Delightful Darwin Delivers the Dish
JENNY TAN WAS ONBOARD JETSTAR ASIA’S INAUGURAL SINGAPORE DARWIN FLIGHT IN 2008 AND NOW, A DECADE LATER, REVISITS AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN TERRITORY THIS TIME ON JETSTAR’S ANNIVERSARY LIVERY PLANE CELEBRATING THIS MILESTONE.
TThe Northern Territory is located at the top end of Australia with Darwin as the capital. Renowned for the sacred Uluru, 24 National Parks such as UNESCO Kakadu, Nitmiluk, Kata -Tjuta and Litchfield, the vast savannah offers breath taking organic oasis experiences, intricate gorges, cascading waterfalls and trails from Katherine Gorge, Leliyn Edith, Wangi and Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, spectacular lightning storms and sensational sunrises and sunsets.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Characterized by secluded waterfalls, waterholes, creeks and coves in the wilderness with fragrant bush walking trails, the Northern Territory is a destination where unspoiled natural beauty and the slowed rhythms of life prevails.
The Jetstar Singapore to Darwin flight from Changi Airport Terminal 1 departed at 2305 and arrived the next morning at 5:15 with the turnaround flight at 7:00am back to Singapore. Asian Journeys was the only Singapore magazine onboard and received the Jetstar Northern Territory livery boarding certificate.
STRIKING IMAGES
The eye-catching Northern Territory Jetstar livery on the 10th Anniversary Airbus 320 was a magnificent sight to behold against the dawn sky on the Darwin Airport runway. Featuring the Northern Territory Australia Outback scenic landmarks of Uluru, Ghan Railway, Cathedral termite mounds, waterfalls, didgeridoo, wildlife such as crocodiles, camels, emus, kangaroos and the boomerang, hot air balloons and Top End’s Darwin Festival performing art music logo on the aircraft exterior. Matching decals and tray tables decorate the interior. The livery was conceptualized by Singapore artist Ben Qwek and the Airbus 320 was flown by Darwin native Jetstar Pilot Stefan Wood.
Lauren Moss, Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Northern Territory, Ian Kew, CEO NT Airports, Francis Loi, Head of Commerical Jetstar Asia officiated the celebratory ritual with Darwin Arafura games mascot, Milula and regional press. Jetstar has flown more than 1.2 million passengers between Singapore and Darwin in the past decade and is the airline sponsor for Arafura Games, connecting Darwin to 24 Asian cities from Singapore.
It was a pleasant journey with comfortable leather seat and sufficient legroom, on the almost full flight from Singapore. The mini chicken croissant for breakfast was welcome during the four-hour plus flight. Jetstar Asia flies daily between Singapore and Darwin from now till July and five times a week thereafter.
DARWIN DREAMING
The gateway to the real Northern Territory, Darwin embodies an authentic Outback experience with iconic sunsets on Mindil beach —the very antithesis of its showier neighbours, making it the perfect choice for an easy getaway from Singapore.
Surrounded by the wild beauty of nature, visit Darwin for adrenalin packed adventures, swimming in waterfalls and clear springs, enjoy the wonderful waterfront precinct, weekend markets, tropical dining and shopping. The dry season, from May to October, is great for a tropical summer vacation while the wet season from November till April showcases sensational lightning thunderstorms, overflowing creeks and springs, blooming wild flowers in the magical monsoon.
LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK
Take a 90-minute drive to nearby Litchfield National Park for a day trip to explore the 2-metre tall magnetic Cathedral termite mounds and fields. Picnic by wonderful Wangi Falls, swim at Buley Rockhole and cascading twin waterfalls plunge pools at Florence Falls.
Experience the jumping crocodile cruise on the
Adelaide River or visit Crocodylus
Park which houses a crocodile museum and is home to a thousand saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, water buffalos, sea
turtles, lions, tigers, kangaroos and wallabies, meerkats, and monkeys. There is an abundance of wildlife
For the adventurous at heart, Crocosaurus Cove Cage of Death is Darwin’s ultimate urban wildlife thriller and Australia’s only Crocodile dive experience where you are suspended above the massive crocs and the closest heartthumping encounter awaits.
