Darwin Travel Guide

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Darwin Travel Overview:

A cosmopolitan capital city, a creepy Croc-ountry and a quirky aboriginal cornucopia all at once, Darwin has a decidedly thriving feel, a distinctly tropical mood, and a disorientingly dreamtime temperament to it.
An isolated outpost on the loney shore of Australia's far north coast, an area referred to as the Top End, Darwin is essentially quite an enclave of natural exoticism, frontier roughness, and military presence.
Now it is a tribute to the mythical resilience of its cosmopolitan population of more than 70 different racial and cultural backgrounds that it has not only survived the calamities of destructive forces any other state capitals in Australia could possibly encounter or imagine, like one major tropical cyclone every three decades, and the substantial air attacks during World War II, but also gone on to reinvent and thrive itself seriously as the central administrative and major industrial centre of the Northern Territory, one of the country's finest seaports, and Australia's first and foremost gateway to Asia, receiving more air and sea traffic from Singapore, Jakarta and the rest of South East Asia than it does from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
Also commonly used as an ideal base from which to explore the Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and some other phenominal natural wonders and hidden gems in Northern Australia that are just as rich in scenic splendor, wildlife abundance and Aboriginal culture, Darwin makes an easy and enjoyable holiday experience for all ages.

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What To Do in Darwin

1.Attractions
Arts & Culture:
Aboriginal Fine Arts: Corner of Mitchell and Knuckey Streets (08 8981 1315);
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: 557 Stuart Highway, (08 8947 2145); ... More>>>

1.Attractions
Arts & Culture:
Aboriginal Fine Arts: Corner of Mitchell and Knuckey Streets (08 8981 1315);
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: 557 Stuart Highway, (08 8947 2145);
Australian Pearling Exhibition: Stokes Hill Wharf (08 8999 6573);
Deckchair Cinema: Jervois Road, Wharf Precinct (08 8941 4377);
East Point Military Museum: East Point Road (08 8981 9702).
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: Conacher Street, Fannie Bay (08 8999 8201);
Topcoins and Fine Art: 15/63 Marina Boulevard, (08 8942 2444)
Beaches:
Casaurina Beach: a nudist beach 7km's east of Darwin;
Lammeroo Beach: a fairly stony beach west of the Esplanade;
Mindil Beach: 2 kilometres from the city centre, near the Casino.
Historic Landmarks:
Christ Church Cathedral: Smith Street;
Fannie Bay Goal: East Point Road (08 8999 8290);
Lyons Cottage: Corner of Esplanade and Knuckey Street;
Oil Storage Tunnels: Kitchener Drive (08 8985 6333);
Old Admiralty House: Corner of Knuckey Street and the Esplanade;
Parliament House: Smith Street (08 8946 1425).
Parks & Gardens:
Berry Springs Nature Park: Cox Peninsula Road Berry Springs;
Casuarina Coastal Reserve: northern suberbs between Nightcliff to Lee Point;
Charles Darwin National Park: Tiger Brennan Drive, Winnellie, Darwin;
East Point Reserve: East Point Reserve, Fannie Bay (08 8982 2511);
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: Gardens Road, Fanny Bay (08 8981 1958);
Holmes Jungle Nature Park: Vanderlin Drive, Sanderson, Darwin;
Howard Springs Nature Park: Howard Springs Road, Howard Springs.
Wildlife:
Aquascene: 28 Doctors Gully Road. (08 8981 7837);
Batchelor Butterfly Farm: Meneling Road, Batchelor (08 8976 0199);
Crocodylus Park: McMillians Road, Berrimah (08 8922 4500);
Darwin Crocodile Farm: 40 kilometres south of Darwin, on Stuart Highway (08 8988 1450);
Indo Pacific Marine: Stokes Hill Wharf (08 8981 1294);
Territory Wildlife Park: Cox Peninsula Road, (08 8988 7200).
2.Activities
Climbing on the rockwall at The Rock on Doctors Gully Road;
Discovering the rich turbulent history and colorful mix of indigenous and imported cultures;
Fishing tidal rivers, mangrove lined estuaries and clear coastal waters around Darwin;
Hanging around and chilling out in the Darwin Wharf Precinct;
Sampling the bounties of the local seas at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants;
Shopping for aboriginal arts and local food at the Mindil Beach Markets or the Nightcliff Markets;
Sunset drinking at coastal reserves of East Point, Nightcliff and Casuarina;
Sunset Cruising around the Darwin Harbour;
Taking eco-aware day trips to Litchfield National Park and Kakatu National Parks.

