www.talvor.com
   

4. NRMA SAFARI TRAILS
   
   Freecall: 1800 228 517
   
   www.mynrma.com.au
   
   
5. KRATZMANN'S CARAVANS
   
   www.kratzmann.com.au
   
   
6. BOOMERANG MOTEL & CARAVAN PARK
   
   30 Virginia Road
   Virginia, NT 0822
   
   Ph: (08) 8983 1202
   Fax: (08) 8983 3640
   
   www.darwinboomerang.com.au
   
   
7. HIDDEN VALLEY TOURIST PARK
   
   www.hiddenvalleytouristpark.com
   
   
8. BROWNHILL CREEK CARAVAN PARK
   
   Brownhill Creek Road
   Mitcham S.A. 5062
   
   Freecall: 1800 626 493
   Fax: (08) 8373 2293
   
   www.brownhillcreekcaravanpark.com.au
   
   
9. WINTER SUN CABIN AND CARAVAN PARK
   
   North Stuart Highway
   Alice Springs NT 0870
   
   Ph: (08) 8952 4080
   
   www.wintersun.com.au
   
   
10. BATCHELOR RESORT
    
    37-49 Rum Jungle Road
    Batchelor, NT 0845
    
    Ph: (08) 8976 0123
    Fax: (08) 8976 0230
    
    www.batchelor-resort.com
    
    
11. CROCODYLUS PARK & ZOO
    
    815 McMillans Road
    Berrimah NT 0828
    
    Ph: (08) 8 922 4500
    
    www.crocodyluspark.com
    
    
12. AQUASCENE
    
    28 Doctors Gully Road
    Darwin NT 0800
    
    Ph: (08) 8981 7837
    Fax: (08) 8941 8844
    
    www.aquascene.com.au