Events January 2009

Free entry

Come along and join the locals for breakfast or maybe grab an early lunch.

The Berry Springs Community Market has stalls ranging from fresh locally grown produce, to arts and crafts, plants and second hand goods, and local hand-made market products. There are running races and a tug-a-war competition for the kids and for the little ones there’s play dough, card making and more.

The markets are open from 8am to 12 noon, the last Sunday of every month with the exception of December, which will be held on the second last Sunday.

Event types

• Produce
• Craft
• Art

Events April 2009

Free entry

Relax and enjoy a stress-relieving massage or cool tropical juice.

Darwin's oldest market is situated only 20 minutes from Darwin city, in the Rapid Creek Business Village. Come on down for a massage, followed with a relaxing Sunday brunch, before browsing the stalls for fresh organic produce, Asian fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, exotic plants, flowers and seafood. You’ll also find a range of local handmade crafts for that special gift. The markets are open from 7am to 1pm every Sunday.

Buses from Darwin city and Casuarina stop by the market on a regular basis.

Event types

• Produce
• Craft
• Exhibition/Show

Free entry

Experience the atmosphere and flavours of the famous sunset markets.

Enjoy the tropical night air at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets every Thursday and Sunday evening between May and October. The markets have a multitude of stalls offering international cuisine, arts, crafts and entertainment. Their unique combination of great food and an electric atmosphere make a visit a must do.

The market boasts up to 60 food stalls featuring cuisine from Turkey, Greece, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and all over South East Asia. Enjoy a picnic dinner on the beach whilst experiencing a spectacular tropical sunset. Afterwards, take time to look around the stalls which include masseurs, tarot readers, leatherworkers, artists, tailors and jewellers. While browsing, listen to the free live street theatre, magicians and an array of local and international buskers.

Event types

• Produce
• Craft
• Art
• Exhibition/Show
• Music
• Performance

Events May 2009

Entry fees apply

Hear incredible pioneering stories, and tales of roguish characters that helped shape a far-flung tropical town.

Get to know this tropical and vibrant city, on a guided walk in and around its parks and historical landmarks. On Parks Plaques and Past Times, you’ll discover Darwin’s colourful past as you view unusual architecture and notable monuments. Take the Wild Side Walk, where you’ll hear wild yarns about Darwin’s roguish characters as you visit the places where all the action happened. You’ll see how The Esplanade has been central to the development of Darwin as you take the Stroll Through Darwin’s History, and hear tales of this town’s amazing events and the people who helped shape it. Goyder Road Cemetery is one of the only physical links with Darwin’s pioneers, and on this walk you’ll hear captivating stories of remarkable pioneers. During Dark Side of the Frontier Walk, your guide will explain the architecture and history of the Fannie Bay Goal.

Bookings are essential for these walks.

Event types

• Festival

‘The Green Room on Myilly’

Re-opens at the

Myilly Point Heritage Precinct

2 Kahlin Avenue

Larrakeyah

Friday 29^th May 2009

5.00PM – 8.00PM

The Hotel Darwin was regarded by many as the social hub of Darwin, a property steeped in history and sadly a victim of property developers and entrepreneurs. 

The Green Room was a place where many a Darwinite would meet for a drink or two to take the edge off their day. 

The Hotel Darwin, a place dating back to pre-war days evoking fond memories for so many, lost now under what some might say controversial circumstances but as the stories show it was the ‘in-place’ to be.

From this we at the National Trust here in Darwin decided to create a ‘Green Room’ courtesy of the Myilly Point Heritage Precinct.

So, on the last Friday of the month you will find the ‘Green Room’, come and join us for alfresco drinks and live entertainment on the lawns of Magistrates House from 5pm-8pm.

What a great way to end your week and mark the start of your weekend courtesy of the National Trust.

This is a Fund-Raising Initiative courtesy of the National Trust of Australia (NT)

Events July 2009

Entry fees apply

Share in the excitement of Darwin’s premier horse racing calendar.

The Darwin Cup Carnival officially kicks off on Saturday 4 July 2009 and culminates in the running of the Darwin Cup on Monday 3 August 2009. The program also features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and a glass of bubbly.

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.

Dress up, dress casual or come in fancy dress, this is a racing carnival not to be missed.