What To Wear in Darwin

The Top End area of Australia, including Darwin, Kakadu National Park, and Katherine, enjoys two distinct seasons: The Wet season from October to April when monsoonal weather brings in heavy aftern... More>>>

What To Eat in Darwin

1.Modern Australian
Lewinsky's:
28 Mitchell St, Darwin
Tel: + 61 8 8941 8666
Location: 70 The Esplanade, Darwin
Price: Entree, $8.5-$30; Main, $185-$49; Dessert, $4.5-$15
Wha... More>>>

1.Modern Australian
Lewinsky's:
28 Mitchell St, Darwin
Tel: + 61 8 8941 8666
Location: 70 The Esplanade, Darwin
Price: Entree, $8.5-$30; Main, $185-$49; Dessert, $4.5-$15
What to eat:
BBQ pork ribs served with smoked hickory sauce and lewinskys crunchy coleslaw;
Barra Steaks seared and served on a bed of spinach & jasmine rice;
Braised lamb shanks on garlic mashed potato with ratatouille, roasted garlic and rosemary jus;
Char-grilled pork ribs with smoked hickory sauce served with Lewinsky's crunchy coleslaw;
Fresh field mushrooms served with sauteed onions, bacon and cream cheese;
Moreton bay bugs, prawns, oysters, smoked salmon, capers with mango chutney;
Moreton bay bugs with steamed rice and chunky vegetables drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce;
Oysters Natural served with homemade cocktail sauce and lemon wedge;
Roasted garlic or chilli prawns served on jasmine rice;
Sauteed duck shanks with Lewinsky's crunchy coleslaw;
Seasonal Whole Fish oven baked and served on steamed rice and black bean broccoli;
Steamed with white wine and shallots or Lewinsky's hot sauce with fresh crusty bread.
Twice-cooked orange & ginger duck breast served with fresh salad & hoikken noodles.

2.Seafood
La Beach Restaurant:
Tel: +61 8 8941 7400
Location: 51 Marina Blvd, Cullen Bay
Price: Entree, $5.5-$24.5; Main, $13-$39
What to eat:
Herb roasted quail served with black cherries & kirch;
Lightly crumbed fillets of whiting pan fried & served with a la beach tartare sauce;
Local baby squid dusted in salt & cracked black pepper served with a lime dill vinaigrette;
Local whole fish steamed with soy sauce, garlic & julienne of spring onions;
Ocean king prawns pan fried with basil & roma tomato served on top of garlic eggplant;
Ocean scallops served on top of water chestnut in the shell, topped with bacon & che;
Oysteres Natural: Served with lemon Soy & Ginger Julienne of ginger topped with soy sauce;
Oysteres Kilpatrick: Topped with bacon & Worcestershire sauce;
Oysteres Mornay: Cheese & white wine sauce;
Pan fried king prawns cooked in garlic, finished with a cream sauce;
Pan fried NT Barramundi served with Lemon butter, Ginger & Coriander or Pernod cream sauce;
Whole bugs cooked in the shell with La Beach chilli sauce & served with steamed rice.

