Darwin | Larrakia, NT – Tread Local

Destinations

Darwin | Larrakia, NT

Why Visit?

The laidback attitude and tropical features of Darwin are better experienced in person than read about, as little is known about the Top End. Darwin is a cultural mash-up of Australian, Aboriginal, Southeast Asian, and European influences.

Fresh local tropical produce is available all year at the markets plus, in the last decade, the city has really stepped up its game in terms of fine dining, laneway coffee, and rooftop cocktail bars.

Outdoor adventures like fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking are right on Darwin’s doorstep, and the sense of community that exists between long-term residents and the transient populations, make Darwin a fantastic place to live and visit!

Why locals love it

A few of my favorite things to do in Darwin include:

Market Culture

For a traditional Laksa or Beef Pho on a Saturday head to Parap Markets year round. Check out the variety of locally made clothes, jewelry, woodwork and assorted goods made locally. The shops bordering the precinct are great too – Parap Fine Foods delicatessen for that cheese platter or dessert you didn’t know you needed or Laneway Coffee for a little slice of Melbourne in the suburbs.

For the best assortment of local produce (i.e. cook your own meal) the Rapid Creek Markets are a must visit, check out this handy local guide to the Darwin Markets and our Tread on Rapid Creek.

Outdoor Adventure

Fishing Tours: Barra or Blue and Offshore Boats are two of many good fishing charters available in Darwin.

Swimming: Litchfield National Park is home to several stunning waterfalls that cascade into crystal clear pools. An easy day trip from Darwin but you can stay overnight in one of the campgrounds. Our fav’s are Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, Wangi and Green Ant Falls. Additionally Robin Falls located along Dorat Road near Adelaide River township, off the Stuart Highway is a great stop on the way to Katherine.

We also swim at Nightcliff beach during the dry season when the life savers are on duty, it’s not for everyone and it’s not without risk, but having grown up on the coast in NSW, I need to scratch the salt out of my eyebrows every now and then.

Hiking: It’s on the bucket list and many friends rave about it…. the Jatbula Trail is a 62km one way walk, which takes about 5 days. Departing from Nitmiluk Gorge, traversing the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment and finishing at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Just waiting for the kids to get big enough to drag them along.

Eat / Drink

Favorite Beef Pho in the City | Three Mums (38 Smith Street, Smith Street Mall), Facebook
Favorite Roast Pork Noodles in the City | Roast and Noodle 302 (Shop 15 the Galleria, Smith Street Mall), Facebook
Favorite Dumplings in the City | Nonna’s Dumplings (21 Knuckey Street), Facebook. HOT TIP: Order the Xiao Long Bao, AKA the juicy steamed dumplings.
Favorite dinner time dining at the moment | Snapper Rocks or Chow at the Waterfront
Favorite cafe at the moment | Rays Patisserie and Cafe (66 Smith Street), Facebook
Favorite lunch spot with a view at the moment | Darwin Trailer Boat Club (8 Atkins Dr, Fannie Bay), website. HOT TIP: Pack your swimmers and jump in the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping it local

East Point Morning Walk

A Saturday or Sunday morning walk, bike ride or run along East Point will help shake off the previous night’s overindulgence and/or set you up for a ripper weekend. Coffee and crepes are usually on offer from the food vans along the way (try the bacon and egg roll). Otherwise “Cool Spot” in Fannie Bay is close by and very popular with locals for a coffee, meal or sweet.

Darwin events worth travelling for:

Bass in the Grass Music Festival (May)
Greek Glenti (June)
Beer Can Regatta (July)
Territory Day, aka Cracker Day (July)
Darwin Festival (August)
Octoberfest at the Casino (October)

If I’ve missed something and you’re happy to share it with our audience let me know – these are some of my favorite things to do… noting I am but one person living in Darwin.

Your Darwin Local

Taneille moved to Darwin in 2012 and now calls Darwin home with her husband and their young family.

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