Event types

• Exhibition/Show
• Carnival
• Special Events
• Horse

Free entry

Watch a colourful fleet of yachts start their sailing adventure to Ambon, from Darwin’s foreshore.

The tension builds during the months leading up to this anticipated event on Darwin’s sailing calendar, with an almost festival atmosphere. When the day finally arrives, large crowds gather on Darwin’s foreshore in the brilliant dry season sunshine, and jostle for vantage points to see a colourful array of sailing vessels start their adventure to Ambon in Indonesia. With cool dry season breezes filling the spinnakers, the yachts poised on the turquoise sea starting line, the signal to race is anxiously awaited. Then with a loud crack, the race is on.

The Darwin Ambon yacht Race and Rally starts at 11am.

This 600 nautical mile race to the capital of the Spice Islands attracts entries from blue water sailors from Australia and the world. Skippers who wish to partake in this race, please contact the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race Committee or refer to their website. Race entry fees apply.

Event types

• Sport
• Sailing
• Yachting

Entry fees apply

A regatta like no other, with boats primarily built entirely from aluminum beer cans.

This annual family event is rapidly becoming a spectacle for all who line Mindil Beach and cheer on the home-made boats of cans and cartons, as they flounder and sink in the shallows.

The Darwin Beer Can Regatta started as an unusual by-product of the devastation caused to Darwin by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. A Darwin citizen, Lutz Frankenfeld, suggested a boat race with all the craft fabricated from beer cans in order to clear up the empties, and at the same time have a day of fun.

The inaugural beer can race in 1975 was an instant success, and has developed into a major event with boat entries ranging from 1 to 12 metres and some even with secret weaponry.

Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin.

Event types

• Sport
• Regatta
• Water

Sunday 19th July 2009 10.00am - 3.00pm

Situated in the picturesque Museum precint surrounding Territory Craft's fantastic premises is our fun and popular Dragonfly Craft Fair.

Come and browse through a wonderful array of locally handmade crafts and talk to the people that make them. Pottery, glass, beads, jewellery, fabrics, soaps, wood, cards and much much more. Food and Drinks available. A great family day out !!

The Royal Darwin Show is one of the biggest family events in the Darwin calendar. Come along and see the best the Territory has to offer!!

Entry fees apply

Take part in this cycling adventure that will take your from Rockhampton in Queensland to the tropical city of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

After crossing the border into the Northern Territory, you’ll cycle through the Barkly Tablelands, a true outback destination, camp under brilliant starry skys, view unique flora and fauna of Australia and scenery that will take your breath away. Some of the townships that you’ll visit along the way are Three Ways, Elliott, Daly Waters, Mataranka and Pine Creek. With a couple of rest days in Katherine, you’ll have time to explore Nitmiluk National Park, home to the majestic Katherine Gorge. Your accommodation ranges from quirky Aussies outback pubs to fun bush camps to large city caravan parks.

Cycling time ranges between five to 12 hours a day. There are rest days every four to five days, but you do need to be able to happily ride five consecutive days over 100 kilometres a day.

Event types

• Cycling

Venues

Rockhampton to Darwin
Main highways and roads across Australia
Darwin
Northern Territory, 0800

Events August 2009

Entry fees apply

Enjoy true country hospitality and a toe-tapping day of outback country music.

From all over the Territory and interstate, entrants make the trek to Adelaide River, to be part of the only Country Music Association of Australia recognised NT country music talent quest. Entrants from 5 to 70 take part with trophies and prize money. A scholarship to the CMAA Country Music College Tamworth is awarded to one contestant each year, who meets the criteria.

From Bush Ballads to Country Rock, it’s all there with great food and bar facilities available. The Adelaide River NT Country Music Talent Quest concludes as the sun sets with a concert that has the showground rocking.

Event types

• Country & Western
• Music
• Performance

Join in the thrill of a rodeo, camp draft and rural show.

The Adelaide River Show, in the Adelaide River township south of Darwin, features a rodeo, polocrosse, gymkhana and camp draft as well as competitions in arts and crafts, flora art, cookery, photography, horticulture and agriculture, and farm produce in both adult and children sections.

