Darwin Activities: Cultural

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Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin

• Deckchair Cinema, Jervois Rd off Kitchener Dr, Wharf Precinct, ☎ (08) 89810700, www.deckchaircinema.com. Gates open at 6.30PM films nightly from 7.30PM April to November. Relax outdoors in the deckchairs on Darwin Harbour and enjoy a movie under the stars. Deckchair Cinema screens quality Australian, family, foreign and popular films every night of the dry season. There is also a licenced kiosk. $13.

• Darwin Festival. The Darwin Festival program provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain. The festival includes everything from free outdoor events to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshops and comedy, not to mention the sensational cuisine. Running for 18 nights, the Darwin Festival reflects the indigenous, Asian and Pacific cultures of the region. August.

• Aboriginal Art Awards. The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the premier national indigenous event on the arts calendar. The Award attracts a broad range of artistic talent and showcases up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. When: August – October (09 dates TBC)

• Heineken Hottest 7’s in the world. This Rugby 7’s competition is held over two days with local teams competing against the best from overseas, interstate and intrastate. It ranks as the leading prize money 7’s event in Australia with $60,000 up for grabs. When: 24-25 January 2009

• BASSINTHEGRASS. Every year, thousands of Darwin locals and visitors flock to the Darwin Amphitheatre to rock to their favourite Australian and International bands. Previous line-ups include Powderfinger, Hilltop Hoods, Wolfmother, Gyroscope, Jet and Eskimo Joe, just to name a few. This is a sell out event every year, so make sure you get your tickets early! When: usually in May (2009 dates TBC)

• Darwin Cup Carnival. Share in the excitement of Darwin’s premier horse racing calendar. The Darwin Cup Carnival features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and a glass of bubbly and culminates in the Darwin Cup race. The picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit, and the Darwin Cup Day witnesses 19,000 people bursting the rails. When: 4 July 2009 – 3 August 2009

• Arafura Games. The Arafura Games, held in Darwin, is a sporting event for developing athletes across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. It provides the experience necessary to succeed in competition of the highest level. This biennial event is a major highlight on the sporting calendar and is recognised throughout the Asia Pacific region as a week-long celebration of sporting competition, cultural diversity and friendship. When: 9-17 May 2009

• Darwin Entertainment Centre, ☎ +61 (8) 8980 3366, www.darwinentertainment.com.au. Boasting a recent facelift, the Darwin Entertainment Centre has an unmistakable presence on Mitchell Street. Complete with playhouse, studio theatre and exhibition gallery, the Centre hosts concerts, dances and performances from Australia and overseas.

• Nightlife. Darwin’s youthful population adds energy and zest to the city’s vibrant night life. After dark there’s plenty of culture, music and entertainment to keep you busy.

• Cumberledge Reef, a reef
• Limpe Waterhole, a waterhole
• Ross Point, a point

• www.deckchaircinema.com
• www.darwinentertainment.com.au