Darwin

Darwin is a city with a buzz about it. It's growing fast and is a completely different place to the one that was so famously devastated by Cyclone Tracy a few decades back. It's tropical, multicultural, relaxed and unique.

The big draw - besides the weather - for most visitors is the markets that sell all sorts of Asian foods, veges and arts and crafts. The biggest is the famed Mindil Beach Sunset Market which is held every Thursday during the Dry Season. A smaller version is also held on Sundays. The markets are incredibly popular and a small army of buskers and hawkers add to the colour and vibrancy of a memorable occasion. Don't miss out.

Then, of course, there are the sunsets themselves. A Northern Territory sunset is like no other on earth and, all along the coast, mini parties kick off as people bring their campchairs and a bottle of wine to enjoy the nightly show. There are some nice beaches in Darwin but there are also crocodiles and most locals steer clear of the water.

Fishing, though, is a different matter and barramundi is the big prize for most nomads heading this far north. A boat is good but not essential for landing that elusive barra. Buffalo Creek just north of the city near Lee Point is a top spot for giving it a go and don't forget your mudcrab traps if you want to have a back-up plan.

If you are looking to get out in the wilds of the Northern Territory, the numerous attractions of both Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are a shortish drive away.

During the Dry Season, of course, Darwin is very popular and the parks gets pretty crowded. The weather, though, is just beautiful and you can see why many nomads come back year after year to sit out the cooler months. You may soon be one of them.

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