Sunsets in Darwin follow a traditional daily ritual in which it seems the entire population participate. People gather at various vantage points on the shoreline and the many beaches an hour or so before sunset. Chairs are set up, rugs are spread out and picnics are laid as they wait for the sun to sink into the sea turning the water and sky into brilliant shades of yellow, gold and red.
The Mindil beach sunset markets are held every Thursday and Sunday evenings in the cooler months and only on Sundays in summer and are a must do when in Darwin.
Mindil night market
The food stalls lining the beach sell delicious fresh food to cater for all tastes from various Asian varieties to traditional Aussie fare. The market stalls are set up late afternoon and all food is freshly prepared on the spot. There is no formal seating but there is plenty of space to spread out on the lawns alongside the beach or on the beach itself, better still take your own chairs and you will always find a spot to watch the captivating sunset. The market is not only about food as here you will also find local arts and crafts showing off some of the best that local artists have to offer.
Governors Lodge.
Mindil night marketThe food stalls lining the beach sell delicious fresh food to cater for all tastes from various Asian varieties to traditional Aussie fare. The market stalls are set up late afternoon and all food is freshly prepared on the spot. There is no formal seating but there is plenty of space to spread out on the lawns alongside the beach or on the beach itself, better still take your own chairs and you will always find a spot to watch the captivating sunset. The market is not only about food as here you will also find local arts and crafts showing off some of the best that local artists have to offer.
Governors Lodge.
Darwin has other interesting options. The natural history museum and art gallery in The Gardens is well laid out with interesting displays of its regional mammal and reptile habitats both above and below the sea. You’re also reminded of the fact that at the top end of Australia you’re in cyclone country and there is a descriptive illustrated display and presentation of the after affects of one of Darwin’s most devastating natural events cyclone Tracy in 1974.
The East Point Military museum showcases Darwin’s role in the war time history of Australia and the underground oil storage tunnels at Stokes Hill Wharf show the extent of preparedness the city was in during the second world war.
The East Point Military museum showcases Darwin’s role in the war time history of Australia and the underground oil storage tunnels at Stokes Hill Wharf show the extent of preparedness the city was in during the second world war.
Stokes wharf precinct and wave pool
A new development is now underway at the wharf precinct and a new attraction is the large wave pool and surrounding gardens with a safe swimming man made beach, which is a safer option than risking stingers and salt water crocs on the ocean beaches around the city.
Cullen Bay
From Cullen Bay, another favourite sunset venue with beachside restaurants, you can take a two hour all inclusive cruise to Tiwi Islands and visit the local Tiwi people who are famous for their arts and crafts and also their time honoured tradition as hunter gatherers, which is still carried on to this day. Tours to Tiwi are limited to a few times a week and booking ahead is essential as there is only limited access to these fascinating and relatively remote islands.
A new development is now underway at the wharf precinct and a new attraction is the large wave pool and surrounding gardens with a safe swimming man made beach, which is a safer option than risking stingers and salt water crocs on the ocean beaches around the city.
Cullen BayFrom Cullen Bay, another favourite sunset venue with beachside restaurants, you can take a two hour all inclusive cruise to Tiwi Islands and visit the local Tiwi people who are famous for their arts and crafts and also their time honoured tradition as hunter gatherers, which is still carried on to this day. Tours to Tiwi are limited to a few times a week and booking ahead is essential as there is only limited access to these fascinating and relatively remote islands.
