Darwin NT 0800
(Pop (110 000)
Darwin is the Northern Territory's capital and thriving tropical seaport. Sitting on Fannie Bay in the 'Top End', its original and still current inhabitants are the Larrakia language Aborigines. White 'discovery' occurred in 1830s with the area named after Charles Darwin. The building of the Overland Telegraph (1871) ensured its future as a settlement and as a result also the need for a prison (Fannie Bay Gaol (1882-1979). Further population growth was due to nearby gold finds and the pearling industry. An important part of Darwin's recent history concerns Cyclone Tracy (1974) - Australia's worst natural disaster damaging or destroying over 90% of the city. Markets include Parap, Palmerston Rapid Creek & Nightcliff. Royal Darwin Show (July), Darwin Beer Can Regatta (Aug), National Aboriginal Art Award (Aug or Sept) and Festival of Darwin (Sept).
Visitor Information Centre: Tel (08) 8941 1824 or Tourism Top End, cnr Knuckey & Mitchell Sts. Tel (08) 8936 2499 or 1300 138 886.
Airport: Darwin International Airport (DRW), 1 Fenton Court, Marrara. Tel (08) 8920 1811. (7 km north).
Hospital: Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Dr, Tiwi. Tel (08) 8922 8888. (14.5 km north).

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