Live Like A Local: Darwin, Australia

It’s time to tour another city with a Live Like A Local post!

Live Like A Local is a series I wanted to create in an effort to expand the travel section of my blog beyond where I live and have personally been. I wanted to create a resource for anyone reading who might be 1. traveling to other areas, 2. live in other areas or 3. moving somewhere new! I’ve been to some cool places, but I haven’t lived everywhere and what is better than some insider knowledge, eh?!

If you’re new to Live Like A Local, you can view all Live Like a Local posts, check them out here.

Today we’re visiting Darwin, Australia!

Name: Katie

City: Darwin, Australia (located in the Northern Territory of Australia)

What is it about Darwin that makes it different from other cities?

Sometimes you can visit cities that seem very similar to one another, but Darwin has such a strong and unique character that makes it a world unto itself. Even though it is a capital city, it has a laid back vibe where there’s no need to rush and everything is ‘too easy’. It’s almost a contradiction of itself as it is a city that has it all – where you can experience the adventure of swimming with a crocodile or the relaxation of watching one of the famous sunsets with a fine cocktail in hand.

Live Like A Local: Darwin, Australia - Communikait

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time of year to visit is definitely the dry season which is from approximately May – October. It’s in these months that Darwin comes alive with markets, events and access to a lot of the natural wonders that are a day trip away such as Litchfield National Park or the famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise Darwin is in the tropics and experiences very high humidity and monsoonal rain for the rest of the year which forces some attractions to close and Darwin experiences somewhat of a sleepy tourism phase.

Are there any cool festivals or annual events that are not to be missed here?

I think the Beer Can Regatta is something that should definitely an event worth experiencing. Throughout the year people put in many hard hours of beer drinking to save up enough beer cans to turn them into a boat. The creations are unveiled and tested out on the water at the Beer Can Regatta – and the creativity of the boats will blow you away!

Places to eat?

I personally love the seafood in Darwin, so I always visit the Wharf for some seafood with an ocean view or Seafood on Cullen for a great seafood buffet. Tim’s Surf and Turf is another one of my favorite local restaurants for a pub style meal and they even have a pet crocodile! I think a pie from Tommos Pies is just a must do while you’re in Darwin too.

Places to shop and what to buy? What is the area known for?

Darwin is a great place to buy Aboriginal Art and there are a lot of shops in town where you can purchase a unique piece to take home with you. The Mindil Beach Markets which run in the dry season, are another great place to find a lot of unique Darwin-like souvenirs with everything from handmade soaps to kangaroo and crocodile themed everything – even kangaroo testicle keyrings! Don’t forget to get one of the famous Mango Smoothies while you’re there!

What do you do on a Friday night?

Catch a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema then go for dinner at one of the many great places to eat in the city like a meal at Ducks Nuts or Tapas at Moorish. Finish the night by bar hopping down Mitchell Street to celebrate the start of the weekend with locals and backpackers alike!

Cool places to stay?

I like to stay at Mantra on the Esplanade because it’s just outside the noisy part of town, though still walking distance, and right across from the beach.

If there isn’t a major airport nearby what is the best way to get there?

Darwin has it’s own airport that is not too far from town.

Special thanks to Katie for showing us all around beautiful Darwin! If you’re planning a trip to Australia or want to learn more, be sure to follow Katie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. She also blogs over at The Katie Show Blog, so be sure to check her out there, too 🙂