Touring Australia Summer 2016/17 Touring Australia | Page 65

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Darwin is a rapidly growing tropical city with so much to see and do,
from fine dining to beach side markets.
Darwin is arguably Australia’s most cosmopolitan city with its
population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70
different ethnic backgrounds. With a population of more than 100,000
people and growing rapidly, this tropical town has plenty to see and do
and is a great place to escape. Darwin sees its peak visitors during their dry
season from May until October, when many festivals and events are on.
With a year round average temperature of 32 degrees Darwin is a modern
city with something for everyone.
As the closest Australian capital to Asia, Darwin is a town with
a strong Asian influence. One of the highlights on the Darwin calendar is
Chinese New Year accompanied by a fantastic fireworks display in February.
Being so close to Asia, Darwin is home to many different nationalities
and ethnicities. It is home to the highest percentage of Aboriginals in any
Australian capital city with 9.7% of its population being Aboriginal in the
2006 census. Darwin also has many immigrants from South East Asia,
Germany, The United Kingdom and Italy.
Darwin is a city that has something for everyone. You can be part
of the booming city nightlife in the pubs, bars and nightclubs that dominate
the popular Mitchell Street precinct, or if you are more culturally inclined
you can visit the Darwin Entertainment Centre to e njoy a performance by
the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.
Darwin also hosts many popular annual arts events including The
Darwin Festival and The Darwin Fringe, which will both be held in
September this year. Darwin is also home to many famous art galleries,
displaying a wide variety of Aboriginal art. Local and visiting bands also
frequent the city, including home grown local and Australian Idol finalist,
Jessica Mauboy.
If you’re after some real entertainment then visit Darwin on Territory
Day July 1st. This is the only day of the year, besides Chinese New Year, when
fireworks are permitted in Darwin. On Territory Day the Government
commissions a large fireworks display at Mindil Beach. Another popular
event in Darwin is the beer-can regatta held in August which celebrates
Darwin’s love of beer when the contestants’ race boats made of beer cans.
Darwin is an ideal destination to visit in Australia as there is
so much to see and do. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as eating,
drinking, shopping, cinemas and the markets. Darwin also offers fine
dining experiences including alfresco dining in Mitchell Street in the
town’s central business district.
If you love to shop then just head fifteen minutes from the city to
Casuarina Square, the Territory’s largest shopping centre. Casuarina Square
features over 200 retail stores including favourite fashion chains and unique
jewellery stores, a must for the ladies!
Darwin is also home to many beautiful beaches including the
Casuarina Beach and Mindil Beach, home of the famous Mindil Beach
markets, held Thursdays and Saturdays during the dry season which are
a must for any tourist. Be careful though when swimming in the open
waters, as from October until May the deadly box jellyfish are present. Also
beware of saltwater crocodiles that are common in all waterways including
on the local beaches. Fishing is also a popular activity in Darwin. Visitors
aim to catch the iconic Barramundi fish as well as the Snapper and the
Spanish Mackerel.
There are many ways to get to Darwin. You can go via plane, bus
or the legendary Ghan train. So what are you waiting for, book your flight
or bus trip today and see what this multicultural city has to offer.

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