The camp draft consists of 6 head of cattle in a ‘camp’, in which the competitor has to cut only 1 animal out. The competitor must the get the animal to the front of the camp. Once the competitor has the animal up front, they must block and turn the beast a few times to show the judges they have control of the animal. The rider then calls for the gates to be opened, the competitor is required to draft the animal in a figure 8 before guiding it through a gate, the camp draft is then complete. All this is done in less than 45 seconds.

Free entry

The Lingalonga Festival will take you on a journey through Batchelor's colourful history.

The normally sleepy hamlet of Batchelor, just a one hour drive from Darwin, will be buzzing with markets, music, sport and creative activities under the canopy of glorious rain trees.

Throughout the day you can sample delicious foods from many cultures while strolling through the market stalls, or inspire the mind and body to the sounds of local cultural dance groups. Try a singalong with local musicians in the 'Buskers Bower' whilst the kids enter the sand castle competition in the town's 'monster sandpit,' or simply set up your camping chair and watch the action roll by.

Event types

• Craft
• Art
• Festival
• Music
• Sport

WALKING WITH SPIRITS
A performance event like no other

Malkgulumbu, Beswick Falls, a hidden treasure on Jawoyn Land in the South Western corner of Arnhem Land. An ancient playground, this incredible site is open to the public for one weekend, just once a year, when the Wugularr (Beswick) Community invite you to share their songs, stories, dance and music.

BEYOND THEATRE, A TRUE SENSE OF PLACE

There are old and wise voices, but along the way they will joined by the laughter of the young.

"We walk through the rustle of the paperbarks and settle by the campfires. With the moon rising over the sandstone ridge and shadows of the Aboriginal songmen and dancers flickering all around, we are on a journey older than any of us, one that began in the age of the ancestors. It is a place of unforgettable beauty and tranquility with a deep sense of what is shared and how the land shapes us all. Djilpin Arts, the creative company led by Tom E. Lewis, and supported by the Australian Shakespeare Company, blends music, dance, puppetry, animation, short films and burning 3D images blazing against the night sky. In all my world of wandering, on a night like this, this is where I want to be."

The land is our church and everything in it is one, the dancers not only represent, but enter into the spirits of the animals, plants and seasons. The corroborree ground is a theatre, with the fireplace as its centre. We warm our spirits at the fireplace and around it, and we pass on the stories and sing the songs and thus keep our history and our culture going. Therefore the listening ear and the watchful eye of you in the audience are as important as the people singing and dancing.

TICKETS
There are limited tickets available for this event and it does sell out, so pre-bookings are essential.

Book Online: www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au
Phone: 1300 122 344
Or through Darwin Entertainment Centre outlets 08 8980 3333
Adults: $75
Concession: $55
Children (6-16): $35

GETTING THERE
Wugularr (Beswick) Community is located 107 kms South-East of Katherine. From Katherine drive South on the Stuart Highway for 51kms, then turn left into the Central Arnhem Road (Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Nhulunbuy turnoff), drive for 56 kms into the community.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE
When you arrive into the community drive straight ahead about 500metres and turn right, go to Ghunmarn Culture Centre, the red two storey building. You MUST collect your entry pass here before going back to the turn-off.

The turn off to the Falls is signposted, the road is a bush track - 4WD highly recommended. The dirt road is about 20kms, and is prone to sand and bull dust bogs. While we make every effort to prepare the road, it gets very dusty under heavy traffic. We recommend you seal any cameras or other equipment in plastic to protect from dust damage.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
If you do not have a 4WD, you can park your vehicle at the Culture Centre and take a shuttle into the falls. The shuttle is $25 return and must be booked when you book your tickets. Shuttle leaves at 11am, midday, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and returning the next day.

ENTRY ONTO ABORIGINAL LAND
Malkgulumbu is on the Beswick Aboriginal Land Trust and its traditional owners are the Jawoyn people. Permits are normally required but are WAIVED FOR THIS EVENT ONLY. Access is from midday Saturday 2nd August to 9am Monday 4th August.

No alcohol is allowed into the community or event site. Please respect the wishes of the community and do not bring grog to Walking With Spirits. (The land area is under Federal jurisdiction and penalties may apply).

CAMPING
Your ticket allows you to camp at Malkgulumbu. Campers must be self sufficient, this is a wilderness location. Bush (pit) toilets are provided, campers must bring all camping equipment, food, water, mosquito repellent and sun protection. Evenings can be cold and windy.

