CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION
We would like to provide some information about the Northern Territory that will inform you of this beautiful place we call paradise
CURRENCY:
The denominations are:$5, $10, $20, $50, $100 notes and 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins. Foreign exchange is available through Thomas Cook outlets at the airport and Smith Street Mall, Darwin City Council during business hours. There is also another foreign exchange in Smith Street Mall and one on Mitchell Street.
TELEPHONE:
Australia Code: 61. Northern Territory area code: 08.
TIME:
Greenwich mean time + 9 hours and 30 mins.
TRANSLATION:
If you need some help translating your language into English, telephone the NT Interpreter and Translator Service on 8999 7566, or phone the translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450
TOURIST INFORMATION
The Tourist Information Centre Office at Beagle House, corner of Knuckey and Mitchell Streets, is open seven days a week throughout the year, except Christmas Day (25 December). Telephone: 08 8981 4300; Fax: 08 8981 0653; Email: info@drta.com.au
DRIVING:
When you're planning to self drive through the Top End, ensure you have all the basic equipment, jack, spare tyres, fan belt, radiator hoses and a tow rope. You should plan ahead for fuel stops as you may need to carry fuel and should always carry a map of the area, especially if you plan to travel off the main roads. Always carry plenty of water, 20 litres minimum. Australian vehicles are right hand drive and you travel on the left hand side of the road. An interstate or international license is valid in the Northern Territory for only three months.
SEASONS:
From early May to mid September is the Dry Season. traditionally, this time of the year is the most popular time for tourists to visit the Top End region. A major factor is that it;s cooler during the Dry with temperatures ranging from 16-22 during the night and a very pleasant 27-32 during the day. Humidity levels are also lower at this time of year, making the weather for outdoor activity and exploring what the Top End region has to offer. November to April, the monsoonal Wet brings rain in late afternoons and overnight. During a monsoonal burst flooding of some kind is very common particularly in outlying areas. Almost all of the 1651 mm average annual rainfall comes during this period. Known as the Wet Season, the rains bring spectacular lightning displays and the threat of cyclones (information about available from the Bureau of Meteorology phone: 08 8982 4711). It is certainly a dramatic time of the year and many locals will tell you they prefer it. This is the 'land of two summers', that means lots of sunshine, so remember; always wear sun screen, protective clothing and a hat.
ABORIGINAL AREAS:
Most Aboriginal areas throughout the Top End may be visited, however, in all cases it is necessary to obtain permission and possess a travel permit before entering these lands. It is very easy to obtain a permit to enter certain areas of Aboriginal land such as Kakadu National Park. When entering Kakadu either as part of a tour or on a self-drive excursion, your permit is incorporated in the park entry fee. With visitations into Aboriginal land and communities in the more remote areas, it is sometimes necessary to join an organised tour with one of the many specialised 4WD Safari Operators. For those wishing to enter Aboriginal land on their own, applications and enquiries must be directed in writing to the relevant Aboriginal Land Councils. In the Top End this is the Northern Land Council, PO Box 42921, Casuarina, NT 0811 or Telephone: 08 8920 5100, Fax: 08 8945 2633 or email: general@nlc.org.au.
WHEN IN THE TOP END BE PREPARED AND TAKE CARE
WEAR A HAT:
Darwin is a tropical city with strong sunlight and a hot climate. Take care to wear a hat and light clothing which will cover arms and shoulders.
SUNSCREEN:
Due to the tropical climate it is recommended that everyone, especially small children, have factor 15+ sunscreen applied before venturing out into the sun.
WATER:
If you know that you're going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, it is advisable to take a canteen/bottle of water to avoid dehydration. Always take more than you think you are going to drink.
INSECT REPELLENT:
Although Darwin is renowned for having fewer flies than many other parts of the country, insect repellent may be required for evenings.
SWIMMING:
Do not enter the sea between October and May due to the presence of box jellyfish. Take precautions at other times.
SPEED LIMITS:
When driving remember that speed limits can vary considerably. Be particularly careful in residential and school areas.
WILDLIFE:
There is much wildlife to be enjoyed but take heed of warning signs and be aware of wallabies and possums on the road in areas of East Point reserve at night.
BOATING:
All boating regulations should be strictly adhered to when on the water. Check with local authorities if you are unsure and always wear a life jacket.
VEHICLE SAFETY:
Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables unattended in your car. In Australia it is compulsory to wear seat belts.
FREE ATTRACTIONS:
FANNIE BAY GOAL:
Fannie Bay - Telephone 8999 8290
LYONS COTTAGE:
The Esplanade - Telephone: 8981 1750
THE NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRAY:
Situated in Parliament House - Telephone: 8999 7177
PARLIAMENT HOUSE:
Open to visitors with fully guided tours on weekends - Telephone 8946 1509
CHINESE MUSEUM:
Located inside Chung Wah Society Hall (next to Chinese Temple Entrance), the harbour end of Woods St or Litchfield St, Darwin
MARKETS:
PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS
Saturday Mornings from 8 am to 1 pm
PALMERSTON MARKETS
Palmerston Shopping Centre, during the Dry Season only (end early October), Friday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm
RAPID CREEK MARKETS
Rapid Creek Shopping Centre - Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm
NIGHTCLIFF MARKETS
Nightcliff Shopping Centre - Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm
MINDIL BEACH MARKETS
Mindil Beach during the Dry Season only, Thursday nights from 5 pm to 10 pm and Sunday 5 pm to 9 pm
Information supplied courtesy of Top End Visitors' Guide
CURRENCY:
The denominations are:$5, $10, $20, $50, $100 notes and 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins. Foreign exchange is available through Thomas Cook outlets at the airport and Smith Street Mall, Darwin City Council during business hours. There is also another foreign exchange in Smith Street Mall and one on Mitchell Street.