3.European
Shenannigans:
Tel: +61 8 8981 2100
Location: 69 Mitchell St, Darwin
Price: Entree, $5.5-$24; Main, $15.5 -$28; Dessert, $8.9-$12.5
What to eat:
Chargrilled Prime Grainfed Aged Steak served with fries and salad;
Creamy camembert crumbed and fried served on a crouton with salad and cranberry compote;
Light pastry with onion confit,bulgarian fetta,pesto &roasted tomato, drizzled with balsamic glaze;
Oven baked chicken breast stuffed with peppered camembert on a vegetable tart;
Oven baked duck shanks,served with sticky berry jam,on pan fried potatoes;
Pan Fried Pork Cutlets: served on apple mash,with a honey and cider sauce;
Shenannigans Salad: chicken, bacon, lettuce leaves, croutons, tomato and parmesan;
Soup of the Day: served with homemade Irish soda bread;
Succulent beef cooked in a Guinness gravy with creamy mash and light pastry top;
Tender lamb stewed with fresh vegetables and potatoes;
Tender slices of veal flamed with vermouth, and served on colcannon mash;
Traditional Bread and Butter Pudding: splashed with currants, maple syrup and ice cream.

4.Steak
Hogs Breath Cafe:
Tel:+61 8 8941 3333
Location: 85 Mitchell Street, Darwin
Price: Entree, $4.50-$19.95; Main, $23; Dessert, $7.50-$7.95
What to eat:
Aged quality beef seared and served with mashed potato or Hog Tail fries and fresh vegetables;
Avocado Prime Rib char grilled and topped with an avocado wedge and Bearnaise sauce;
Chargrilled chicken breast with cos lettuce, bacon, croutons, and parmesan cheese;
Cheesy Garlic & Herb Bread topped with cheddar cheese and grilled to golden brown;
Flame grilled Prime Rib and pan-fried Tiger prawns in a garlic & white wine cream sauce;
Garlic Mushroom Prime Rib seared and topped with fresh mushrooms sizzled in garlic butter;
Hickory Smoked Prime Rib seared and topped with a Hickory Smoked BBQ sauce;
New York cut sirloin steak served with mashed potato or Hog Tail fries and fresh vegetables;
Pan-fried fish fillet topped with a mild herb and garlic butter, chives and a fresh lemon wedge;
Premium Barramundi fillet in a batter with lettuce, beetroot, tomato and red onion rings;
Riverine 100 day grainfed rump steak with mashed potato or Hog Tail fries and fresh vegetables.

5.Chinese
Dragon Court Restaurant:
Tel: +61 8 8943 8888
Location: Sky City, Gilruth Avenue Darwin
Price: Entrees: $6 - $18, Main: $17 - $24, Dessert: $8 - $12
What to eat:
Beef mince: with egg flower and steamed rice;
Beef vegetables and noodle soup;
Braised bean curd with diced seafood and Chinses mushroom;
Cantonese roast duck : with steamed rice;
Chicken noodles : with Chinese vegetable
Combination seafood : with Chinese vegetable and steamed rice;
Deep-fried bean curd skin roll with prawn meat;
Deep-fried whole fish with Chinese mushroom shredded chicken and oyster sauce;
Fujian sytle fired rice with prawn,BBQ duck,chicken,vegetables,Chinses mushroom& tomato;
Shark's fin soup;
Shredded duck soup with Chinesse mushroom and bamboo shoots;
Steamed Dim Sum served in bamboo basket;
Steamed barramundi fillet with ginger and spring onions;
Steamed chicken with spring onions, ginger & soya sauce;
Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts and oyster sauce;
Stir-fried diced beef with black pepper sauce;
Yang Chow fired rice with BBQ pork, shrimp spring onions and eggs.

6. Asian
Hanuman:
Tel:+61 8 8941 3500
Location: 28 Mitchell Street, Darwin
Price: Entree, $10.00 - $14.00; Main, $19.50 - $30.00; Dessert, $11.50
What to eat:
Amritsari fish battered with besan flour, ajwaiin seed and ground turmeric;
Bombay pakoras of spiced, chickpea flour bound vegetables, crisp fried with yoghurt;
Eggplant pacchadi cooked in a sauce of onion, tomato, spices and finished with tamarind;
Hanuman prawns wok tossed in a delicate coconut, wild ginger and curry sauce;
Kashmiri chicken tikka marinated with yoghurt, ginger,chilli and rose petal garam masala;
Money bags of finely diced chicken with fresh coriander root and black pepper;
Nonya pork rolls flavoured with chinese five spices and wrapped in bean curd sheets;
Red curry of roasted and simmered duck in a coconut and red curry sauce;
Tandoori prawns rubbed with fresh ground cumin, yoghurt and cardamom;
Thai crispy whole fish served with three flavoured sauce - hot, sweet and sour;
Tom yum prawns in a classic Thai broth of kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass and galangal;
Wok tossed seafood with vibrantly hot basil and oyster sauce.

