Darwin, Australia: Today’s capital and cultural center of the Northern Territory
Darwin looks back on many unsuccessful attempts at settlement. Hurricanes, malaria and supply problems caused the attempts at settlement to fail. As early as 1869, the first attempt was made to found a settlement in what is now the urban area in the tropical north of Australia. But it was not until the fourth attempt in 1911 that a settlement was established, which was then named after the British naturalist Charles Darwin. In 1974 a mighty hurricane turned the city into a veritable field of rubble. Much of the city’s historical heritage was lost in the rebuilding. A new architecture should better withstand the storms.
Sights reminding of Darwin’s historical legacy:
- Old Court House with Police Station from 1884
- Old Town Hall from 1884
- Government House from 1879
- Browns Mart from 1885
- Lyons Cottage from 1920
Darwin today
A very popular photo opportunity is the Parliament House at the south end of the waterfront, where the MPs of the Northern Territory meet and the State Library is housed.
During a stay in Darwin you should at least once go to Doctor’s Gully Aquasence at high tide at the north end of the Esplanade. Hundreds of fish come there and literally eat out of the hand of visitors.
Experience interesting cultural events at the Darwin Performing Arts Center. Comedy, classical theater and drama by national and international artists are performed there.
For souvenirs, arts and crafts, and fashion stores, head to Smith Street and the pedestrian mall The Mall. Large shopping centers are more likely to be found in the suburbs.
Another hot spot in the tropical capital is Stokes Hill Wharf in the south. The port’s old dock facilities were completely restored at the end of the nineties. Numerous restaurants, bars and boutiques beckon there. The Indo Pacific Marine can also be found in the Wharf Precinct. The sea water aquarium takes you into the world of coral reefs with fluorescent corals and numerous tropical fish.
Mindil Beach is a trendy beach. From April to October there is a market on Thursdays with culinary delights and handicrafts along the trendy beach.
The Darwin Beer Can Regata takes place every year in August. Only boats made of beer cans are allowed. One can imagine which drink is most consumed in Darwin. Darwin has a reputation for having the highest beer consumption in the world.
