Proof that you can have fun on a budget
So, your beloved rellies have jumped on a ‘fare for peanuts’ flight and they are on their way to Darwin with limited funds to spare. The last thing you want to do is fork out for their holiday while they are here! Take these hints to draw up an itinerary that will keep them entertained, out of your hair (and house), and keep your bank balance in the black!
DIY Fishing Trip - $29.50
Return ferry trip = $20.50
Squid (great bait) = $5
Hand-reel = FREE to borrow
Esky ice = $3.50
2 litres of home made ice tea or cordial = 50c
Harney beach scenic walk (when the tides out) = FREE
Fresh fish for dinner = FREE if you catch any!
Unlucky fisherman's meal at the Mandorah Pub = $15
Family Fun Day for only $55!
Territory Wildlife Park entry (you and 2 kids) = $35 (free for the next year if you get a locals pass)
Fuel = $15
Packed sandwiches = $5
Swim at Berry Springs = FREE
Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery = FREE to see the animals
The Official Darwin Tour $19
Laksa at Parap Markets = $6
Fannie Bay Gaol = FREE
Musuem and Art Gallery of the NT = FREE
Ice Cream down at Stokes Hill Wharf = $4
Lunchtime Dip at Berry Springs = FREE
BBQ Sunset Sausage Sangers at East Point = $4 (per person)
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels = $5
Canoeing Adventure for two in Katherine $46.50 pp
2 hour canoe hire at Springvale = $18
Powered campsite for two at Springvale = $25
Packed esky = $50
Refreshing dip at Katherine Hot Springs (the low level) = FREE
Self guided tour around Springvale Homestead (the oldest standing homestead in the NT) = FREE
Park Ranger Guided tours run regularly at Elsey National Park = FREE
A night out for less than a carton $23.50
Spooky Poincianna Woman ghost stories & Sunset at East Point = FREE
Backpackers Meal at the historic VIC Hotel = $5
Deckchair cinema = $13
Beer and live band at Monsoons on Mitchell St = $5.50
Camping adventure in Kakadu $54.50pp
Stop off at the Didgeridoo Hut & Art Gallery to see the animals = FREE
Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to view the flora and fauna = FREE
Window on the Wetlands for a great view over the wetlands = FREE
Stop for a burger and drink at the Corroborree Park Tavern = $13.50
Camping at Gungurul Campground = FREE
Visit Gunlom for a great walk, swim and views over Kakadu = FREE
Aboriginal Rock Art at Nourlangie and Ubirr Rock = FREE
The Warradjan Cultural Centre = FREE
Drink and ice cream at Bowali Visitor Centre = $8.50
Fuel shared between four people $32.50
Feeding Crocs, Free flights!
How would you like to feed crocodiles and native wildlife, free accommodation or get a free flight to far out places like the Cobourg Peninsula? Volunteering Territory has heaps of roles available that will put you in places, and have experiences that you'd never dreamed of. While it won't cost you a cent, you'll need to chip in and help out. Probably the most rewarding holiday ever!
OTHER HINTS & TIPS
EATING
- Buy your veggies and fruit at the markets for the week
- Stokes Hill Wharf is an affordable place for dinner and you can BYO
- If they eat a lot, go for the buffets around town. For seafood try the Jetty Restaurant, Chinese try the Happy Garden at the Beachfront or an all you can eat breakfast buffet at the Sunset Cafe.
TRANSPORT
- Hire a bike for the day, rather than use your car to get around.
- Keep a copy of the the public bus transport service time table handy.
- During the peak season, the free Casuarina Shuttle operates from the city direct to Casuarina.
- Be aware that there are car hire companies around Darwin that don't offer latest model vehicles. This means that if they have to hire a car for the day there are cheaper options.
NOT TO MISS
- Parliament House provides a free guided tour on Saturdays – these are a great way to keep them occupied for a couple of hours.
- Get the Parks Alive Update on the latest guided walks and talks around Top End parks and reserves. There are even guided talks close to Darwin such as the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Charles Darwin National Park.
- Tear the historic walking map out of the Darwin Visitor Guide ‘Destination Darwin and the Top End’ for a free guided tour around the city.
