hi everyone. just checking before attempting to book a very pricey r/t to darwin that there is, indeed, a sunday night market at the beach? thank you- seems emailing is not a popular sport up in darwin and have not had any answers to queries up there.
thanks!

Kerikeri,

We were in Darwin Sunday May 9 for the first night of the Sunday fall/winter markets at Mindel Beach (In summer, and early fall it is only Thursday. )

Set in a park above the beach, it was a great place to watch the sunset. It was huge, with dozens of food vendors, stalls selling crafts and junk, people giving thai massage,
musicians,etc. Locals brought portable tables and chairs as well as beer and wine ( we managed to cadge drinks from ever friendly aussies). Its quite wonderful and since we had missed by this time, markets at the Rocks, Salamanca Place, Port Douglas and various townships in between we were glad to have this ozzie experience.

I hope while you are there you will venture out to Arnhemland and
Kakadu which were among highlights of our trip despite disapproval by aussie friends who actually have not been there ( you all know who you are!).

AndrewDavid

gee- thanks, andrew david.
as long as you are feeling chatty...
what did you like best at arnhemland and kakadu?

I was also in Darwin in mid May and was able to take in the Sun. eve. market at Mindel Beach. It was a lot of fun with lots to see. Bought some lovely local aboriginal artwork which if you were to buy it in the larger cities down south, would be much more expensive.

We also spent a few days in Kakadu but were a little underwhelmed by the area overall however we did really enjoy the Yellow waters ( wetlands ). This area is very beautiful with lots of birds, lovely vegetation and some crocodiles. You can take a river cruise through the area. We also did a 60 min. helicopter ride and it was very expensive and other than seeing the vastness of the park IMHO it was really not that interesting in terms of scenery.

You might also want to consider visiting Litchfield Nat. Park which is about an hrs. drive south of Darwin and is a lovely place. There are some pretty waterfalls and interesting termite mound formations as well as other sites to see. It's a lot smaller than Kakadu but in some ways much more picturesque.

Enjoy your trip.

kerikeri,

We spent 2 nights at Lakeview Park, an aboriginal owned and operated "resort" in Jabiru. Ate at the local social club where we became temporary members. Went into Arnhemland w/ Lord's-Kakadu and saw fabulous rock art near Oenpelli (one can also buy excellent, inexpensive abo art from the coop at Oenpelli)
Also did Gulunyambi boat trip on E. Alligator. We then spent 2 nights at Gagadju Cooinda. Took the dawn yellow waters cruise saw lots of birds and crocs. Then took Animal Tracks tour, which got us onto the aboriginal owned buffalo farm for animal spotting and bush gathering and a sundown barbeque feast w/ Sean a young white australian and Patsy a middle aged aboriginal lady. Both Animal Tracks and Lord's trips were excellent.

One the drive out we stopped at Fogg Dam to hike and bird spot.

Its a grand part of the country.

AndrewDavid

thanks to you both!