DARWIN WEEKEND MARKETS
Parap Shopping Village provides Darwin’s premier boutique shopping and every Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm, the Parap Village Market is where locals and tourists gather.
Unearth the Northern Territory’s rich aboriginal culture at Tiwi Islands and Australia’s heritage through the thriving indigenous arts showcase of drawings, wood carvings, painted shells, glass and pottery, handcrafted jewellery and accessories, silk screen fashion and home decor pieces.
Soak in the true Territory atmosphere with live music, tarot reading, and soothing massages. There is a variety of local produce to buy or feast on a smorgasbord of local and Asian food with aromatic fresh Australian coffee and tropical fruit smoothies.
A MORNING IN NIGHTCLIFF
Nightcliff’s Sunday morning market from 8:00am to 2:00pm at the Nightcliff shopping centre sets the ambience for Sunday brunch and drinks. Unwind to the performances of local artists at the central stage.
In the market you can find original art and sculptures, fairy dresses, fashionable design collectables, books and furniture. Experience a tarot card reading, reflexology or a massage. Or all three!
ICONIC MINDIL BEACH
Mindil Beach Sunset market is an institution where Darwin community and tourists congregate on Thursday and Sunday evenings, 5:00pm till late, from May to November – the dry season.
Take a romantic stroll on the pristine beach, enjoy the balmy sea breeze and be mesmerized by the colourful hues of the sky as the sun sets slowly on the horizon. Truly unforgettable tropical Australian experience.
Soak up the invigorating ambience and tantalize your taste buds with Asian cuisine or the local Aussie barbeque for dinner. There are more than 200 stalls offering dream catchers, jewellery, leather, clothes, ingenious arts and souvenirs. Under the stars catch live street performances from magicians, circus acts, buskers from local and international musicians.
Magnificent monsoonal lightning storms, nature’s pyrotechnics, light up the sky followed by roaring thunder. Ferocious winds whip your hair while wild waves wash over your feet. Mindil Beach is a photographer’s dream and just pure enjoyment for everyone else during the wet season.
KAKADU BLUE
The wonders of Northern Territory blue cypress oil were discovered originally by Vince and Maryann Collins who extract the essential oil through a strict process of steam distillation of
bark and heartwood from the Cypress trees at their Kakadu Blue timber factory.
The magical concoction, known as first aid oil, helps soothe aching muscles, relaxes the mind, prevents insect bites, relieves bug bites, treats burns, reduces scars and skin allergy. It is so popular that there is a full range of products from the bestselling pure essential oil to the facial skincare range. It is now available at all the markets, selected Darwin stocklists and there is an online shop.
MILLION DOLLARS SUNSETS
Bask in the sunshine onboard a Darwin Harbour sunset cruise by the City of Darwin cruise yachts. Depart from Cullen Bay Marina, home to the rich and famous, or yacht watch at Lola restaurant which serves great steak, fish and chips with Australian wine, beer and cider.
Mindil Beach, East Point Reserve, Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront, Bicentennial Park, Esplanade by Darwin City Centre are hotspots for sunsets, but Mindil Beach remains my favourite.
DINING IN DARWIN
The Darwin dining scene is amazing for its variety from fine dining to tropical outdoors under sunny skies and starry nights. Fresh seafood straight off the boats at Darwin Fish Market, waterfront dining at Darwin Harbour, Stokes Hill Wharf, Cullen Bay and Esplanade. In the heart of the city there is Mitchell and Smith Street, food trucks at Nightcliff Jetty and Pool. For the freshest of fish go to Rapid Creek fishing platform. There are open air markets at Parap and Mindil. The dining options are plentiful to suit different tastes and moods.
Darwin Waterfront precinct is the latest development in the city with the Darwin Convention Centre, hotels, apartments and residences by oceanfront Stokes
Hill Wharf, complete with wave lagoons and beach, sports and recreation facilities, seafront dining and shopping.
We stayed at
Vibe Adina Hotel Darwin Waterfront, a 4-star property with bright comfortable rooms. Located on the oceanfront promenade and lagoon it is connected by a Skybridge and the Smith Street East Walkway to Darwin City Centre. Nearby there are historical, cultural and heritage trails at Hughes Avenue. Parliament House at State Square, Larrakia sacred sites and Old Town Hall ruins are all within easy walking distance.