Dining out has been made even more special by the addition of restaurants at Cullen Bay Marina in Darwin, offering outdoor dining with beautiful ocean views. Cuisine from many countries, including Indonesian, Greek, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian and Thai, is available in the larger towns. Mindil Beach Sunset Market in Darwin is an incredibly popular market open from May to October and a great place to sample the diverse cuisine of the territory.

Regional specialities:
• The ngarlkirdi, or witchetty grub, is considered a delicacy - either raw or cooked.
• Kakadu plum jam, spread on toast.
• Quandongs, a native peach with a delicate flavour, usually served stewed or in ice cream.

Regional drinks:
• Bush tea, made from native plants such as leptospermum, referred to as tea tree.
• Cappuccino is often seasoned with wattle seed.

There is plenty of nightlife in Darwin with some of the best at outdoor foreshore bars where a beer and a flaming red sunset in tropical heat is unforgettable. The city also boasts the Skycity Darwin, built in an extraordinary modern architectural style. This A$30-million casino complex also encompasses luxury accommodation, restaurants, discos and sporting and convention facilities and is surrounded by lush gardens perched along the shores of Mindil Beach. Alice Springs also has a casino.

Darwin specialities include opals, Aboriginal artefacts and outback clothing, which are available in Alice Springs. Unique, handcrafted goods can also be found at Darwin's markets, which are great attractions in themselves.