The Northern Territory:
Fun Things to Do For All Ages

Aquascene
Aquascene gives you the opportunity to wade into the water and feel the fish nibble your toes as hundreds mill around for feeding. At high tide milkfish, catfish, mullet and others churn the shallows to be hand-fed bread. Times vary according to the tides - occasionally the tide is too low to feed the fish - so check the local publications or call Aquascene for details. Great experience for kids and kids at heart.

Aquascene
28 Doctors Gully Road
DARWIN
Tel: (08) 8981 7837
Fax: (08) 8941 8844
Open: Seven days at high tide year round subject to tide.
Cost: Adults $4-50 Child $2-50 (3-15yrs)
Family $14-00 (2A3C)

Australian Pearling Exhibition
Stokes Hill Wharf
Darwin
Tel: (08) 8999 6573
Fax: (08) 8981 7625
Open: Daily 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Cost: Adults $6-00 Child/Conc $3-00 Family $15-00.

Casaurina Coastal Reserve
For those of you who wish to commune with nature and shed your inhibitions and clothes, a visit to Casaurina Coastal Reserve it is. This semi-natural area features attractive beaches (a declared free beach where nude bathing is allowed) and picnic areas, walking track system, WWII observation posts and pockets of monsoon forest. Casaurina Coastal Reserve Via Trower Road and Lee Point Road Casaurina Open: Seven days a week. Cost: Free

Darwin Botanic Garden
A walk in the Darwin Botanic Garden's 42 hectares is an opportunity to experience the flora of not only Northern Australia, but also other tropical habitats from around the world. You can wander through rainforests, coastal foredunes, mangroves and open woodlands, see orchids, aroids, bromeliads and other striking foliage up close. There are over 400 palm species growing here with a great variety of trees, shrubs and flowering plants lining the shady walks. Water fountains, the award winning plant evolutionary playground, picnic lawns and barbecue facilities make this an ideal retreat from the bustle of the city.

Collect a self guided walking brochure, "Aboriginal Plant Use Walk," from the information centre and discover these for yourself.

The information centre, Plant Display House and Water Efficient Gardens Display are open Mon-Fri 8.00am to 4.00pm. Sat-Sun and public holidays 8.30am -5.00pm and closed 4.00pm Dec-Mar.
Darwin Botanic Gardens
Gardens Road
The Gardens NT 0820
Tel: (08) 8947 2145
Open: 7.30am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri. 8.30am to 5.00pm Sat Sun and Public Holidays.

East Point Reserve
East Point Reserve is a 200 hectare recreational area with natural forest, mangroves, open parkland complete with wallabies and a shared bicycle/pedestrian path that takes you through the Reserve along the cliffs and beaches past picnic and barbecue areas to East Point. Unfortunately, bikes can only be hired in the city and not at the Reserve. Do remember to get your "Discovering Darwin" self guided walking tour brochure before setting out.

Enjoy a swim in Lake Alexander, a man-made salt water lake safe for swimming and water activities. Keep this in mind if you want a swim between October and May when the Box Jelly Fish are prevalent.

A visit to the Reserve at dusk gives you a sensational sunset. Look south across Fanny Bay with the lights of the city silhouetted against the setting sun. Beware driving through the Reserve, especially after dark, when large numbers of native animals come out to forage. The Reserve is home to more than 2,000 wallabies that graze on the large grassed areas. Their behaviour, when startled, is totally unpredictable and can result in a damaged vehicle.

World War II gun emplacements and buildings, which were critical to Darwin's defence, are still there along with a military museum. East Point Reserve East Point Road Fannie Bay Open: Daily 6.00am to 12 midnight. Cost Free.

Touring Darwin
The most enjoyable way to see the city is to take a self guided walk from the "Discovering Darwin" series. Call in at the Tourist Information Centre at 38 Mitchell Street and collect your detailed itinerary. The Information Centre at Darwin International Airport and selected accommodation and business houses keep copies. There are nine in all but my favourite is the "Historical Stroll of Darwin" which takes you to the Chinese Temple, the Tree of Knowledge, Hotel Darwin (Darwin's own mini Raffles), B.A.T House, The Wharf precinct, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels and the new Parliament House. This tour gives a very comprehensive understanding of all the historical events that have shaped Darwin. Other tours to choose from are The Wharf, the Esplanade, the City and Gardens, the Northern Suburbs, East Point, Darwin, outer Darwin, Darwin and Fannie Bay.

Tourist Information Centre
38 Mitchell Street
Darwin
Tel: (08) 8981 4300
Fax: (08) 8981 0653
Email: drtainfo@ozemail.com.au

Ferry Ride
Ferry ride across the harbour. Great views back to the city.
Old pub. Slow pace. 365 days M.J.S scheduled transport service.
The Mandorah Ferry and Mandorah Jet Shuttle
Tel: (08) 8981 7600 or 0414 895739

Indo Pacific Marine
Entrance off Stokes Hill Wharf
Tel: (08) 8981 1294
Fax: (08) 8981 1847
Open: 10.00am to 5.00pm Apr-Oct
9.00am to 1.00pm Nov-Mar
Cost: Adults $12-00 Child $4-00 Family $28-00
Night time $45-00 adult.

Deckchair Cinema
If the thought of going to the movies seated in a comfortable deckchair out under the stars appeals to you then visit the Deckchair Cinema. Programs available at tourist outlets, Blazez, ABC and NT News and Darwin Film Society. The Deckchair Cinema behind Stokes Hill Power Station (The Wharf)
Tel: (08) 8981 0700
Open: Wed-Sun nights Apr-Oct.
Cost: $10-00, $8-00, $6-00, $5-00.

Territory Wildlife Park
Cox Peninsula Road
Berry Springs
Tel: (08) 8988 7200
Fax:
Open: Daily 8.30am -6pm except Christmas Day. Last entry 4.00pm
Cost:

Impressive display of Aboriginal art at the "Cyclone Tracey" Gallery
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Conacher Street
Fannie Bay
Darwin NT
Tel: (08) 8999 8201
Fax: (08) 8999 8289
Open: Weekdays 9.00am to 5.00pm. Weekends 10.00am to 5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Free admission.

Crocodylus Park
McMillans Road
Berrimah NT
Tel: (08) 8947 2510
Fax: (08) 8947 0678
Email: croc@topend.com.au
Web: http://www.wmi.com.au/crocpark
Open: Daily 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Feeding/tours: 10.00am, 12.00noon, & 2.00pm
Cost: $15-00 adults. Child $7-50 (under 16yrs) 4yrs and under free.

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