Darwin in the ‘Dry’ – Larrakia Country
Northern Territory, Australia
The ‘Dry’ in Darwin is June to September and it is the perfect time to visit. Make sure to pack your sunscreen and drink loads of water.
While daytime temperatures of 33 degrees may seem high – it is actually a mild 33 degrees in comparison to the way you feel at 33 degrees in Summer down South. The evenings are generally around 23 degrees, perfect for enjoying the Darwin night scene.
July and August are the prime months for events in Darwin.
Starting with a bang is Territory Day – one night of the year it is legal to buy and set off fireworks – a huge party night and celebration for all. Then you have NAIDOC week, the Fringe Festival, Darwin Festival as well as the Annual Agricultural Show.
While in Darwin enjoy live music – you can always find someone playing in the Backpacker strip of Mitchell Street. Chill in the outdoor bars and in the centre of the city. Everything is nearby. You can access all areas of Darwin on public transport, rideshare bikes, scooters and cars or by walking.
Walk down to the waterfront precinct – enjoy the sports bars, restaurants, wave pool and the manmade (croc protected) lagoon with inflatable aquapark. There is fish feeding on Doctors Gully (paid) or at Cullen Bay (off the marina in front of the restaurant that has a bucket of stale bread available).
While the harbourside is patrolled there is still the risk of a crocodile attack in the waters surrounding Darwin and Stingers are also about. Be croc aware and only swim in sign posted areas or follow the rule of one local guide “No Tiles, No Toes”!
There is lots of great fresh food on offer in Darwin – heavily influenced by nearby Asian countries. Try the famous Darwin Laska, many versions available at the nearby Mindil Markets. These sunset markets are set on Mindil Beach (every Thursday and Sunday from 5pm) – with lots of stalls and food trucks and a great location for a Sunset photo shoot. You can also venture out to the Parap Markets or visit the Casino at Mindil Beach.
Places such as the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery allow for opportunities to learn about the rich history such as the incredible display of the Cyclone Tracy disaster that destroyed so much of Darwin in 1974 as well as great displays of the Natural History and modern artworks.
Darwin as a Stepping Stone
While staying in Darwin take the opportunity to visit Arnhem Land and the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park where ancient Aboriginal rock art is available for all to see. Berry Springs and Litchfield National Park which is famous for the waterholes, billabongs and waterfalls. Tiwi Islands (accessed from the Ferry Terminal at Cullin Bay). Deep Sea & River (Barramundi) Fishing are also popular day trips from Darwin.
WWOOF Hosts
There are currently (September 2024) 6 WWOOF Hosts in the North of the Northern Territory – use the Host Search feature on our website. We have Hosts accessible from the ferry at Cullen Bay close to Cox Country Club (which offers free ferry pick up and drop off to the iconic bar with live music on Sundays). There are WWOOF Hosts near Batchelor (the gateway to Litchfield NP) and Acacia Hills only 60 kms from the CBD.
Larrakia Country
Larrakia land is located from the Cox Peninsula to the west of Darwin, up to Gunn Point to the north, Adelaide River in the east and the Manton Dam area south of Darwin.
The Larrakia Nation and their Cultural Protocols apply to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors and residents on Country:
- Larrakia are the Aboriginal owners of all land and waters of the greater Darwin and rural area, including all identified Aboriginal living areas.
- Aboriginal law requires respect for the cultural authority of the Aboriginal owners.
- We speak for our country and we have an obligation, along with our neighbours, to care for our country.
- Visitors should respect that we retain traditional knowledge, such as stories about significant sites.
- All visitors are responsible for their behaviour and should respect the guidance of Larrakia.
- Learning about country is everybody’s obligation, including; visitors, residents, NGOs and government.
- Inappropriate behaviour reflects badly on Larrakia people & we do not accept it.
All photos supplied are property of T Linsen for use by WWOOF Australia www.wwoof.com.au
