Darwin - The Planning

Joyce got us a real deal some months back - a round trip to Darwin for S$200 each. Being the suckers for bargains that we are, resistance was all but futile. The Force was not with us. So it's to the Top End in December then. Why is Australia Down Under but Darwin Top End? So Darwin is the top end of the down under? I'm slow. On to the next topic...ignorance. There was one BIG problem - all I knew about Aussieland's Darwin was the name. What to see? Do? Eat?

Initially, we thought about spending all 5 days in Darwin and explore the surroundings. That itinerary turned out bad - too much free time and too little to see and do. So we changed our stay at Paravista Motel (No 2 of 34 in Darwin - Trip Advisor) to 3 nights and put up one night at Katherine - 300km away. And that made all the difference - the itinerary was now quite filled. In fact, we might just run out of time now. Talking about run, Lady Luck smiled and we managed to grab a free double upgrade for the car rental. I can't wait to see what super car we'll get when we reach there. Must remember to pack my Batman (Battyman?) costume.



My itinerary so far - need to write it here as my STML can hit home anytime. (STML - Short Term Memory Lapse)

Note : I found the online map provided by ExploreAustralia to be more detailed than Google Maps in some areas.

DAY 1
ETA 4am - First stop @ Coles to stock up essentials (open at 6am near the airport) - Drive 300km from Coles to Katherine - Katherine Hot Springs (free) - Famous Katherine Gorge (Nit-nit  Dreaming 2 Gorge Cultural Cruise@A$75/head) - overnight at Beagle Motor Inn (No 1 of 8 in Katherine - Trip Advisor)

Map to Coles Northlakes

Dinner : Silver Screen Cafe

Nitmiluk Tours, the only company that runs the Katherine Gorge cruises, is the perfect example of a monopoly. They set the prices and you have no choice. Actually you have - take it or leave it. More of this company later.
To check up road conditions in the NT, please click here.

visitkatherine.com.au
About Katherine
Katherine Hot Springs

DAY 2
Drive back to Darwin - Stop at Douglas Hot Springs - Lichfield National Park (Termite Mounds) - Check-in Paravista - Dinner @ Airport Tavern

Douglas Hot Springs
These hot springs are located 47km from the Stuart Highway via Oolloo Road. The last 7km is unsealed but generally accessible by 2WD vehicle. The springs are as hot as 60 Degrees and swimming is recommended in the cooler pools downstream. These springs attract a variety of wildlife. Camping is available. No Pets. Open in the Dry Season depending on rain April to November.
Leaving from Darwin, you have a choice of either taking the scenic drive - the turn off is just over the bridge at Adelaide River, or you can take the turn off which is located half way between Adelaide River and Pine Creek.

Map to Douglas Hot Springs

Batchelor Map

From Darwin on the Stuart Highwayy 90km then turn right on to Batchelor Road .Turn right on to Litchfield Park Road and travel a further 28-30km. The Magnetic Termite Mounds viewing area is on the right just a few metres off the road.

Litchfield Map 

Airport to Paravista

DAY 3
Territory Wildlife Park (A$26) - Darwin City Familiarisation - Sunset over Fannie Bay - Skycity Casino

Read that half a day was too short for the TWP. Opens at 8.30am - better be there before that. First programme starts at 9am - Tucker Time at the Billabong.

Map to TWP

Darwin Centre

Outer Darwin

DAY 4
Casaurina Beach for morning walk - Shopping Day - Watch sunset again? - Dinner at the Darwin Wharf

Reference :
Casuarina Square : The biggest shopping centre in NT

DAY 5
Coolalinga Saturday Market - Airport at 4pm - ETD SG 6pm

Coolalinga Market Facebook 
Freds Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve
Parap Village Markets
Trip Advisor on Parap Markets

One thing about Darwin - it's expensive by SG standards. The average price for dinner for a local is anything below A$30. The fees for tourist attractions are also expensive. The Katherine Gorge tour cost A$75/head for 2 hours.

December seems like not a good time to go as the rainy season sets in. Some have written about being stuck indoors as it rained the whole day. Keeping our fingers crossed it won't be so bad.

Car Parks & Parking Zones in Darwin

Tropicaldarwin.com parking advice