Kate Dinning: What’s on in Darwin this weekend

From the early birds who like to party while sipping a latte, Korean food fanatics, and fireworks lovers – there’s plenty of things to do this weekend in Darwin.

Fireworks at the 2024 Territory Day at Mindil Beach, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

Kick off this weekend strong, and early with a good coffee.

From 7am–9am, Laneway in Parap is flipping your market day routine with a morning dance party – featuring a live DJ spinning morning beats.

It’s caffeine-fuelled boogie you won’t want to miss – party without the hangover.

Then from 10am to 4pm, swing by the old Songlines gallery on Stuart Highway for a special pop-up featuring artworks and fabrics from Injalak Arts and Merrepen Arts.

The Shitbox Rally came to an end in Darwin this year, so they’re auctioning off the cars at the Darwin Showgrounds today.

Territorians waiting for the fireworks at Territory Day celebration at Mindil Beach, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Starting at 10am sharp – every vehicle must go, and all proceeds will go to supporting the Cancer Council.

Then wrap up Saturday with the Kindness Festival from 4pm–9pm at the Darwin Waterfront, celebrating culture, connection, and community with live performances, food, and family-friendly fun.

If you’re planning ahead – don’t forget that Territory Day is on Tuesday.

The celebrations for Darwin are at Mindil Beach from 4:00pm, with an incredible line-up of Territory musicians - and the fireworks display will be from 8.15pm!

SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT

I must preface this by saying I haven’t actually tried it yet because it’s been a big week – but I am convinced it is going to be good.

Bannsang Restaurant will offer a new Korean BBQ and hotpot option for diners. Picture: Che Chorley

Bannsang Restaurant at the Darwin Waterfront launched their new dining experience on Wednesday this week, a new Korean BBQ and Hot Pot for Darwin.

Think premium meat cuts, seafood and veggies – but you can cook them at the table.

I can’t wait to try it – if you beat me there, let me know how it is.

LOCAL’S TIP

The last few months have really proven how social media can influence tourism – the East Point Mangrove Boardwalk is really having a moment! Having previously only been there at low tide to see the red crabs scuttling across the exposed mudflats – and because I fancied keeping my limbs – it seems to have become an Instagram and TikTok sensation to be there as the tide is high and the railing is underwater.

Julie-Anne Justus explored the mangrove boardwalk during different tides at East Point. Picture: Julie-Anne Justus

Its allure does indeed shift with the tides, and if you’re sensible about it – it’s pretty magical. Since it’s blown up on socials, it’s also been featured on Yahoo News and even The Daily Mail – but mostly about the crocs.

If you’re intrigued like everyone else, and you’ve never done the mangrove boardwalk: it’s a 1.3-kilometre trail through mangroves that you can access from the Lake Alexander carpark, just make sure you check the tides before you go depending on the type of experience you want to have – and take some insect repellent!

Originally published as Kate Dinning: What’s on in Darwin this weekend