8 Very Convincing Reasons Why Darwin Is Actually Cool

DARWIN STYLE is a local’s take on Darwin fashion, food,…

Arguably ones of Australia’s most overlooked capitals, Darwin is actually a beautiful, blossoming city renowned for its colour, quirkiness and laid-back attitude. No one knows this better than the duo behind local lifestyle blog and Instagram DARWIN STYLE – the born and bred Darwinian twin sisters Lisa and Sarah Andrews. They love their city, and they think you should too – below they tell us why.

If you haven’t been, you might think of it as a small outback town – but you’d be wrong. The capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, the city has changed over the years growing into a tropical hideaway, home to sultry nights, stunning sunsets, spectacular landscapes and a constantly-evolving cafe culture. The dress code is casual and the vibes are relaxed. Here are eight reasons that will convince you to visit and see it for yourself.

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#1 The magical sunsets

1. Sunset at Darwin Ski Club, Darwin — The Ski Club

Pink, purple, orange, yellow, red, peach – you’ll see all these colours and more in Darwin’s spectacular sunsets. Ever-changing and always magical, they really are something else. So sit back, find a spot on the foreshore and take it all in or visit one of the many beach side cafés, pubs and restaurants like the Ski Club pictured above.

#2 The weather

2. Cullen Bay Beach, Darwin — Cullen Bay Beach

Two words: blue skies. For six months of the year, during what’s known as the “dry season: from May to October, every day is paradise up here. Clear blue skies, comfortable day-time temperatures of around 28 degrees and cooler nights means you can leave the scarves and beanies at home and hit the beach instead.

#3 The excellent cafés

3. Laneway Speciality Coffee, Parap — Laneway Cafe, Parap

The past few years have seen a surge of hipster cafes hitting Darwin. Whether it’s in the City or in new foodie hot spot, Parap, you’re bound to get that green juice, smashed avo and skinny latte you love so much right here. Our favourites are Four Birds and Alley Cats in the City and Laneway Specialty Coffee in Parap.

#4 The waterfalls

4. Southern Rockhole, Nitmiluk National Park — Southern Rockhole, Nitmiluk National Park

Yeah, it’s hot up here, but up here we have pretty good way to cool off – they’re called waterfalls.

Litchfield National Park is just a 90 minute drive from the city, but to beat the crowds, head to the Southern Rockhole at Nitmiluk National Park just outside the town of Katherine; it’s a longer drive (around three hours) but when you have a waterfall all to yourself, it’s worth it. Pro tip: the Southern Rockhole looks her finest after heavy rains so the best time to visit is from December to February.

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#5 The nightlife

5. Cocktails at CHOW, Darwin Waterfront — CHOW

Darwin has a thriving nightlife year-round and you’d be surprised at the quality of cocktails on offer. For example, CHOW is a Vietnamese restaurant located on the Darwin Waterfront Precinct that serves Asian-inspired cocktails which are all deliciously refreshing. Make sure you book ahead; it’s packed most nights of the weeks.

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#6 The markets

6. Po Pia from Parap Markets, Darwin — Po Pia from Parap Markets

This is Po Pia. Po Pia is your friend. We have them for breakfast every Saturday morning at the Parap Markets. They are hot delicious-ness wrapped in a deep fried parcel and dipped in oh-so sweet goodness, and they are just one sort of the amazing market food on offer in Darwin. Yes, spring rolls for breakfast is a thing up here. Parap Markets run every Saturday and the Mindil Beach Markets run on Thursday and Sunday nights during the dry season (from April to October). Don’t leave Darwin without devouring Po Pia – you won’t regret it.

#7 The festivals

The best time to visit Darwin – hands down – is during the Darwin Festival which runs for three weeks every August (start planning next year’s trip!). While the dry season is home to an array of music and food festivals, the Darwin Festival is the jewel in the crown and one of the major highlights of the year. Dance the night away to some of the best musical acts in the country before sharing a drink with friends under the stars at one of the pop-up outdoor bars and restaurants.

#8 The laid-back attitude

8. BBQ at Nightcliff Foreshore, Darwin — BBQ at Nightcliff Foreshore.

Last but not least, we think you should visit Darwin because of its laid-back approach to life. Ditch the suit and tie and forget the fancy restaurants; here, good times come cheap. All you have to do is slip on some thongs, grab a beer and a few friends and gather for a BBQ on the foreshore. Forget watching the footy or cricket at the pub; up here, the outdoors are begging to be enjoyed. Just BYO generator.

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(All images: DARWIN STYLE. For more, follow them on Instagram here.)