Darwin

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Town Hall, Darwin

Introducing Darwin

People hailing from at least 56 countries make up the mellow, modern metropolis of Darwin. This sociable hub is where non-Aboriginal meets Aboriginal (Larrakia), where urban meets remote, and where industry meets idleness. The city attracts itinerant workers and visitors from around Australia, and its university and port bring students and sailors. The population ebbs and increases with the seasons. Forty percent of the population only settled in the last 40 years, the majority, like you, intending only to stop by but ending up staying. Darwin’s location on a tropical tip of the country’s north coast means six subtle shifts of season, with a not-so-subtle disparity between the Dry and Wet – which can bring colossal storms.

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Last century was a biggie for Darwin: barely recomposed after sustained WWII bombings, the city was razed by a cyclone. Its unique past and present (of rebuilding and regular rejuvenation) lends modern-day Darwin a very human spirit. It’s palpable daily in the city’s many outdoor public spaces, where crowds mingle at makeshift markets, at restaurants and pubs, and at its numerous festivals. Darwinites are also conscious of their natural surrounds – hardly surprising when you have Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Litchfield and the Tiwis in your back yard.

Last updated: Mar 17, 2011

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. sayohat avatar
    Re: trip to the galapagos

    by sayohat 26 May 2012

    Thanks, Mandibee! I noticed your cruise did not include the Santa Cruz sites like the Darwin station, which can be done for free on your…
  2. SAlex avatar
    Litchfield daytrip – travelers wanted!

    by SAlex 26 May 2012

    Hello fellow travelers! I will be in Darwin this Thursday (31/5) for a one day stopover. As I always try to make the most of any day,…
  3. kmingnath avatar
    RE: Darwin Northern Territory

    by kmingnath 25 May 2012

    I think you will to explore alternative methods of immigrating to Australia - don't think you will be able to solicit a sponsor through…

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