For Visitors
May in Darwin is warm days and mild nights, with a landscape still verdant and lush from monsoonal rains. It’s the perfect time to explore brimming swimming holes and world-famous National Parks, to enjoy a classic film at the iconic Deckchair Cinema, or to lose yourself in multicultural markets offering all kinds of arts and crafts.
If you are visiting from interstate for the NT Writers Festival, here are a few tips on what you can do to get the most out of your Top End trip.
Darwin
Darwin is situated on the traditional lands of the Larrakia or “Saltwater People” in the tropical Top End of Australia. The NT Writers Festival will take place in stunning new facilities at the lush George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, 2km north of the CBD.
What’s on
With the sticky wet season finally over, Darwin comes into its own in May. As well as the NT Writers Festival, there are a number of exciting events in the Darwin calendar that might entice you to extend your stay.
Dreamedia Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
The iconic Deckchair Cinema
Held from 8-9 May, Seabreeze Festival heralds the beginning of the dry season on the beautiful Nightcliff Foreshore. Bringing together various community groups, the festival showcases Darwin’s diverse arts and cultural scene. With workshops and events for all ages, it’s fun for the whole family.
People’s Choice Bass in the Grass Music Festival
Bass in the Grass in ten hours of some of the best Australian music performed live on Darwin’s beautiful Mindil Beach. Get ready for good tunes and good vibes in a tropical beachside locale.
The iconic Deckchair Cinema re-opens for regular screenings at the end of May. Showing outstanding arthouse and mainstream films, Deckchair Cinema is Australia’s most unique outdoor cinema.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
With carefully curated exhibitions from its regular collection, as well as some of the best travelling exhibitions, MAGNT is one of the NT’s premiere cultural institutions and a must do on any itinerary. Don’t miss Therese Ritchie: Burning Hearts, a retrospective exhibition of one of Darwin’s most committed and socially engaged artists.
Markets and Places to Eat
No trip to Darwin is complete without a trip to one of its famous markets. Pop into Parap Village Markets for a breakfast laksa, stock up on fresh herbs and groceries at Rapid Creek, or grab a freshly squeezed tropical juice at Nightcliff Markets. Whatever you do make sure you don’t miss the renowned Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where you can browse a large array of stalls and watch the glorious tropical sunset over the Arafura Sea. Plus, it’s only a short walk away from the main festival venue at the Botanic Gardens.
There are plenty of great places to eat in and around the city as well. NT Tourism has a decent list here, but we would also add Alfonsino’s for great traditional Italian, Frankie’s Pizza Joint for a more modern take on Italian classics with a stylish cocktail bar, and Moorish Cafe for tapas.
If you want to grab a drink, try Stone House, Babylon Bar, Hotel Darwin or Lola’s Pergola near the Cullen Bay Marina. The Darwin Railway Club is a bit further out, but worth a visit to see a band or play some pool with a cold beer, while the Ski Club and the Sailing Club are perennial favourites for watching stunning sunsets.
Further afield
Some of Australia’s most beautiful national parks are only a car ride away. Learn about Aboriginal culture and history at ancient rock art galleries, swim in crystal clear swimming holes, see thundering waterfalls, and admire the dramatic vistas.
Visit the NT Tourism website to plan a trip to Litchfield, Kakadu, or Nitmiluk National Parks.
Accommodation
Sunset on Darwin Esplanade
NT Writers Festival sponsor, Double-Tree by Hilton, is perfectly located on the esplanade near the Darwin CBD, close to amenities, parks, bars and more. From there, it’s only a twenty minute walk to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. You can also catch the Number 4 bus.
Getting Around
If you are arriving by plane, catch the shuttle bus directly outside the baggage carousels to accommodation within the CBD or a taxi.
Most events are walkable from the CBD, including the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, the main festival venue. The Number 4 bus from the city also takes you there. There are two main carparks at the Botanic Gardens, the one off Gardens Rd is the most conveniently located for guests attending the festival.
More info, maps and tips
