Darwin

A new Darwin cruise terminal at Fort Hill Wharf has been built for the increasing cruise passenger numbers as the convention center and waterfront developments make Darwin an even more attractive destination. Some cruises do dock at the commercial port so be sure to check with your cruise before making plans.

The terminal is large enough to accommodate a mini-market of Darwins products that are naturally of interest to cruise ship passengers. It is about a 15 minute walk and by public elevator from downtown. Taxis will be available at the pier, and a ride to the city center should cost about $8.

Cruise lines may run a shuttle bus for the short distance into town. A single ticket ($2) allows three hours of travel -- enough for a roundtrip to some destinations. All-day passes are also available ($5).

Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory where you can see some great Aboriginal art and displays on Australian history (including a great display regarding Cyclone Tracy that did so much damage in Darwin in 1974.) The Cornucopia Cafe serves quite tasty food, and if you intend to have lunch there, I'd make a booking as soon as you get to the museum. It's a popular place. Other interesting things to see in do in Darwin are: 1) Hand-feeding the fish at Aquascene (it's not just for kids). However, the fish are there only during high tide, so you'd have to check their website to see when high tide is on the day you are in Darwin. 2)…

Darwin is small and can be easily explored on foot.

Hop on/off buses make a stop at the port.

Jumping Crocodile Cruise More than 80,000 Saltwater Crocodiles now roam the waterways of Northern Australia, yet they are rarely ever seen. Here on the Adelaide River, the crocodiles know the boats, they leave their place of hiding, knowing they may be fed. About an hour's drive out of Darwin.

Litchfield National Park. Together with stunning tropical waterfalls and swimming holes, this is a truly beautiful destination found just an hour and a half away from Darwin.

Favorite purchases are aboriginal art (on canvas, bark and paper) and crafts, cultured pearls, opal, and diamonds.

Smith Street Mall is the main pedestrian mall.

Australian Dollar

Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.

In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.

Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.