7.International
Cafe Olio:
Tel: + 61 8 8981 2600
Location: The Cavenagh Hotel 12 Cavenagh Street Darwin
Price: Entree, $6.50-$15;Main, $9.90-$27.90
What to eat:
BBQ Pork Ribs: marinated and BBQ pork ribs served with roasted potatoes & a rich plum sauce;
Burger: grilled beef burger with the lot, served with chips & salad;
Chilli & Szechuan Peppercorn Calamari: local calamari served with mango mayonnaise;
Croissants: with jam / with ham & cheese / with ham, cheese & tomato;
French Toast: served with maple syrup & bacon;
Grilled Eggplant Parmigiana: with napoli sauce,swiss cheese&pesto,served with chips&salad;
Grilled kangaroo: with roated sweet potato mash, wilted greens & cranberry jus;
Homemade Baked Beans: served with bacon;
Homemade Muesli: served with natural yoghurt;
Marinated Tofu & Grilled Eggplant Burger with chips and salad;
Olio Lunch Pizzas: Roma tomato, basil, ham, pineapple chicken, mushroom & calabrese;
Potato & pesto roesti topped with smoked Tasmanian salmon,Spanish onioN &roquette lettuce;
Spinach Chorizo Penne: tossed through a napoli sauce with fetta & black kalamata olives;
Thai Beef Salad of seasonal greens, tomatoes, red onions & dressed a zesty thai sauce;
White Wine & Cream Australian black Mussels served with crusty ciabatta.

8.Italian
Salvatore's:
Tel: +61 8 8941 9823
Location: Cnr Knuckey and Smith Streets
Price: Main, $10-$20; Dessert, $4-$7
What to eat:
Al Verde Pasta: black olives, spinach, capers, parmesan cheese, in a rich tomato sauce;
Caesar Salad: cos lettuce, Italian anchovies, garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, egg, and bacon;
Carbonare e Salsiccia: specially made Italian sausage in a creamy bacon and egg sauce;
Chicken Caesar Sandwich: chicken, parmesan, bacon, Caesar dressing;
Chicken Parmigiana served with chips and salad;
Homemade Big Sals Burger: salad, bacon, cheese & egg;
Mediterranean Sandwich: roast capsicum, sun dried tomato, fetta cheese;
Oven Baked Barramundi in garlic, lemon butter; served with chips and tossed salad;
Palermo Pizza: chicken, spinach, bacon, onion, mushroom
Salmone e Bianco: smoked salmon and asparagus in a light cream sauce;
Sicilian Pasta: roast chicken, spinach, bacon, onion, mushroom in a rich tomato sauce;
Tossed Italian Salad: lettuce,tomato,roast capsicum,onion,cucumber with vinaigrette dressing;
Zorba Pasta: marinated lamb & black olives in a rich tomato sauce.

