Epic guide to Darwin featuring Betr Darwin Triple Crown (16-18 June), sportfishing, hottest bars and more

Supercars in the pit

The betr Darwin Triple Crown 2023, the Northern Territory’s most anticipated motorsport event which returns to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway from 16-18 June. The event will once again host the official Supercars Indigenous round.

With such an exciting event like betr Darwin Triple Crown 2023 approaching, there’s no better time for motorsport fans, solo travellers, and groups of friends to book a trip to Northern Territory’s tropical Top End.

For our interested readers, find below the top suggestions for an epic Darwin adventure itinerary. From seeing the Indigenous liveries at betr Darwin Triple Crown to an epic helicopter tour of wetlands, mountain biking through monsoonal forest and a thrilling, underwater encounter with crocodiles, there’s plenty of memories to be made in the Top End.

WHAT TO DO:

• Betr Darwin Triple Crown: Head to the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex from the 16-18 June, for the ultimate weekend for motorsports fans including the Australian Superbike Championship, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars, and Combined Sedans. The betr Darwin Triple Crown will see the only Indigenous round of the Supercars this year as drivers sport Indigenous liveries on the track. Purchase tickets now at www.darwinsupercars.com.au.  
• Take a helicopter tour: Soar over the magnificent waterfalls at Litchfield National Park or admire the vast wetlands from above at UNESCO dual World-heritage listed Kakadu National Park with Nautilus Aviation. If you’re looking to try some of the NT’s best pubs while viewing the beautiful coastline, beaches and estuaries, book a Heli Pub crawl instead.
• Sportfishing: Enjoy the Northern Territory’s prime and diverse fishing locations, from huge tidal rivers to scenic inland billabongs, mangrove-lined estuaries and picturesque, blue coastlines. Take a charter with Offshore Boats,  Arafura Bluewater Charters or Equinox Fishing Charters. If in-land fishing is more your thing, check out Barramundi Adventures Darwin for a great chance of landing a barra from the comfort and shade of the casting deck.
• Crocodile encounters: See the famous Teritory crocs up-close! At Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, volunteer for the terrifying Cage of Death, where you’ll be lowered into the water for 15 minutes and experience a thrilling, face-to-face encounter with a saltwater crocodile. Or, drive an hour from Darwin and try out Adelaide River’s Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises where you can see wild crocodiles spectacularly leap in the air.
• Jet ski on the harbour: For a thrilling yet scenic tour of the Darwin harbour, 00Seven Jet Ski Adventures offers guided jet ski tours where you’ll see some magnificent marine life, incredible mangrove and beaches, drift over WWII wrecks and learn about the region’s history.
• Conquer a long scenic hike: Drive three hours to the Nitmiluk National Park to tackle the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, which commences at the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge, transverses through the Arnhem Land Escarpment and finishes at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Australian Walking Holidays offers guided tours, which includes visits to Aboriginal rock sites, camping under the stars and swimming in refreshing waterholes along the trail.
  
  
• Chase waterfalls: Litchfield National Park, a 90-minute drive from Darwin, is home to some of the most picturesque waterfalls and waterholes. Plunge into the natural swimming pool at [v]Florence Falls, or pack a picnic and relax in the gentle current at [v]Buley Rockhole. If you prefer to look from a distance, see the iconic 100-metre Tolmer Falls from the viewing platforms (please note swimming is not permitted here).
• Sightseeing by bike: Top End Cycling Adventures offers epic tours through the Top End, including plenty of sightseeing at breathtaking rugged landscapes within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk National Park. Stop for dips at swimming holes along the way, and marvel at ancient rock art to learn more about the Territory’s cultural heritage sites.

 

WHERE TO STAY:

• Near the track: Tucked around the corner from the Hidden Valley Motorsport Complex is the Hudson Apartment Hotel Berrimah, a comfortable option for early birds looking to get to the betr Darwin Triple crown, as the gates open, for driver signatures.
• City resort: Mindil Beach Casino Resort is located right on the beach, and the complex has it all going on. Book yourself a stunning resort room so you have pool access at your doorstep.
• City views: For a convenient and comfortable option located in the heart of the city,  book with H on Smith or the Hilton Darwin
• Airbnb it: As seen on Channel 7 and Netflix's 'Instant Hotel', Humpty Doo’s Tropical Oasis is a delightful and secluded tropical retreat located half an hour from Darwin’s CBD. Ideal for large groups of friends, the property offer privacy between living, sleeping and entertaining spaces with three detached buildings connected by timber deck and open-air verandas.

 

WHAT TO EAT:

• Markets: The Territory is known for its iconic multicultural markets. Head to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday or Sunday evening and watch the sun paint the sky as you enjoy delicious food. If you’re more of a morning person, check out Parap Markets on Saturday or Nightcliff Markets on Sunday for delicious smoothies and a trademark Laksa.
• Bar-hopping: For a night out in Darwin’s CBD,  visit Lola’s Pergola, a fun circus-themed bar on the Cullen Bay Marina. Then make your way to the stylish Gin distillery,  Charlie’s of Darwin. Walk across the road to the Instagrammable Babylon Bar for a quirky, vintage aesthetic, before heading to the new 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge Hanky Panky.
  
  
• Dinner with a view: Situated on Darwin’s Harbour, Stokes Hill Wharf has all your dinner cravings covered. From locally caught fish and chips, to authentic southeast Asian cuisines, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a meal as you watch one of Darwin’s famous sunsets.   
• Something fancy: Book a table at Snapper Rocks and enjoy fresh, sustainable, locally sourced seafood and delicious cocktails on the Waterfront. Or, head to Darwin’s best steak house Char Restaurant for a premium cut of meat
  
  
• Devour a steak: Known for its premium produce and perfectly done meats, The Cav is popular with visitors and locals alike. Order a medium rare steak and enjoy the laid-back vibes.
• Grab a beer: The Precinct Tavern at the Waterfront is a local pub that offers a sense of familiarity. Choose from three bars featuring craft beer, quality wines and modern pub food. There is also plenty of outdoor seating in their Award-Winning Beer Garden.

 

Source: Carla Khasakhala, Account Coordinator Access PR, E carla@accesspr.com.au

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