Darwin

Description

Located at the tip of Australia’s Nothern Territory is the tropical paradise of Darwin. The city has a colorful culture and is known for having a fascinating past. Darwin is not just a gateway to the Australian Outback; it is also a fabulous holiday destination in its own right. It is a small, laid-back city; with everything just 20 minutes away. As Darwin is located on a peninsula; surrounded by ocean on three sides, it has a tropical atmosphere. Its tropical climate is therefore said to draw in tourists from all over the country, during the summer. Home to numerous attractions and an interesting history, the city will keep visitors entertained for days. Darwin is said to be one of Australia's most cosmopolitan cities, and is home to an ethnically diverse population. Muslim visitors will therefore be able to locate a couple of Muslim-friendly facilities in Darwin.

Since Darwin city is quite small, tourists don’t really require transport. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance. Just five minutes away from the city centre is the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This is the ideal way for visitors to experience what Darwin’s tropical lifestyle is all about. Visitors will find numerous restaurants and cafes here, as well as parklands, shops and sandy lagoons. This area is where much of Darwin’s action happens. The lagoons found here are perfect for swimming all year round and are great for families. There are pedestrian trails and bike paths which offer fabulous views of the water. The wharf found here is a popular spot for those interested in trying their hand at recreational fishing, and is also the departure point for cruises and fishing charters. Tourists will also be able to find a variety of souvenirs here, along with fascinating art displays that dot the walkways. The waterfront not only offers all of the above and tranquil ocean views, it also has a rich and diverse history.

Those interested in Darwin’s history and Aboriginal culture can even go on a guided walking tour of the area and the city.

Located just 2 kilometers from Darwin’s CBD is the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. The garden dates back 130 years and covers 42 hectares. The garden is known for its collection of beautiful tropical species as well as north Australian ones.

Crocosaurus Cove is a great place to take kids. Tourists are given the opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s iconic Saltwater Crocodiles. Crocosaurus Cove is located in the heart of Darwin city and is also known for having the largest display of Australian reptiles in the world. This must-visit attraction is also home to the Cage of death, which allows visitors to get face to face with large Saltwater Crocodiles.

A big part of Darwin is its local markets. One of its most popular ones is the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Here, visitors get to sample a plethora of international cuisine, while they watch the stunning sunset. Middle Eastern, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Greek and Cambodian dishes can be found here.

There are numerous other must-visit attractions in Darwin, and although Litchfield National Park is an hour and a half drive away from Darwin, the park is also a must-visit. It is home to birds and wildlife, plunge pools and rainforest and so much more. It will definitely prove to be a fun day out for the entire family.

Nearby Airports

The nearest airport to Darwin is Darwin International Airport, which is located about 13 kilometers from the center of Darwin. This is the only airport serving Darwin and is said to be the busiest airport serving the Northern Territory.

Halal Restaurants

There are a couple of Halal restaurants in Darwin. These restaurants are known to serve a variety of cuisines ranging from Indonesian to Middle Eastern and Indian. Sari Rasa, Curry Corner, Sumatra Café, Turkish Kebab Shop and Ayuriz Café Restaurant are a few restaurants which serve Halal food in Darwin. It is however always best for Muslims to make sure that any of the restaurants they dine at are either Muslim owned or Halal certified. If Muslim tourists decide to try out some seafood or vegetarian dishes from non-Halal restaurants, it is best to double check that the dishes do not consist of any non-Halal items.

Mosques

There is one known mosque in Darwin. Muslim tourists can offer their prayer at the Islamic Society of Darwin, which is also known as the Darwin Mosque; located on Vanderlin Drive. Visitors are also advised to pray in their hotel rooms when possible, as finding other prayer areas in Darwin will be quite difficult.

Things to Do and See in Darwin

• Darwin Waterfront Precinct  
• Bicentennial Park  
• Mindil Beach Sunset Market  
• The Nature's Way
• Parap Markets
• Kakadu
• Litchfield
• Katherine
• George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens  
• Darwin Explorer Bus
• Crocosaurus Cove  
• Aquascene  
• Charles Darwin National Park  
• Wwii Oil Storage Tunnels  
• Darwin Wharf Precinct  
• Tiwi Islands  
• East Point Recreation Reserve  
• Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• Darwin Mall