Comments on: Postcard from: Darwin

By: Cath

Cath — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:46:52 +0000

Thanks Lisa for the extra feedback – I was worried that you’d travelled specifically for a weekend away (though a long flight at horrible hours to do so from the east coast) and so were put off from the city as a travel destination. In my own travels, I haven’t been in the situation of overnight stays en route to another locale, but can imagine that such a timeframe would make it difficult to get out and about in any meaningful way. Hopefully you can make it back to Darwin during the dry season when there is loads on-including gorgeous weather!

By: lisa dempster

lisa dempster — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:11:44 +0000

Thanks for the feedback, Cath. I would like to stress that Trespass didn’t send me to Darwin; I went there independently and wrote this postcard based on my experiences.

I have no doubt that if I’d had the time and money to scratch below the surface, I would have discovered many fantastic things about Darwin, however, on this visit I was just transiting through.

Unfortunately travel isn’t always insightful, inspiring or even interesting. My visit to Darwin, although dull, certainly didn’t put me off the idea of travelling there again in the future.

By: Cath

Cath — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:41:55 +0000

Wow, as a Darwin local I can’t help but think they didn’t try very hard to see much of the place. I admit I’m not too happy to be living here (courtesy of hubby’s job), but I appreciate what the lifestyle has to offer, particularly for outdoor sports and no hassle daily clothing choices. Also, Darwin has grown up a lot in a few short years, not just development wise but society wise too. You can buy ladies’ evening wear all year round now, not just at Darwin Cup in August.

Some activities the writers could have indulged in: caught the ferry to Mandorah and visited the pub there when there’s a big band playing, concerts are on every weekend, sunset cruises on Darwin harbour, there’s Crocodylus Park and Crocosaurus Cove, plus an hour outside Darwin are Adelaide River (jumping croc cruises) and Litchfield Park (where you can swim under magnificient waterfalls), and loads more.

By the sound of it, they visited during the build-up which is the slow time of year due to the impending monsoonal rains (e.g. the Mindil Beach markets are not on and the national parks are closed due to swollen rivers), which makes the dry season the tourist and festival high season, when a year’s worth of living and outdoor concerts are squeezed into a few months.

Please send someone back up next May-Aug who’s willing or able to pay for a few attractions, like to see James Morrison under the stars for $10.