The library at Charles Darwin University.
Photo by Stephen Barnett.
As the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia, Darwin provides a variety of fun activities and interesting facts. Aside from being a port city, Darwin is a fun and exciting town with a hot, tropical climate that’s perfect for tourists and travel enthusiasts alike.
Take a look at these 8 fun facts about Darwin, Australia
1. You can attend one of the Weekly Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Sunset Market at Mindil Beach.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NT
These markets are not like most other normal markets that you can see everyday. If you love the market scenery, just wait until you visit the Sunset Markets at Mindil Beach which take place every Tuesday and Sunday during the dry season in Australia which is from May through October. Tourists and locals can watch performers, buy souvenir, and taste a variety of foods all in the sunset light.
2. Darwin hosts the annual Darwin Beer Can Regata.
Boats made from all sorts of cans get ready to sail.
Photo by Donama.
Every year since 1974, the Darwin Beer Can Regata is held at Mindil Beach. People build boats out of beer cans, pop cans, bottles, and milk cartons in the hopes that they will float in the water.
This event is supplemented by concerts and other contests to make a fun-filled event that everyone can enjoy.
3. The Seabreeze Festival is like a huge talent show.
Performers play their clapsticks and didgeridoo at the Seabreeze Festival.
Photo by Owen65.
Performers come to this festival from many different places to perform their acts of culture such as the two men in the picture above. Started in 2005, the Seabreeze Festival is held on the second week of May every year in Nightcliff which is a close suburb of Darwin.
Local talent is showcased throughout the celebration as well as a variety of other festivities.
4. Visiting the Darwin Aviation Heritage Center is a great way to learn the history of the city.
A Hover Bird on display at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre.
Photo courtesy of Travel NT.
A large part of Darwin’s history is that it has been the home of many aviation pioneers. It was also a check point for the London to Melbourne Centenary Air Race in 1934. The Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre gives tourists and locals alike a look into this amazing and interesting history of the port city of Darwin.
5. Did you know there’s actually a solar car race? It’s called the World Solar Challenge.
A solar-powered car at the World Solar Challenge.
Photo courtesy of GTHO..
The World Solar Challenge is a solar-powered car race that cover 3,021 km which in the entire distance of the continent of Australia starting on the north coast and ending on the south coast.
The race attracts contenders from all over the world, and participants come in teams to test their innovative cars in the well-known race.
6. You can have a picnic at the Charles Darwin National Park.
Picnics are a fun family activity at the Charles Darwin National Park.
Photo by kenhodge13.
Charles Darwin National Park is named after Charles Darwin, a well-known scientist who invented the concept of Darwinism. This park is a great location for anyone to spend a day, weekend, or even longer together for a nice vacation.
Early in 1836 Charles Darwin spent two months in Australia as part of his round-the-world voyage on the Beagle.
7. Casuarina Beach is quite possibly one of the most popular beaches in the Northern Territory.
Take a walk along the beach or take a swim in the crystal blue waves.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NT.
When one is looking to relax in the exciting, upbeat city of Darwin, you can never go wrong with a trip to Casuarina Beach. Strolling along the warm sand in the tropical climate gives anyone a getaway from the multiple festivals that take place in Darwin.
Casuarina Beach has been deemed one of the best beaches in the Northern Territory of Australia.
8. Aboriginal Art Galleries are available for viewing at the annual Darwin Festival.
Art galleries and concerts are staples at the Darwin Festival.
Photo courtesy of Tourism NT./> (http://travelnt.com)
The annual Darwin Festival is another staple of the port city of Darwin. There are concerts and other activities available for the festival attendees, but the most well-known aspect of this festival are the art galleries featuring aboriginal art pieces that are widely popular in the coastal city. In the city of Darwin, there’s always something for everyone at this well-known festival.
Learn more about Darwin, Australia with these resources:
Darwin & Australia’s Northern Territory: Travel Adventures
Lonely Planet Central Australia – Adelaide to Darwin (Travel Guide)
This post was written by Kathryn Johnson, a junior majoring in Spanish at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Kathryn’s passion for travel blossomed from her love for foreign language In August, 2015, she plans to volunteer in France or Morocco before traveling to Spain for a semester-long study abroad experience.
Kathryn is currently learning about travel marketing and social media during an internship with VentureTime Travel.
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