Darwin – our little Vegemite

The only thing more Australian than Darwin is Vegemite. The entire city beats to a laid-back tune.

But don’t be fooled, this Aussie battler is full of trendy little cafés and bars alike to tickle any long mac-loving hipsters’ taste buds. And while the beach isn’t exactly swimmable, the local Darwin Wave Pool or Darwin Ski Club are essential for a much needed cool down.

Aerial view of the Darwin city skyline — Darwin city skyline

Sunset drinks with friends at the Darwin ski club — Sunset drinks at Darwin Ski Club

Breakfast at De la Plage – located in the surf club under the trees at Casuarina Beach, this beach front café is another must-do in Darwin. Quirky outdoor seating including tables with bean bags, milk crates, umbrellas and hammocks. The menu variety and food was fresh, healthy and yummy.

After breaky we stumbled across Jingili Skate Park where Jacob and Ed enjoyed a shred until the heat sent us in search of a pool.

Cool down time is at the Darwin Wave Pool down by the Darwin Waterfront. There’s a recreation lagoon and the wave pool which is heaps of fun.

Emily Hutchinson and friend enjoying breakfast at De La Plage Casuarina beach Darwin — Enjoying breakfast beach-side at De La Plage, Casuarina Beach

Breakfast spread at De La Plage Casuarina beach Darwin — Enjoying breakfast beach-side at De La Plage, Casuarina Beach

A girl swimming underwater in the wave pool at Darwin Waterfront — Cooling off at the Wave Pool, Darwin Waterfront

Aerial view of the Darwin wave pool — Wave Pool, Darwin Waterfront

Surrounding the waterfront lagoon area is good shopping and restaurants. Lunch at Hot Tamale – great Mexican; authentic margaritas overlooking the recreation lagoon.

Emily Hutchinson enjoying a drink at Hot Tamale Darwin waterfront — A toast to a great day exploring Darwin at Hot Tamale, Darwin Waterfront

Lunch spread at Hot Tamale Darwin Waterfront — Tucking into a Mexican feast at Hot Tamale, Darwin Waterfront

Our after lunch siesta took place in the George Brown Botanic Gardens. This is a cool place where you can relax under a canopy of rain trees and tall palms in the heart of Darwin. The gardens are really beautiful and are popular for exercise and can easily be combined with a visit to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets during the Dry Season.

We then hit the SKYCITY lagoon and infinity pool. A swim up bar for cocktails and oysters was a real treat, followed by watching an afternoon tropical storm at the infinity pool.

Finally we ended the day at the Precinct Tavern back at the Darwin Waterfront to catch the sunset and rock out to local JJJ unearthed winners At the Dakota.

Emily Hutchinson and friend walking into the Lagoon Pool SKYCITY Darwin — Lagoon pool, SKYCITY Darwin

Emily Hutchinson and friend enjoying a drink at the Lagoon Pool SKYCITY Darwin — Afternoon drinks on the balcony of a Lagoon Room at SKYCITY Darwin

Emily Hutchinson and friends dancing at The Precinct beer garden at the Darwin Waterfront — Pop-up beer garden, The Precinct (featuring ‘At the Dakota’), Darwin Waterfront

At the Dakota band performing at The Precinct beer garden at the Waterfront — Pop-up beer garden, The Precinct (featuring ‘At the Dakota’), Darwin Waterfront

There are some serious epic locations and places to eat, drink and adventure in Darwin. We enjoyed a fun day of diverse activities and locations, seeing a few of the Darwin city sites while eating great food, chatting to friendly local characters and meeting like-minded tourists.

Darwin is our little Aussie Vegemite.

Credits

www.summersite.com
Author: @emelinaah
Photography: @caitmiersphotography
Aerial drone photography: @saltywings

Written by

Emily Yates

Emily Yates is a bubbly and vibrant travel blogger. When she isn’t globetrotting some of the most idyllic locations around the world, she bases herself between Byron Bay and Bali. You can keep up to date with her travels on Instagram @emelinaah

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