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6 Ways Darwin Does Romance A Little Differently

6 Ways Darwin Does Romance A Little Differently

Darwinians think a little differently when it comes to romance. It might have something to do with the heat or perhaps it’s the rugged nature of the Northern Territory. What else could explain a local’s “romantic recommendation” of a double date with Chopper the crocodile in the Cage of Death?

Darwin might not be the first place that comes to mind for a romantic getaway, but Australia’s northern-most capital offers plenty of activities to enjoy with your partner, with or without crocs. [listicle]

Darwin sunset

Sunset cruise around the Harbour

Kick off your shoes and take in one of Darwin’s famous sunsets from the deck of Sundancer, a luxury 50ft ocean-going catamaran which sails around the harbour as evening descends. Complimentary bubbly flows freely and a tapas-style dinner featuring local prawns, chicken satays, grilled haloumi and barbeque steak is served throughout the cruise.

With over 100sqm of deck space, it’s easy to find your own secluded spot to watch the sun go down.

Cruises depart Stocks Hill Dock at 5pm and return at 8pm, and cost $110 per person.

Image: Mark Roy / Flickr

Catch a movie at the Deckchair Cinema

Famous for its hundreds of colourful deckchairs and eclectic selection of films, the atmospheric outdoor cinema run by the Darwin Film Society operates seven nights a week during the dry season. Movie-goers come to Deckchair Cinema to enjoy the friendly atmosphere along with a drink from the bar, a homemade picnic or dinner from the on-site caterer, which changes daily.

Tickets start from $16 for adults and can be purchased online.

Image: Deckchair Cinema / Facebook

Picnic at Florence Falls

Head 100km south-west of Darwin for a day trip to Litchfield National Park where pristine (and croc-free) waterholes beckon. Florence Falls cascades into a deep rock pool surrounded by lush, green forest, making it feel as if you are swimming in the middle of a post card. Arrive early or late to avoid the tour buses and bring a picnic to enjoy on the banks of the nearby Florence Creek.

Image: Marek / Flickr

Eat your way around the Parap Village Markets

Celebrate Darwin’s close proximity to Asia at Parap Village Markets, where the only thing rivalling the fabulous food is the equally fabulous vibe. Grab a mango smoothie and stroll through stalls selling everything from vibrantly coloured ornamental ginger to Vietnamese spring rolls, roti pancakes and Mary’s famous laksa. The latter is rumoured to be a failsafe hangover cure.


Double-date with a crocodile

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Hold each other tight as a huge saltwater crocodile circles your acrylic-strengthened “glass” cage with a toothy, menacing grin. Climbing into the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove offers couples a much bigger adrenalin rush than watching the sunset.

Dive sessions run between 11am and 5pm daily, and costs $260 for two people. Good luck.

Image: Crocosaurus Cove

Fine-dine, Darwin style

Mitchell’s Grill serves stylish Mod-Oz cuisine with a focus on seafood and the Southeast Asian flavours which are typical of Darwin’s food culture. Locals and tourists flock to Pee Wee’s at the Point for stunning sunset views and Territory-influenced dishes such as coconut-crusted crocodile tail. Hanuman, which celebrates South-East Asian, Indian and Nonya style-cuisine with a sophisticated blend of flavours, is also a popular date-night spot, and provides the catering at Deckchair Cinema on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Image: Hanuman Darwin / Facebook
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(Lead image: Firoj Rana / Flickr)

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