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USEFUL WORDS & PHRASES The language spoken is
English; however, it is spiced with a vocabulary and some
pronunciations bound to confuse non-native speakers. For
example:
Are you right? ▪ Do you need help?
Good on ya ▪ Good for you.
Good day ▪ G’day
Good afternoon ▪ Arvo
Woman ▪ Sheila
That’s OK ▪ No worries
General store ▪ Milk bar
Evening meal ▪ Tea
Darwin
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Ibiza
Perth
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Sydney
A L G E R I A
Melbourne
NOTES
TASMANIA
GENERAL INFORMATION The lure of the Top
End has always been its relaxed tropical lifestyle.
Darwin, the Northern Territory’s capital, is a modern
vibrant city fringed by the Arafura Sea. It boasts a
harbor twice the size of Sydney’s and is encompassed
by coastal reserves with extensive walking and
cycling trails. Darwin is also the getaway to some of
the world’s most renowned national parks. Kakadu
National Park and Litchfield National Park are
accessible from here. Darwin is also one of Australia’s
most ethnically mixed places, with inhabitants from
65 or so racial and cultural backgrounds. Chinese
have historically constituted part of the population,
and today they’re joined by Southeast Asians,
Timorese, Greeks, Italians, New Zealanders, and
others. The hot, humid, tropical climate creates a
casual lifestyle. The walking shorts and long socks
worn by men during summer in southern cities are
year-round gear in Darwin, and things tend to move
at a relaxed pace. Extensive mangrove swamps, a
busy port, and sandy beaches are all nearby. ‘New’
Darwin is a place of energy and prosperity. With a
planned rail link from Darwin to the southern capital
cities, it is destined to become Australia’s major
gateway for the import and export of goods. The new
boat marina with upscale restaurants and lined with
impressive waterside housing, is a clear indication of
the modern lifestyle that stands in contrast to its
rugged Outback frontier fame.
This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose.
While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct,
we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.
© RCCL 2008. All rights reserved.
E X P L O R E R
Darwin
A U S T R A L I A
HISTORY The capital of the Northern Territory, named after English
naturalist Charles Darwin, has struggled for survival ever since its
founding in 1869. At first, development was hampered by the settlement’s
isolation at the end of a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides.
During World War II, the city was damaged by Japanese bombs. And
on Christmas Eve in 1974, Darwin was flattened by Cyclone Tracy. In
spite of these difficulties, the community has managed to prevail and
today is a busy metropolis with 78,100 residents. Buildings in the city
center are modern, having been built after the 1974 disaster. Prosperity
is based primarily on the area’s mineral wealth.
continued over
4
Smith Street Mall is the center of Darwin’s shopping
district and features specialty shops offering local arts
and crafts, leather goods and Australian fashion clothing. Most
stores are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am
to 5:30 pm, Thursday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from
9:00 am to noon, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Military Museum Museum This museum is devoted to
Darwin’s WWII activities.
LOCAL CURRENCY The official currency of Australia is
the Australian Dollar. Denominations include $5, $10, $20, $50
and $100 bills and $.10, $.20, $.50 $1 and $2 coins. Foreign
exchange rates fluctuate. There is also a slight variation for cash
or traveler’s checks.
5
Beyond Darwin
Darwin Crocodile Farm, 25 miles (40 km) south of the city, this
park is home to more than 8,000 fresh and saltwater crocodiles.
Windows on the Wetlands Overlooking the Adelaide River
Floodplains, you can observe the splendor of the wetlands which
are a feature of the Top End landscape.
Kakadu National Park hosts a breathtaking expanse of lush
tropical landscape, Aboriginal rock art and flora and fauna
typical of the Northern Territory.
Litchfield National Park offers spectacular waterfalls and
pools set amidst 89 square miles (143 square km) of monsoon
forests. Highlights are; Florence Falls, The Lost City, Tjaynerea,
Tolmer, Wangi Faug and Buley Rockhole.
Howard Springs Nature Park The springs, with crocodilefree swimming, are 22 miles (35 km) east of the city. There are
also short walking tracks and lots of birdlife.
SHORE EXCURSIONS To make the most of your visit to
Darwin and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our
organized Shore Excursions. For information concerning tour
content and pricing, consult your Shore Excursion Brochure,
Shore Excursion TV Channel or contact the Shore Excursion
Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them
only the items they need and to secure any valuables.
LOCAL CUSTOMS Tipping: While tipping is still optional in
Australia it is increasingly seen at better hotels, restaurants and
in taxis. As a general rule in restaurants add 5%-10% of the bill
depending on service and in taxis add 5%-10% depending on
the length of the trip.
© 2008 maps.com
Local Cuisine: Darwin’s proximity to Asia is obvious in its large
number of fine Asian eateries found throughout the city.
POINTS OF INTEREST
1
2
Territory Wildlife Park Magnificent exhibits of native
wildlife and their habitats.
East Point Reserve This undeveloped land north of Fannie
Bay is good to visit in the late afternoon when wallabies
come out to feed.
3
Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory This
excellent museum and art gallery is on Conacher St. at
Fannie Bay, about 21/2 miles (4 km) from the city center. It’s
bright, well-presented and not too big, but full of interesting
displays. A highlight is the Northern Territory Aboriginal art
collection.
6
Fannie Bay Gaol Museum Another interesting museum at
the corner of East Point Rd. and Ross Smith Ave. This was
Darwin’s main jail from 1883 to 1979. You can look at the old
cells and see the gallows used in the Territory’s last hanging in
1952. There is also good displays on Cyclone Tracy, transport,
technology and industrial archaeology.
Local drink: Australia boasts a vibrant spirits industry, and
samples of the country’s renowned beer or local wines are
widely available at bars and restaurants.
SHOPPING FACILITIES Shopping is an adventure, with
the focus being on the work of the talented indigenous artists
based here. Unique to the region are South Sea Island pearls
and Paspaley pearls. You’ll also find Aboriginal crafts, paintings
and artifacts at various galleries and boutiques throughout the
city such as the Raintree Gallery and the Crafts Council of the
Northern Territory.
POST OFFICE & TELEPHONE FACILITIES The main
Post Office is on the corner of Cavenagh and Edmunds Streets.
To call the U.S. from Melbourne, dial 00 (International access)
+ 11 (U.S. country code) + area code + local number. Dial the
following access numbers to place a call with your personal
calling card:
AT&T: 1.800.881.011
MCI: 1.800.881.100
SPRINT: 1.800.881.877
TOURIST INFORMATION The Tourism Top End visitor
information center located at Beagle House, 38 Mitchell Street,
Darwin 0800.
TRANSPORTATION Darwin’s bus system operates Monday
to Saturday. The main city terminal is on Harry Chan Avenue
(near the Bennett Street end of the Smith Street Mall). The Tour
Tub provides another transport option. The bus makes the rounds
of various Darwin attractions daily. The main taxi station is at
the end of the Smith Street Mall on Knuckey Street.