It’s almost here. We can feel it in the air – there’s a slight breeze. The yachts are coming back into the bay. The dragonflies are up and about…. The Dry Season is coming Darwin!
We’re the first to admit we LOVE storm season – but even the cool morning breeze has us excited for all the activities in store this year!
Dry season is our ‘winter’ but it’s when Darwin really comes alive – clear blue skies, cooler nights and hot days really amplify one of the best things about living in the NT – being outdoors!
Here’s a few things to make sure you plan into your Dry Season, whether you’re visiting or living here!
Camping
Our absolute favourite thing about the Dry… Pack up the camp chairs and get your tent in order – it’s camping season! BUT local’s tip – Did you know you need to book your campsites online now? It does take a bit of the fun out of it if we’re honest – but at least you know you’re guaranteed to get one if you drive all the way out there! You can head to the Parks Website to do so. A few of our faves below;
Litchfield’s Central Valley is the newest campsite in the National Park and it’s a goodie! It’s basically like camping at Buley – but you’re right on the waters edge! There’s only 10 sites in each campground and they’re nicely spaced out, it’s a good one!
In Kakadu – we love camping at Maguk. Again, it’s very spaced out and there’s a lot of trees and greenery between each site, and it’s a nice walk to the falls – which are beautiful!
WALKER CREEK
Our other fave in Litchy is Walker Creek – there are only 8 sites and you have to carry all your gear in, but that’s part of the charm!! There are a few epic spots right on the water, all with a fire pit and private, and the walk through all the cycads is lovely!
EDITH FALLS
This campsite is still a first in best dressed type situation as it is a managed site – but that also means that in the Dry there is often live music at the campsite! It’s fantastic, go to the top pools in the arvo. The stillness and light on the escarpment is beautiful.
BIG HORSE
This one is way over West, which is also why we love it. If you’re heading through to WA or you just want to go somewhere different, Big Horse is just outside Timber Creek and right on the Victoria River, great spot for a fish! The landscape out here is epic, as is the 4WDing and the boabs! Note – the only thing is, you can’t swim anywhere nearby!
The Deckchair Cinema
Another absolute favourite past time – the Deckchair! Like all Darwin things – It’s just better outside. Why watch a movie inside when you can watch one by the ocean at sunset?
The Deckchair Cinema runs every night of the dry, and there’s always really interesting flicks – from international film festivals, local films and independent movies, to some mainstream ones too, for good measure!
Road Trips
Some of our best activities close when the water levels get too high – so the dry is also your time to explore! Get out there (check the road report first) and kayak Nitmiluk Gorge, swim in the hot springs, take on those 4WD tracks!
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets & Food Trucks
One of our absolute favourite things about the dry is the return of the Mindil Beach sunset markets, and a lot of the food trucks along the Nightcliff Foreshore and East Point. Outdoor dining at its finest!
We recommend getting to the markets early to beat the crowds – or if you’ve seen the sunset from Mindil before – get in line as it is setting instead & head down to the beach for the afterglow!
We’ll try a few out and do another guide soon, but in the mean time – for all the latest food truck spots for the Dry, check out this list.
Festival Season
The Dry Season in Darwin is festival season – don’t expect to not have a full calendar! Music events for 2022 have already kicked off with Flight Facilities recently playing in the Amphitheatre – and it’s only getting better from here! Over the next few months there is BASSINTHEGRASS, boat parties, Darwin Fringe, The V8 Supercars, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin Cup, Darwin Festival… the list just keeps going!!
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