DARWIN WATERFRONT PRECINCT to MINDIL BEACH
Northern Territory
Discover the rich culture and historical heritage of Darwin
The attractive Darwin Waterfront Precinct is where you begin your walk.
This area is home to the Larrakia people who, for centuries, traded with the Macassans (from a region of Sulawesi, today known as Indonesia), before the Malay/ Chinese settlements and the landing of European settlers occurred. In addition, this area has historical significance as the site of the first bomb – dropped by the Japanese – to land on Australian soil during World War II. Things are very different today, as you can enjoy resortstyle luxuries such as the Wave Lagoon or Big Buoy Water Park, or watch or learn something at the convention centre.
While you are here, make your way along the historic Stokes Hill Wharf to discover seaside alfresco eateries, watch people try their luck with recreational fishing or visit the Bombing of Darwin Harbour and Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility.
Heading back through the precinct, you will pass the Sky Bridge which connects the waterfront to the CBD, taking visitors over Darwin’s oldest road, Hughes Avenue (originally built as a track in 1869). Continuing along Kitchener
Drive, visit tunnels constructed ➤
during the war to protect Darwin’s oil supplies from the Japanese. Today, as the WWII
Oil Storage Tunnels, they house photographs and information about their role in the war.
Continue towards the Northern Territory’s oldest European building, Government House. Despite being bombed during the war, and further damaged during three major cyclones, the building has been restored multiple times to maintain as much detail as possible of the original building, constructed in 1878.
Heading towards the
Esplanade, you’ll find a concrete walkway that leads you through the tropical rainforest towards Lameroo Beach. Nestled against the cliffs, this was once the location of historic baths (19221974). Designed to keep the crocodiles out, the baths were less successful at keeping the box jellyfish out, resulting in a number of deaths. When Cyclone Tracy wreaked havoc in 1974, they were destroyed.
Overlooking the harbour is Bicentennial Park. Shaded by tropical trees, this popular green space offers picturesque views over the harbour.
Walking through the park, make your way past the Bicentennial Park Lookout, and to the main road, where you will spot the historic Lyons Cottage, originally built in 1925 to house the executives of the British Australia Telegraph Company and their families.
Today, Lyons Cottage is managed by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and leased by Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation, which has turned the home into one of Darwin’s top attractions. Known as
Aboriginal Bush Traders, this retail store has unique, authentic and ethically-sourced gifts, art and products from across the NT.
Turn left onto Knuckey Street, and again onto Mitchell Street, and you will find yourself in the heart of Darwin City and at Crocosaurus Cove. This attraction is home to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles.
After you visit the crocs (or take note of the location for another day), turn left onto Peel St and
then right back into Bicentennial Park. Walking through the shaded park, you pass the USS Peary Memorial. Standing as a tribute to the 91 sailors who went down with the destroyer USS Peary in 1942, is the restored gun salvaged from the wreck in the 1950s.
Continuing through the park, you will approach Aquascene.
This area is known for a unique and natural phenomenon that, since the early ’50s, has seen the waters flooded with hundreds of milkfish, catfish, barramundi and more, who are after a free feed. However, this phenomenon only occurs during high tide, so be sure to check online (aquascene. com.au) so you don’t miss it!
Walking up Daly Street, turn left onto Gardens Road and follow through Gardens Park on your left until you spot the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens on your right. Laid out over 42 hectares, these gardens hold collections of tropical species, baobab and boab trees, primitive plants – those believed to have been ‘what the dinosaurs ate’ – and a stunning waterfall deep within the rainforest. Overwhelmed with where to start? The Darwin Botanic Gardens mobile app displays points of interest within the gardens and also features self-guided walking tours.
When you are ready to wind down, head across to Mindil Beach to celebrate the completion of your walk over a sunset like no other. If you’re here on a Thursday or Sunday, explore the 200-plus unique stalls at the Sunset Markets (which return on Thursday, 30 April). ■