Where To Stay in Darwin

1. Crowne Plaza Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8982 0000
Location: 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin
235 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 149
Widely acclaimed as the city's premier CBD hotel, one of the better hotels in Darwin, and a multi-storey establishment of a long-tested high end international brand, Crowne Plaza Darwin features stylish but not swanky exterior beneath the veil of which a full gamut of hi-tech gadgetry and a wide range of good value weekend deals await both the business travelers and leisure tourists, the superior but not snooty service, thanks to the discreet and efficient staff, extensive choice of onsite eateries and bars, the free of charge fitness club, the swimming pool and spa, the travel agency and hairdressing salon, and the superb but salubrious location that��s 4 miles from the East Point Reserve, 2 miles from Mindle Beach markets and Darwin Botanic Gardens, 1 mile from the Wharf Pricent, and only one block from Smith Street Mall and the Esplanade.
2. Darwin Central Hotel
Tel: +61 8 8944 9000
Location: 21 Knuckey Street, Darwin
132 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 85
With an unbeatable CBD location that��s within easy walking distance to all major banks, cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping, a contemporary elegance oozing from the eight story atrium, well-appointed rooms, impeccable round-the-clock services, private plunge pool, and sensational menu in on-site restaurant, two cafes and bar drawing locals and tourists alike, and a boutique, un-obsequious charm exuding from its smart colour scheme, nautical light-fittings, outback-style gutterless awnings, and over-the-top artistic trappings, Darwin Central Hotel offers nothing but the best.
3. Holiday Inn Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8943 3600
Location: 122 The Esplanade, Darwin
183 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 129
A retro property residing on the Esplanade, 1 km from city center, comanding fine views over the Darwin Harbour or the city skyline, Holiday Inn Darwin has air-conditioned guestrooms sustaining in-room safes, complimentary cable television, floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony ideal for a chilled sunset wine or two, a refreshing pool area complemented by drinks and snacks from the pool bar, innovative dining in the Poolside restaurant where kids under 12 eat for free, function rooms catering for small meetings and free outdoor parking,
4. Novotel Atrium Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8941 0755
Location: 100 The Esplanade, Darwin,
141Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 135
From its impressive cenral atrium, bedecked with palm trees, hanging vines and cascading streams, to the considerably matched wall and carpet colours in guestrooms, intersperseed with comfy furnishings and indigenous-inspired wall hangings, from the idyllic position right on the Esplanade overlooking the Bicentennial Park and Darwin Harbour, from where a short stroll will get you to the dining and entertainment precinct of Mitchell Street, to the on-site Zest Restaurant and Terrace whose a la carte dining with modern Australian cuisine are to-die-for, Novotel Atrium Darwin completes any top end, easy and comfortable stay.
5. Quality Hotel Frontier
Tel: 61 8 8981 5333
Location: 3 Buffalo Court, Darwin
91 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 95
A comfortable and affordable base from which to explore all that Darwin has to offer, Quality Hotel Frontier boasts a central location overlooking the city, ocean and tropical gardens, convenient proximity to the Darwin Golf Course and the George Brown Botanical Gardens, contemporary accommodation which are constantly refurbished, convenient facilities such as a pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the award-rinning Rooftop Restaurant specializing in modern Australian cuisine, and a sports-themed bar with a gaming room.
6. Saville Park Suites Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8943 4333
Location: 88 The Esplanade, Darwin
204 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 109
Featuring contemporary-style spacious studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments that boast their own full kitchen, laundry facilities and private balcony with great views over the Esplanade, Darwin Harbor, the the Arafura Sea and the city, plus the Smith Street Mall which is just one block away, a 24-hour supermarket just next door, and the on-site Colonnade Restaurant, the Planters Bar, outdoor swimming pool and spa, The Darwin Holiday Shop in the foyer this sleek complex of spaciousness, cosiness and privacy is second to none when it comes to comfortable elegant lodgings.
7. The Cavenagh
Tel: +61 8 8941 6383
Location: 12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin
61 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 64
A converted '80s motel style accommodation refurbished with high quality furnishings and fittings, with most of its motel rooms and bakpacker share dorms overlooking the central Cavenaghs huge pool and the courtyard, along with the award winning Cafe Olio and cocktails bar, and the superb central location close to the Botanic Gardens, Mindil Beach night markets, the Casino and Darwin Golf Course and many othermajor attractions of Darwin The Cavenagh is totally a steal.
8. Skycity Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8943 8888
Location: Gilruth Ave, Darwin
117Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 155
Skycity Darwin is a palacial casino hotel attrached to Darwin��s casino on Fannie Bay, whose elevated level of luxury is to be beheld in its balconied plush rooms, 2 premier restaurants, a 9 hole golf course, 12 tennis courts, 24-hour entertainment choices, a specialty coffee shop, conference facilities, sensational outdoor concerts, health club/fitness centre, and lagoon style infinity edge pool, and a peaceful urban sanctuary situated in tropical gardens on Mindil Beach, next to the Botanic Gardens, where Mindil Beach Markets take place right outside on Thursday and Sunday nights in the Dry season, and from where a leisure beachside stroll brings you to the Museum and Art Gallery.
9. Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin
Tel: +61 8 8946 0111
Location: 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin
225 Rooms in total; Rates from approximately AUD 99
Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin is an inner city resort with a '80s castaway-island feel, represented in its the wicker and tropical print and the lush frangipani-filled gardens, and a family-friendly vibe, which is obvious when you��re given choices of decent rooms in a range of styles and configurations, 2 outdoor swimming pool with waterfalls and spas children's swimming pool, fitness equipment, Treetops Restaurant, and Raintree Cafe, and the convenient location which is smack-bang in the middle of Darwin, approximately 400 meters from the CBD, 0.5 mile from Darwin City Mall, and 1mile from the Aquascene, the Wharf Precinct, the Casino, and the Port of Darwin.

