Globally-recognised Australian actor Travis Fimmel drops in for a beer at Darwin River Tavern
It’s not every day you get to see a Viking in the Northern Territory – let alone one sinking beers at one of the Top End’s most loved pubs. But it happened anyway. Find out why.
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It’s rare — though, not impossible — to see a Viking in the Northern Territory, let alone one sinking beers at one of the Top End’s most loved pubs.
But punters at the Darwin River Tavern on Saturday found a way, with globally recognised Australian actor Travis Fimmel, known for his role as Ragnar Lothbrok in the TV series Vikings, making a surprise celebrity appearance.
Rather than voyaging by boat, Fimmel travelled with Finniss River Helicopters for a promotional exercise with rural pubs across the Top End for his beer brand, known as “Travla”.
As part of his journey up north, the star actor paid a visit to Territorians at the Darwin River Tavern for about an hour, before later moving on to Dundee Beach Tavern and Noonamah Tavern.
“It was an absolute pleasure to have him,” said Tamra Forward, Darwin River Taverns' general manager.
Ms Forward said pub-goers were “shocked” when they found out Fimmel was making an appearance, with many gathering at the tavern later in the day.
“We sort’ve kept it a bit of a secret until the early hours of the morning when we posted it on socials,” she said.
“Of course word got around and we had a fair few people come to the tavern and have a few drinks and photographs with him.
“Everyone was wrapped.”
Ms Forward said Fimmel, who stayed briefly for the rodeo, was “very friendly” and “very accommodating” on his visit, with the actor making sure everyone was heard and had their questions answered.
“He says he loves Darwin, loves the vibe, loves the weather,” she said.
“We’ll definitely be seeing him again, I’m sure.”
Ms Forward hopes that Fimmel’s visit can hopefully raise awareness to Darwin River Tavern and she encourages others to come down.
“I’d really love anyone who has been to the Darwin River Tavern for a while to come down again,” she said.
“Lots has changed at the property, we’ve got a pool now and a 24/7 fuel station … [and] we’ve got a new menu at the bistro as well, and of course we’ve brought back the Darwin River Rodeos to Darwin River.
“We’ll be hosting six events next year, so two a month, which is exciting for us.”
Ms Forward invited Territorians to come down to the Darwin River Muster on August 16.
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Originally published as Globally-recognised Australian actor Travis Fimmel drops in for a beer at Darwin River Tavern
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