3. Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours
If you want to learn more about the life and cultural of the Aboriginal people, don’t miss your chance to join one of Pudakul’s popular tours. Inspiring, enriching and totally captivating, these locally run tours aim to educate the public on all that is inherently indigenous. On this 2-hour journey of discovery, you’ll learn all about the ancient medicinal uses of native Australian plants, the very difficult art of basket weaving and didgeridoo making, as well as having a chance to try your hand at spear throwing. A delicious hamper and tea break complements this short tour splendidly. A lovely, authentic and unpretentious experience and one which is guaranteed to enhance your stay in Darwin.
4. Chung Wah Chinese temple & Museum
Although there are many who understand and appreciate the healthy size of the Chinese community in Darwin, there are still many more who are not aware of just how important the role of this specific immigrant culture has been to the blossoming of the Northern Territory. When you visit this museum and place of worship you’ll be escorted by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic Chinese residents who will do their utmost to make you feel at home, first and foremost, and then inform you of their culture, their heartbreaking hardships upon first arrival and the current interaction of their society with Darwin’s multi-ethnic inhabitants. This is a truly wonderful place to spend a few hours in, with burning incense and rustic decor adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Manage to charm the lovely old man at the front desk, and you may even be allowed to hit the big gong!
Building of these enormous tunnels started during the war, when most of Darwin’s oil tankers above ground were destroyed time and again by Japanese bombs. Although they were never put to use as intended, and the photographic exhibit a little faded, this is still an incredibly interesting place to visit if learning more about Darwin’s times during the war tickles your fancy. The opening of these storage tunnels to the public, something which occurred in 1992 (at the 50th anniversary of the bombing of the city) has benefitted the historical tour scene in the Northern Territory tremendously, even though a comprehensive tour should only take you about half an hour or so.