How To Go Darwin

1.By Air
Airport:
Darwin International Airport: 13 km north-east of the city.
For more information, contact the airport on 08 8920 1811/1850.
Airlines:
Airnorth/Regional L... More>>>

What to be noted in Darwin

1.Time to visit
The Dry season:
May to September: Average temperatures 19.3-32.6 degrees Centigrade; Tropical winter and tourist peak season with lower humidity, very little or no rain, mild warm days with clear blue skies, and relatively cool balmy nights.
The Wet season:
October to December: Average temperatures 25-33.2 degrees Centigrade; Pre-monsoon period when humidity is increasingly building up with occasional rains
January and February: Average temperatures 24.6- 31.9 degrees Centigrade; The heart of the Wet season when monsoonal activities are most notable and violent.
March and April: Average temperatures 24-32.7 degrees Centigrade; Rains begin to subside, and strong winds begin to set in.

2.Safety
General Precuations:
Be cautious with your money and documents while carrying them in the crowds;
Don't leave money or valuables in sight in a hotel room or a vehicle;
Do not wander around alone late at night, which is especially true for women.
Swimming tips:
Only swim in recommended safe swimming areas, always check with the local authorities regarding which of the local beahces, nature reserves, and national parks are open are open with/without swimming prohibited.
Look for signs warining of salt and freshwater crocodiles and the deadly Box Jellyfish.
While swimming at local beaches, even in the 'safe' dry season of May to September, bring vinegar as a precaution against the Box Jellyfish stings.
Bushwalking and camping tips:
Carry a map;
Carry and drink plenty of water;
Wear sturdy shoes and thick socks;
Do not camp near the water's edge;
Take note of warning signs of all sorts;
Carry necessary recovery and safety equipment;
When walking through long grass, watch out for snakes;
Shake out your shoes before you put them on in the morning;
Make your plan and whereabout known or keep yourself connected via satellite phone.

3.Health
Sun protection:
Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors;
Avoid being in the sun in the middle of the day;
Always wear a wide-brimmed sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and long-sleeved shirt while going out;.
Carry plenty of water while cycling, climbing, driving, and walking, and drink at least 2 litres of water each day;
Insect Pest:
A reliable DEET based insect repellent is a must, which will work on mosquitos, sandflies and other biting insects present throughtout the Territory;
To make your stay more comfortable, apply mosquito coils, or wear light coloured clothes (long sleeves and trousers), especially at dawn and dusk.
Vaccinations:
No compulsory vaccinations are required.

4.Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency:
Police, fire, ambulance: 000;
Ambulance: 08 8922 1503;
Fire Brigade: 08 8922 1555;
Police (24 Hours): 131 444;
Police (Non emergency matters): 08 8922 3344;
Power & Water: 1800 245 090.
Hospitals:
The Royal Darwin Hospital: 08 8922 8888);
Darwin Private Hospital: 08 8920 6011.
Tourist information:
Tourism Top End: 08 8936 2499.
The Parks and Wildlife: 08 8999 4555.

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Darwin Travel Guide