The Museum of Art and Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is hosting a free travelling exhibit of the Australia National Treasures drawn from the magnificent collections of Australia’s National, State and Territory libraries.
It contains a diverse range of iconic objects that tell the story of this nation’s history, folklore and identity. Manuscripts, maps, drawings, paintings and objects from the everyday to the exotic are certain to inspire, fascinate and educate visitors about the people, places and events that have shaped Australia.
Having just seen it- it is pretty cool! Death Masks, journals from cannibal convicts, Ned Kelly’s Helmet, and all kinds of facinating things kept me and the several hundred other people spell bound for the better part of an hour. The Museum is trully one of the Must Do stops in Darwin, but with this exhibit- you can’t afford to miss it. Besides, the Water Ski Club hosting it’s outdoor bar and Live Jazz is right next door with views to make a grown sailor cry.
The National Treasures from Australia’s Great Libraries will run until June 11th.
There are several other worthwhile travelling exhibits there at the moment as well. I had NO idea how affected Australia, let alone Darwin was by WWII until I saw Australia under Attack 1942-1943. Did you know Australia had a cowboy patrol that kept watch on the Northern Coast with the help of the Aboriginal people to help ward off the invading Japanese?
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When visiting the Northern Territory- a very common route is called The Triangle This is basically Darwin to Jabiru to Pine Creek or Katherine and back up to Darwin via Litchfied Park. When taking on this Great driving route many people are apprehensive envisioning vast kilometers of nothingness.
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Pine Creek, is basically the bottom corner of “The Triangle” (an hour north of Katherine and about 2 hours south of Darwin), and is a historic mining town. It has housed and currently houses migrant mining populations for the last 100+ years as world markets for Gold and other precious metals rise and fall. The town itself is worth a gas stop at least and even a night or two to explore the area and look into some of the historical sights. I must say to me the funniest bit, as well as most intriguing in this dry country- is the “Water Garden” that is right in the middle of town. Standing at the sign denoting the Garden’s boundry- the area looks still, dry, and barren- at closer inspection- there is actually a series of lagoons and wildlife hidden away in plain sight.
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A milestone corner of The Triangle, Jabiru is little more than a company town designed to support the local Uranium mining operation. It is also considered the entrance to Kakadu Park. The township is little more than a jumping off point for package tours and its amenities are basically limited to a Caravan Parks, a hotel, a travel agent, Council Office, Grocery Store, Café and Gas Station.
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Cavenagh Street is two over from the Backpacker hangout/Entertainment district of Mitchell Street. Watch out for… or… check out the small “adult entertainment” district plunked right between the two (depending on your preference). There are many fun shops and cafe’s on Cavenagh- as well as the post office and a good Woolworths (”Woolies” = grocery store). Mostly a business street- here are three unique and useful places to check out…
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Ok- bit of science cool stuff. While “Doing the Triangle” you will see MASSIVE Termite mounds. Infact one of the main tourist Draws to Litchfield NAtional PArk- are Their ENORMOUS Mounds. Why are they here you ask….
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An integral part of doing The Triangle is Cooinda. Cooinda – even though it is one of the more substantial dots on the map- is only an aboriginal cultural center, resort, and gas station. There is no town. Granted- it is a nice resort. Cooinda is known as the Home of Yellow Waters. All of the Wildlife Cruises on the Yellow Waters leave from here. Cruises run between 1.5 and 2 hours.
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One thing definitely worth a splurge of your trip money is a flight over Kakadu. All of the local people I encountered on my trip recommended it and they were absolutely right. Driving through Kakadu does little to give you the same perspective on the terrain, the interaction of the natural forces, and the sheer size of the park.
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What a find! This sparkling swimming center is built right on the cliff overlooking the Darwin Harbour up in the suburb of Nightcliff. At the corner of Nightcliff and Causarian Roads, It is virtually unpopulated. The pool facilities include swimming, lap lanes and a beautiful children’s pool with an Italian style fountain in the middle.
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One for the girls and the arts community- seriously though- this modern place would appeal to most serving brekkie and lunch there are community events posters all over the walls and windows.
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