SameSame.com.au ~ Inside Out Australia

“Darwin is a laid back tropical place, some might say too laid back!” says Patrick, a restaurant owner who has lived in Darwin for one and a half years. Patrick says that his sushi bar is a popular place for queer folk to grab a bite in town.

Patrick knows that Darwin has a stigma for being a bit ‘redneck’, but he feels it’s misplaced. “The social scene is more limited than you will find in the famous queer travel destinations like Sydney,” he says. “But there are many gay-friendly businesses and even a gay nightclub – Throb. It’s a pretty large club with a great relaxed atmosphere.”

When it comes to Patrick’s top three Northern Territory tips, he says it’s best to head into the great outdoors. “Most people go to the famous places like Kakadu or Litchfield and Mindil Beach Markets. Other places like Douglas Hot Springs or Berry Springs are great, too. But make sure you go early on a weekday and avoid the Bundy drinking yobbos!”

And what’s so good about Patrick’s restaurant? “We specialise in maki, the roll type of sushi. Our focus is fresh sushi and fast service in a clean bright atmosphere.”

Olli has lived in Darwin since 2006, and while he enjoys the new lifestyle, it’s a big change from his life back in Germany. “Us Darwinians are addicted to availability of stock. Buying furniture for example can take up to six weeks until the items are shipped from down south to Darwin!”

Olli runs QueerTravel, a travel service for the gay community and their friends. QueerTravel organises both local and international travel, and has a particular focus on travelers who are looking to stay in an all male or female environment, visit gay owned and operated accommodation, or check out the many cities with superb leisure places for the gay traveler. “We’ll do our best to offer you what you are looking for,” Olli says.

Olli agrees with Patrick that the redneck stigma is completely out of place. “Because of our relaxed lifestyle, the Territorians are very tolerant,” he says. “Alice Springs and Darwin has various events for the gay, bi and transgender community throughout the year.” There are also lots of social groups for the queer community.

“Every first Monday of the month there is a discussion group called Frankly Speaking,” says Olli. Frankly Speaking is a two-hour discussion group held monthly on Monday nights, which covers a wide range of topics, including gay rights, politics, alcoholism, mental health, drugs. “Every Saturday morning we have an informal ‘breakfast with the boys’ too. There are lots of other things too like cruises, pool parties and barbecues.” Olli says the difference in the top end is that these events are more informal and, for a traveler, can be tricky to find.

According to Olli, Darwin is an easy city to get around in, but you need at least two full days to take it all in. “Visit the highlights like the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Indo Pacific Marine and the Crocodylus Park,” he says. Of the three, the Indo Pacific Marine ‘Coral Reef by Night’ is a particular favorite among tourists. The show and seafood night, held at the centre, commences at 7pm on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights. Participants dine in the dark, allowing the surrounding marine plants and animals to go about their thing! After the meal, diners can take in the view from the outside garden deck that overlooks Darwin Harbour.

Further out of town, Olli also recommends Kakadu. “It has amazing cultural and natural values, and is on the world heritage list.” He suggests a day trip to Litchfield National Park, a 90-minute drive from the city and a great place for bird watching. For swimming, Olli’s pick is the Buley Rockholes. “They are very popular and there are some places to go for a nude swim.” Wangi, Tolmer and Florence falls are other beauties on Olli’s top swimming spot list, but he advises: “take plenty to drink, and something to eat with you.”

Download Same Same’s pocket guide to Darwin.

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