Kate Dinning: What’s on in Darwin this weekend
It’s a weekend of expos, matcha, and wellness … with a choccy donut thrown in there for good measure!
Northern Territory
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND
It’s a weekend of expos, matcha, and wellness … with a choccy donut thrown in there for good measure!
Friends, I have something to tell you. It’s going to be a big dry season.
In May alone, I’ve already counted eight festivals across the Top End.
This weekend, you can start planning – check out the Top End Travel Expo at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort, which has all the info and deals for exploring the NT.
Then, if you’ve decided to throw getting married into the mix this year, grab the final tickets for the Top End Wedding Soiree on Sunday, which is the perfect outing for couples planning their big day in Darwin.
If you’re looking to do some preparation for all of this upcoming event attendance – or are just interested in your health and wellness like we all seem to be in 2025 – there have been some great gyms and wellness centres that have popped up in the past few months.
If you’re looking for a new gym, S30 has opened in Stuart Park where F45 used to be, and the vibe is low lights and loud music.
If Zen is more your thing, the popular Coolalinga pilates studio, Pure Pilates, has also opened in Casuarina.
And for your recovery? Check out the brand-new recovery centres that have both recently opened, P3 Recovery in Winnellie and Rapid Recovery in Berrimah – complete with saunas, compression therapy, ice baths and hyperbaric chambers.
SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT
Have you jumped on the Matcha trend yet?
If you’re one of those few people who don’t drink coffee – this is for you!
It may seem like it’s a trend that has just emerged from Instagram and TikTok, but it’s deep-rooted in history.
The earthy green drink was discovered in China during the 12th Century by a Japanese Buddhist Monk who brought the seeds back to Japan after realising it positively affected his meditation sessions.
If you’re a fan of the nutty, grassy flavour or you’re keen to see what all the fuss is about – I asked the We Are Locals audience where the best places to get Matcha are in Darwin – and the answers were very clearly pointing to Meow Waffee in the Vic Arcade, and Kopi Stop on Harriett Park. Hot tip: Try the Strawberry Matcha first if you’re unsure about the flavour.
It’s been said that you can tell the best coffee in town by where the cops go for their brew, but when I was hosting a tour of delegates from the Asia Pacific Placemakers Summit this week, a police officer we were chatting to quickly assured the group that they must also try the best donuts in Darwin: from the Outback Bakery.
I’ll happily do a taste test and report back!
LOCALS TIP
Are you still planning your Easter getaway?
Nexus have a kids fly free deal for April school holidays if Broome or Kununurra is on the list.
Jetstar also announced a sale from Darwin to various locations, and when I looked yesterday, you could get to Bali from Wednesday – Easter Sunday for $460 … so I’ll leave you to it!
Originally published as Kate Dinning: What’s on in Darwin this weekend
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