First aid (St John's Ambulance) will be on site. There is a health clinic in the Community. The nearest hospital is in Katherine.

You may swim in the bottom lake and creeks, fish and walk in the area. Please take your rubbish with you.

REFRESHMENTS
Hot food and cold drinks will be available between 2 and 8pm on Saturday only. Please bring all other food. Cash sales only.

ART
A limited range of local art will be available at the falls. The full range can be browsed at Ghunmarn Culture Centre in the community, which will be open all weekend. The Blanasi Collection is also available for viewing in the Centre.

Darwin Fringe Festival Join the Fringe and traipse around the boundaries of popular culture. The Darwin Fringe Festival is an exciting performance and arts festival that takes place in various venues across Darwin and the Northern Territory in June. The Darwin Fringe is an open festival, meaning that anyone can take part.

The result is a spectacular array of theatre, dance, poetry, music, visual arts, film and comedy that not to be missed. Visitors will enjoy loads of live arts and cultural activity, which is also broadcast to the world live on the Internet.

A highlight of the festival is the fantastic Fringe Focus Venues, which include Browns Mart, a beautiful and historic Darwin building, and the Town Hall ruins, an outdoor venue that exists as a reminder of the devastation Cyclone Tracy caused in 1974. Event Type: Performace Arts Music

Free entry

Spiritually moving, vibrant colours, timeless – an awe-inspiring experience for all art lovers.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will provide a unique artistic experience for all lovers of indigenous art and culture. Representing over 20 community arts centres from across the Top End, Katherine region, Central Desert, the Kimberley, Tiwi Islands and Torres Strait, this extraordinary art fair will expose you to intricate, colourful and captivating indigenous artworks, all at the one venue.

You’ll see a vast selection of diverse and striking styles, each piece distinctive to its region of origin. To coincide with the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and Darwin Festival, this spectacular art fair provides the opportunity for visitors to not only meet some of this country’s talented indigenous artists, but to also purchase art pieces directly from the Art Centres.

Event types

• Art
• Exhibition/Show

Entry fees apply

The Darwin Festival program provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain.

There are few festivals around the world that can boast the weather that Darwin has and this is what makes it a perfect festival town. Held in August, 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, with over 70 productions, 112 events and performances and over 1,000 international, national and Territory artists and cultural groups, the Darwin Festival reflects the indigenous, Asian and Pacific cultures of the region.

A strong visual arts component is also included, with Larrakia traditional land owners guiding you through the many galleries exhibiting indigenous art on the Gallery Bus Tour, and the outdoor Galuku Gallery in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Event types

• Art
• Exhibition/Show
• Comedy
• Multi-culture
• Festival
• Comedy
• Ballet
• Dance
• Music
• Performance
• Theatre
• Street Theatre

Free entry View the cultural art work and crafts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the premier national indigenous event on the arts calendar. Initiated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in 1984, today the Award offers AUD56,000.00 worth of prize money; one of the highest for any art award in Australia.

The Award attracts a broad range of artistic talent with upwards of 150 works selected for the exhibition from approximately 500 entries. This exhibition presents up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and attracts a range of indigenous artists from all parts of the country.

The diversity and style of work submitted each year reflects the changing face of contemporary Aboriginal art practice. A virtual exhibition of the 25th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Award, is available on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern' Territory's website. Event types Craft Art Exhibition/Show

Entry fees apply

The Darwin North Rodeo offers two nights of action packed entertainment.

International competitors and some of Australia’s leading riders are drawn to Darwin to match their skills against these beasts. Eight seconds of raw courage is the required time needed for these bareback bull riders to ‘master’ the bull in the open bull ride section. Other events included Roping Saddle Bronc, calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping, barrel races and the Junior Champion titles. There’ll be food and drink stalls available on both nights as well as plenty of entertainment for the kids. And of course, the ever-reliable and brave rodeo clown(s) will be there.

At the conclusion of the events each night, there’s time to kick up your heels and dance the night away to the tunes of the country music band.

This rodeo is fully endorsed by the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA).

Event types

• Rodeo
• Exhibition/Show
• Country & Western
• Music

Events September 2009

Entry fees apply

Dine under the stars on blue swimmer crabs, free range quail and a glass of wine.

