AUSTRALIAN AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
Open daily, this centre features an impressive collection of the Territory’s aviation history from the aviation pioneers and record breakers to the Territory’s frontier role in WWII. There is a massive B52 Bomber, Mirage and Sabre jets, a Spitfire replica and Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters. The development of the jet age is depicted through displays and photographs and the Bombing of Darwin exhibition here is a must see.
BURNETT HOUSE
Built in the late 1930s, Burnett House is a Heritage-listed National Trust property and an excellent example of early tropical architecture. Here, you can relax in the gardens and enjoy ribbon sandwiches and Devonshire teas at High Tea every Sunday from 3.30-6pm.
MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS
Held every Thursday and Sunday night from April 25th to October, these are Darwin’s largest and most popular weekly markets. They feature a multitude of stalls offering international cuisine, arts, crafts and entertainment. The combination of great food and an electric atmosphere make it a must visit. Enjoy a picnic dinner on the beach while watching a spectacular tropical sunset.
Other popular markets worth visiting are the Saturday morning Parap Village Markets, the Sunday morning Nightcliff Markets and Rapid Creek Markets (Darwin’s oldest markets) and Palmerston’s Friday night markets.
MUSEUM & ART GALLERY OF THE NT
The museum, situated at Bullocky Point, features collections of the region’s art, natural science, history and culture. Encompassing Aboriginal art and culture, arts and craft from south-east Asia and Pacific regions, maritime archaeology and Northern Territory history, the museum also houses a great Cyclone Tracy exhibit and the chance to meet Sweetheart, the Top End’s most famous crocodile.
CHARLES DARWIN NATIONAL PARK
Just a short drive from the city, this park was developed to show visitors the rich mangrove habitats of Darwin Harbour. Relics of Darwin’s involvement in WWII can also be seen here. These reinforced concrete bunkers were used for safe storage of munitions during the wartime action.
WWII OIL STORAGE TUNNELS
One of the most interesting constructions in Darwin during WWII was the oil storage tunnels located near the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Today, there are two tunnels open for viewing featuring a collection of photographs of Darwin and the men and women that served here during the war. An experienced guide will take you through the tunnels with informative commentary.
USS PEARY MEMORIAL
Salvaged from the wreck of the USS Peary, the gun, now situated on The Esplanade, serves as a memorial dedicated to the officers and crew who lost their lives when the vessel was attacked and sunk during the first air attack on Darwin by the Japanese during WWII. Also honoured here is Lt. Robert Buel, a US Air Force pilot who lost his life on February 15, 1942 in a heroic attack on Japanese aircraft on a bombing raid over Darwin city.
EAST POINT RESERVE & LAKE ALEXANDER
This recreational area has extensive walking and cycling paths, relaxing picnic areas with free barbecue facilities and safe, year-round swimming in Lake Alexander. The reserve is also home to Darwin’s East Point Military Museum, which houses an extensive collection of photographs and informative displays including the Defence of Darwin Experience – an immersive, interactive, multimedia experience of the story of Darwin’s role in World War II. East Point is also well known for its wallaby colony and is one of the best sites in Darwin for watching sunsets.
DARWIN DECKCHAIR CINEMA
The Top End is host to a wide range of incredible, world-class, unique events. Experience the magic of moonlight cinema at the Darwin Waterfront. Deckchair Cinema is THE MUST-DO outdoor cinema located under the stars and screens films 7 nights a week from 20 April – 20 November 2016. The box office is open nightly from 6:30pm, with films starting promptly at the advertised time. The outdoor setting, on the edge of Darwin Harbour is stunning: watch the sunset over the sea and enjoy the tropical garden setting with a meal and a drink before your movie starts.
Deckchair Cinema is operated by the not-for-profit Darwin Film Society. The DFS programs an eclectic mix of films, putting out four seven-week programs per year.
