Around Darwin

Around Darwin city centre are some excellent parks and reserves, an aviation museum and an old prison like no other in Australia. Be sure to check out the following attractions:

Aviation Heritage Centre
A feature of the museum is the huge B-52 bomber, one of only two found outside the US, but more poignant is the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter plane, a remnant from Darwin's attack in 1942. Other exhibits include a Spitfire, a Wessex helicopter, a Sabre jet and static displays on Australian aviation history. Guided tours at 10am and 2pm.
Stuart Highway, Winnellie;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 8947 2145

Casuarina Coastal Reserve
This coastal strip, north of the suburb of Rapid Creek, has a good sandy stretch of beach. Aboriginal sites include a rock formation offshore. There is a signposted walking trail and World War II observation posts. Nude bathing is permitted in a section of the reserve north of Dripstone picnic area.
From Rapid Creek to Lee Point, 15km north of the CBD

Crocodylus Park
Just 15 minutes drive from Darwin City, this wildlife park and research centre displays lions and tigers, cassowaries, dingoes and wallabies as well as large and small saltwater crocodiles. There is a museum and education centre and a souvenir shop that features a range of crocodile products. Main feeding times 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 3:30pm.
McMillans Rd, Berrimah;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 8922 4500

East Point Military Museum & Reserve
Housed in the original bunker where the army planned Top End defence strategy during World War II, this excellent museum displays war memorabilia, gun aiming equipment, photographs and a video showing dramatic live footage of the Japanese bombing of Darwin. The tropical surrounds are part of the East Point Reserve.
East Point Road, East Point;
Open daily 9:30am-5pm
Ph: 8981 9702

Fannie Bay Gaol Museum
Opened in 1883, Darwin's notorious original penal institution is now a museum of incarceration. The starkness of the old galvanised iron and netting wire gaol, its crude facilities and a chilling old gallows section will make you glad that you can walk out the gate at the end of the visit.
Cnr East Point Road and Ross Smith Avenue;
Open daily 10am-5pm
Ph: 8999 8290

Holmes Jungle Nature Park
Adjacent to Crocodylus Park, this 250-ha park features natural eucalypt woodland with pandanus palms and some monsoon rainforest, sustained by a spring, with tall Carpentaria palms, ferns and vines. It's a great place to go for a taste of the tropical northís vegetation.
Vanderlin Drive, Karama;
Open daily 7am-7pm
Ph: 8947 2305

PALMERSTON

Located 15 minutes from the city, Palmerston is the fastest growing area in the outer suburbs of Darwin. Visitors pass through Palmerston on their way to Darwin via the Stuart Highway. It has a CMax Cinema Complex, a child minding centre, two clubs and several family fast food outlets including McDonalds and KFC as well as a great Domino's Pizza take-away.

There are two shopping centres. Palm City Oasis is a small shopping complex that houses several specialty shops, a newsagent and a supermarket. Palmerston Shopping Centre is home to a Target store, an extended hours post office, Einstein's electronic gaming centre. a newsagent, Territory Mutual Office, several specialty shops, a butcher, travel agent, chemists, computer software store, book shop, several fast film outlets as well as a choice of eateries and a 24 hour Coles supermarket.