TELEPHONE:
Australia Code: 61. Northern Territory area code: 08.
TIME:
Greenwich mean time + 9 hours and 30 mins.
TRANSLATION:
If you need some help translating your language into English, telephone the NT Interpreter and Translator Service on 8999 7566, or phone the translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450
TOURIST INFORMATION
The Tourist Information Centre Office at Beagle House, corner of Knuckey and Mitchell Streets, is open seven days a week throughout the year, except Christmas Day (25 December). Telephone: 08 8981 4300; Fax: 08 8981 0653; Email: info@drta.com.au
DRIVING:
When you're planning to self drive through the Top End, ensure you have all the basic equipment, jack, spare tyres, fan belt, radiator hoses and a tow rope. You should plan ahead for fuel stops as you may need to carry fuel and should always carry a map of the area, especially if you plan to travel off the main roads. Always carry plenty of water, 20 litres minimum. Australian vehicles are right hand drive and you travel on the left hand side of the road. An interstate or international license is valid in the Northern Territory for only three months.
SEASONS:
From early May to mid September is the Dry Season. traditionally, this time of the year is the most popular time for tourists to visit the Top End region. A major factor is that it;s cooler during the Dry with temperatures ranging from 16-22 during the night and a very pleasant 27-32 during the day. Humidity levels are also lower at this time of year, making the weather for outdoor activity and exploring what the Top End region has to offer. November to April, the monsoonal Wet brings rain in late afternoons and overnight. During a monsoonal burst flooding of some kind is very common particularly in outlying areas. Almost all of the 1651 mm average annual rainfall comes during this period. Known as the Wet Season, the rains bring spectacular lightning displays and the threat of cyclones (information about available from the Bureau of Meteorology phone: 08 8982 4711). It is certainly a dramatic time of the year and many locals will tell you they prefer it. This is the 'land of two summers', that means lots of sunshine, so remember; always wear sun screen, protective clothing and a hat.
ABORIGINAL AREAS:
Most Aboriginal areas throughout the Top End may be visited, however, in all cases it is necessary to obtain permission and possess a travel permit before entering these lands. It is very easy to obtain a permit to enter certain areas of Aboriginal land such as Kakadu National Park. When entering Kakadu either as part of a tour or on a self-drive excursion, your permit is incorporated in the park entry fee. With visitations into Aboriginal land and communities in the more remote areas, it is sometimes necessary to join an organised tour with one of the many specialised 4WD Safari Operators. For those wishing to enter Aboriginal land on their own, applications and enquiries must be directed in writing to the relevant Aboriginal Land Councils. In the Top End this is the Northern Land Council, PO Box 42921, Casuarina, NT 0811 or Telephone: 08 8920 5100, Fax: 08 8945 2633 or email: general@nlc.org.au.
WHEN IN THE TOP END BE PREPARED AND TAKE CARE
WEAR A HAT:
Darwin is a tropical city with strong sunlight and a hot climate. Take care to wear a hat and light clothing which will cover arms and shoulders.
SUNSCREEN:
Due to the tropical climate it is recommended that everyone, especially small children, have factor 15+ sunscreen applied before venturing out into the sun.
WATER:
If you know that you're going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, it is advisable to take a canteen/bottle of water to avoid dehydration. Always take more than you think you are going to drink.
INSECT REPELLENT:
Although Darwin is renowned for having fewer flies than many other parts of the country, insect repellent may be required for evenings.
SWIMMING:
Do not enter the sea between October and May due to the presence of box jellyfish. Take precautions at other times.
SPEED LIMITS:
When driving remember that speed limits can vary considerably. Be particularly careful in residential and school areas.
WILDLIFE:
There is much wildlife to be enjoyed but take heed of warning signs and be aware of wallabies and possums on the road in areas of East Point reserve at night.
BOATING:
All boating regulations should be strictly adhered to when on the water. Check with local authorities if you are unsure and always wear a life jacket.
VEHICLE SAFETY:
Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables unattended in your car. In Australia it is compulsory to wear seat belts.
FREE ATTRACTIONS:
FANNIE BAY GOAL:
Fannie Bay - Telephone 8999 8290
LYONS COTTAGE:
The Esplanade - Telephone: 8981 1750
THE NORTHERN TERRITORY LIBRAY:
Situated in Parliament House - Telephone: 8999 7177
PARLIAMENT HOUSE:
Open to visitors with fully guided tours on weekends - Telephone 8946 1509
CHINESE MUSEUM:
Located inside Chung Wah Society Hall (next to Chinese Temple Entrance), the harbour end of Woods St or Litchfield St, Darwin
MARKETS:
PARAP VILLAGE MARKETS
Saturday Mornings from 8 am to 1 pm
PALMERSTON MARKETS
Palmerston Shopping Centre, during the Dry Season only (end early October), Friday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm
RAPID CREEK MARKETS
Rapid Creek Shopping Centre - Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm
NIGHTCLIFF MARKETS
Nightcliff Shopping Centre - Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm
MINDIL BEACH MARKETS
Mindil Beach during the Dry Season only, Thursday nights from 5 pm to 10 pm and Sunday 5 pm to 9 pm
Information supplied courtesy of Top End Visitors' Guide