8 free (or cheap) things to try in NT
It’s undeniable – holidays are life changing experiences that truly enrich the soul. It’s also undeniable, however, that travelling can at times cost a pretty penny. The good news is this doesn’t have to be the case; it just takes a little planning and research to find out what things you can do on a budge (or for free). And we’ve done the hard yards for you. If you are planning to visit the Northern Territory anytime soon, you are in luck because these eight iconic activities will let you experience the beauty and history of NT without breaking the bank.
1. The Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory
Price: Free
The Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory is home to internationally renowned collections and exhibitions. The gallery has been on Larrakia Land at Bullocky Point in Darwin since 1981. This gallery is also home to the annual Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. The gallery is a four-kilometre walk from the Darwin city centre or you can get there by bus or taxi. The markets, which are in between the Sky City Casino and Botanic Gardens, are less than three kilometres from Darwin City Centre.
2. Mindil Beach Sunset Market (every Sunday and Thursday)
Price: Entry and parking free
Mindil Beach Sunset Market is Darwin’s largest market and is located alongside the breathtaking Mindil Beach. Offering free live entertainment, there are food, beverages and arts and crafts stalls to buy things from. Operating from the last Thursday in April and the last Thursday in October, the markets are on from 5pm to 10pm on Thursdays and 4pm to 9pm on Sundays.
3. Fannie Bay Gaol
Price: Free
This historic site was opened in September in 1883 and was Darwin’s main prison for almost 100 years until 1979. In 1887, an infirmary was added which had gallows that were used up until the last executions were held in Darwin in 1952. From 1928 male and female prisons were held in separate prisons and the women’s prison block included a garden so they could keep busy. To find out more about the history of this site you can visit Fannie Bay Gaol from 10am to 3pm from Wednesday to Saturday.
4. Mataranka Hot Springs
Price: Free
Mataranka Hot Springs is the perfect destination to soothe aches and pains in the warm water of the natural pool located in the forest. The hot springs are around 30°C and pump out 30.5 megalitres of water each day. The springs are located in Elsey National Park which stretches over 13,800 hectares. The thermal pool is located at the end of Homestead Road which can be accessed by turning east off the Stuart Highway 1.5km south of Mataranka. May to September is the most comfortable time to visit Elsey.
5. World War II Navy Oil Storage Tunnels
Price: $7 for seniors and $8 for adults
After the first Japanese air raid of the fuel oil storage tanks at Stokes Hill on February 19, 1942 engineers followed British designs for oil storage tanks underground. The tunnels, which are located at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct on Kitchener Drive, were reopened in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Only two of the tunnels are open to the public today and they also house a photo exhibit revealing what life was like in Darwin during the war.
6. Adelaide River War Cemetery
Price: Free
The Adelaide River War Cemetery is a reminder of the devastating impact that WWII had on Australia. At the War Cemetery, there are 434 military burials and the adjoining Civil Cemetery commemorates the 63 civilians who were killed in the February 19, 1942 bombing of Darwin. There is also the Memorial to the Missing where you can pay your respects to the 292 service personnel who lost their lives in Timor and other northern regions. The cemetery is located on 105 Memorial Drive, Adelaide River, Northern Territory.
7. Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Price: Entry by donation
The Olive Pink Botanic Gardens were founded in 1956. The botanic gardens stretch over 16 and hectares and has various gardens and guided and self-guided tours. Various areas of the gardens include desert dunes, a waterhole, ancient landscapes and the saline garden. After taking in the beautiful sights, you can visit the Bean Tree Café at the botanic gardens which serves gourmet home-style cooking. The gardens are open every day from 8am to 6pm.
8. Litchfield National Park
Price: Entry to the park is free
Litchfield National Park is a great destination to go to if you want to go for a swim, picnic or a short walk. There are various stunning waterfalls that have crystal clear pools at the bottom. There are various scenic lookouts, historic ruins and wildlife spotting. The park is approximately 120km south-east from Darwin. To check if the park is open on the day you are planning to visit, click here.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning the trip of a lifetime to the Northern Territory now. Check out Wotif.com and grab yourself a bargain.
THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH TOURISM NT.