From dazzling sunsets and deserted beaches to magical markets and fish that practically jump onto your line, the wonders of Darwin are well known. Yet there’s more to see and do in Australia’s tropical capital, and the Top End, than many of us realise.
One of the main reasons for this lack of awareness is the seasons. Unlike most parts of the country, Darwin experiences just two of them. There’s the literally named dry season from May to October, and the tropical summer from November to April.
The dry season is the most popular time to visit the Top End, with visitors drawn to its warm days, cool nights and spectacularly clear skies. It’s an amazing time for getting out and discovering some of the highlights for which this northern capital is known.
The tropical summer, on the other hand, is a time of higher rainfall and humidity, not unlike summer in the tourist meccas of Bali or Thailand. As a result, people often sidestep the Top End at this time of year in favour of cooler southern climes. But they’re missing out on the region at its most magnificent.
Summer in the Top End is a time when the landscape transforms in a riot of colour, when the long evenings are best enjoyed outside, and spending hours in the pool with a drink in hand is not just a luxury but an essential part of your day.
Best of all, it’s cheaper, less crowded, and ready to shatter any and all preconceptions.
Balmy nights and Tropical Light
The diversity of the Australian landscape has long been a source of inspiration for artists. One of the biggest names in the Territory’s art scene right now is Bruce Munro, the man behind the iconic Field of Light Uluru installation at Ayers Rock Resort. Running until December 2020, it’s a bucket-list sight.
And soon, it’s Darwin’s turn to be mesmerised, with a new free outdoor exhibition by Bruce Munro lighting up the city streets from 1 November 2019 to 30 April 2020.
Designed to change how people view Darwin, Bruce Munro: Tropical Light consists of eight illuminated sculptures linked by a self-guided trail through the city. Munro’s work will be joined by contributions from six local artists across various media.
Intriguing by day, the 2.5km trail becomes magical with the setting sun.
The first illuminated sculpture ‘Water Towers’ has been unveiled along the sea wall at Darwin Waterfront for the upcoming Tropical Light exhibition.
Photograph: Louise Denton/Northern Territory Government
Go storm hunting
Does a front row seat to the best show in town sound like fun? Then head down to Stokes Hill Wharf or Mindil Beach, grab some locally caught fish and chips, and settle in to watch tropical storms roll in over the sea, and lightning dance across the sky. Bring a camera!
The Kakadu less travelled
Three hours south of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is a wonderland of biodiversity renowned from Tasmania to Timbuktu. However, most visitors only get to experience its charms during the dry, when the park and the roads leading through it are at their most accessible.
Nature’s infinity pool at Gunlom. Photograph: Jewels Lynch/Tourism NT.
Not all areas of Kakadu are open in summer, but those that are, are teeming with wildlife and wonder, with flowing streams and dramatic waterfalls that plunge down ruby red cliffs to sapphire blue pools below. It’s a photographer’s dream come true.
Highlights include Boulder Creek Walk and the infinity edge plunge pool at Gunlom Falls. For a treat, take a chopper ride above the thundering Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
Looking down over Twin Falls from a helicopter tour.
Photograph: Jewels Lynch/Tourism NT.
Wildlife and waterfalls
Even closer to Darwin, just 90 minutes’ drive away, there’s a great alternative to Kakadu if you only have limited time: Litchfield National Park. From November to April, Litchfield is at its most lush. The creeks are full, the flowers are blooming, and, as the locals will be quick to confirm, the evening storms are as good as any city firework display.
Sealed roads give year-round access if you hire a car, although there are also easy day tours from Darwin that showcase the best of this beautiful park, including Florence Falls and the Buley Rockhole, shining a light on its fascinating history along the way.
Catch a million dollars
The Top End is barra country. If you’re a keen fisher, be sure to pack your rod for a chance at reeling in $1m in the annual Million Dollar Fish Competition. This season, from 1 October to 31 March, six barramundis bearing $1m tags will be released into the waters of the Top End, alongside 100 fish worth a cool $10,000 each.
A visitor relaxing on the rocks at Florence Falls.
Get set for real adventure and to connect with nature at Litchfield National Park. At just over an hour from Darwin, it’s every local’s favourite day trip with its waterfalls and water holes, bush walks, four-wheel drive tracks, birds and wildlife. Photograph: Jackson Groves/Tourism NT
Relaxing at Florence Falls. Photograph: Jackson Groves/Tourism NT.
To market, to market
Another must-see in the wet season is the Parap Village Markets, which operate every Saturday, rain, hail or shine. This is a great place to get to know some Darwin locals, as well as nab a few bargains and sample the fantastic local cuisine. On Sundays, try the Nightcliff Markets, which have a friendly atmosphere, a great variety of stalls, and live music.
Outside the regular tourist season, the Territory less travelled is worth discovering.
Book your Tropical Light holiday with Virgin Australia today.
