There is a place that not enough people talk about, one that feels as close to Asia as you can get in Australia: Darwin. 

The capital of the Northern Territory sits right at the top of Australia and might not be on everyone’s travel bucket list, but it should, especially if you love food. Don’t let the intense heat and sticky weather, and being soaked in sweat within minutes of stepping out, stop you. Wear light clothes, and as few of them as you can (that’s what everyone else does). Shoes optional. 

Darwin is about food and the food is outstanding, plus, it’s refreshingly affordable. It is also very informal. Forget the white table clothes. Here the best foods are in the markets. One of my favourite Parap Village Markets, held every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine. It’s a little outside the city centre, so you’ll need to take a bus (Route #4) or a short taxi ride. 

But before exploring the market, stop for a hot chocolate at Laneway Coffee. The hot chocolate is creamy, not overly sweet. All I could get out of the staff was that it was made with chocolate sauce. Imagine if you described your coffees like that here in Australia, “it’s made with coffee powder”.  So no, it as hot as Darwin is.  The coffee is, I’m assured by my coffee loving partner, very good. 

Once at Parap Market, you’ll find an impressive range of options. A must try is the laksa from Mary’s Laksa and desert right next door at Thai Sweets. If you are still hungry, fill your shopping bags with fresh pineapples, paw paw, and figs. Nearby Parap Fine Foods sells Bumble Bean chocolates, a local chocolatier 

If you are in Darwin for the full weekend, also plan on visiting Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 4pm to 9pm from April through to October. It is a bit easier to get to, only a 30 minute walk from the city centre or a 5 minute drive. Arrive with an empty stomach. Be sure to try the mangos, still the best I have ever tasted. 

Darwin is the stepping stone towards some of Australia’s most beautiful and most famous National Parks including Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks. 

Laneway Coffee 4/1 Vickers St. Parap NT www.lanewaycoffee.com.au @lanewaycoffee