Enjoy an entertaining night at the Dragons Abreast NT annual fundraiser the 'Crab and Quail' auction at the Darwin Sailing Club. You will be entertained throughout the night. There will be raffles, a lucky door prize and auction items throughout the evening.

All proceeds from the night go to the Dragons Abreast NT Paddlers on a Mission, to promote breast cancer awareness and education in the Northern Territory through dragon boating.

Event types

• Special Events
• Music

Free entry

The Cyprus Foods and Wine Festival is a family event and will showcase the famous Cypriot Commandaria wine which is one of the oldest wines on earth. There will be a fusion of musical acts, dance performances, delicious Mediterranean food to enjoy and Australian wine makers will be there to promote their products and showcase the history of wine making.

Event types

• Multi-culture
• Food/Wine
• Festival
• Dance
• Music
• Performance

Events October 2009

Entry fees apply

A fishing competition for the whole family to tackle, the annual Challenge is held on the full moon, because the best fishing action is at night.

With the emphasis on the family and junior anglers, the Humminbird Corroboree Park Challenge is a tag-and-release photo competition. The renowned barramundi is the number-one target. Competitors will fish the fish-rich waters of Hardies Lagoon, Mary River Bridge Lagoon, Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong and the tidal East and South Alligator Rivers.

The last competition saw a record 30 boats join in the much sort after 'Biggest Barramundi' event, which saw 41 potential winning fish entered. The Champion Angler was awarded for the longest catch of 86 centimetres.

Event types

• Fishing
• Sport

Entry fees apply

A host of exciting new releases, many of which have not yet been seen at other boat shows, awaits you at the Darwin Boat and Leisure Show.

With a big variety of the latest boats, motors, accessories, water-sports, fishing gear, racy jet skis, three to eight wheeler ATV’s and camper-trailers on display, there’s something for everyone. There are even spas on display, a perfect place to relax after a big day out fishing.

Local clubs and associations, together with local charter operators and guest celebrities, will assist with clinics and competitions and will be on hand to offer advice on boating and fishing in the Top End, how to best enjoy river, inshore or offshore fishing and camping adventures.

There’s plenty of opportunity to win prizes for those who participate in various activities. Food and drinks will be on sale, with something for all family members.

Event types

• Exhibition/Show
• Camping
• Boat
• Recreation
• Expo

Events November 2009

Christmas Craft Fair features fantastic array of locally handcrafted wares, perfect for Christmas gifts or just a little something for yourself.

This year stalls include Soaps and oils, an array of jewellery, pottery, glass, woodwork, textiles, cards, art, sculpture and much more.

There will be a sausage sizzle, icy cold drinks, tea, coffee and cakes.

Browse through a wonderful selection of unique local handcrafted items and make your purchases for Christmas.

Free entry

Celebrate the start of the Christmas festive season with the whole family.

Carols in Palmerston brings together singers from the local Palmerston schools and the community, along with the Palmerston City Concert Band. The concert kicks off at 6pm with Santa dropping in just before the evening finishes at 8pm. Sausages, drinks and glow sticks will be available for sale on the night. So pack your rug or chairs, your singing voice and head on down for a great night of entertainment, don’t forget to pick-up your program when you arrive.

Event types

• Christmas
• Choral
• Music

Events December 2009

Entry fees apply

Join in and celebrate the start of the festive season.

Carols by Candlelight is the pinnacle of the festive season in Darwin and is held in the Amphitheatre at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Performing on the night will be the Darwin City Brass Band and many well-known carol celebrities including the Darwin Youth Choir, the Kormilda College Choir and many more.

The carols start at 6.30pm (gates open from 5.30pm) and conclude at 8.30pm with a spectacular firework finale. The venue is non-smoking and parking is available at Mindil Beach. Carol books, candles, candle cups and matches on sale at the gate entrance, and refreshments will also be on sale.

The Carols by Candlelight is a charity fundraiser event and entry is by gold coin donation. Come along for a night of community song and festivities.

Event types

• Christmas
• Music

Free entry

Join in fun and welcome in the New Year at Darwin’s Wharf Precinct.

Bring the whole family along and enjoy New Year's Eve on the Wharf. There will be live entertainment, a fireworks show spectacular and al fresco dining under the stars.

Come down early and toast the setting of the last sunset for 2009 as it slowly sets over the escarpment.

Event types

• Exhibition/Show
• New Year
• Music