Providing beautiful orchestral events in Darwin for more than 25 years, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has established itself as one of Australia’s most diverse and culturally significant musical institutions. Being one of the most adventurous ensembles in Australia, the DSO have performed on floating pontoons and working barges, as well as rural areas across the NT. This Saturday night, locals and visitors to Darwin have the opportunity to attend their Opera Gala event, and for only a gold-coin donation! Before you head over to The Waterfront, we have some great ideas for you to truly relax before attending the opera.
Have a delicious brunch
Four Birds
Get the best start to your day by visiting the quaint Darwin café that is Four Birds on Smith Street. Located within the Star Village shopping complex, the staff here are so super friendly, you’ll feel welcome as soon as you enter their doors. Relax and order one of their amazing coffees, or if you’re a tea lover, try their strawberry and watermelon iced tea that is absolutely delicious. They also have a range of gluten and dairy-free breakfast options available, so even if you have dietary requirements, you can have a fantastic meal without the worry. We recommend trying their free-range egg and bacon bagels – all made fresh to order! Prefer sweet over savoury? They also offer vegan chocolate cakes and French toast.
Where: 2/32 Smith Street, Darwin NT 0800
Now you’ve filled up with some quality food at a laidback café, it’s time to walk it off – head down to the Bicentennial Park.
Take a stroll
Bicentennial Park
Just a few streets away from Four Birds sits Bicentennial Park. This park encompasses the Cenotaph War Memorial, the Civilian Memorial, and the USS Peary Memorial. Located along the Esplanade, this is a great way to spend the rest of your morning—especially as it’s meant to be a beautifully clear day! Stroll along the network of shared pathways and enjoy the gorgeous view of Port Darwin.
Where: Bicentennial Park, Darwin NT 0800
Have an early dinner
Bamboo Lounge
Since the opera begins at 6:30pm, head out for an early dinner to the Bamboo Lounge. With dinner available from 5:00pm, you will have plenty of time to indulge in some amazing Asian-inspired cuisine. Sample some of their fresh, locally sourced barramundi. Or if you prefer, try their Thai duck curry—so full of flavour you’ll be savouring every bite! The chefs are inspired by the exotic spices originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Nepal. They blend these flavours to create a truly unique dining experience that will put Bamboo Lounge on your map.
Where: Shop 17, 90 Frances Bay Drive, Stuart Park NT 0820
Time for the pièce de résistance
DSO Presents Darwin Waterfront Opera Gala
Be serenaded into the evening by David Hobson (tenor), Lorina Gore (soprano) and Andrew Jones (baritone), all backed by the exceptional Darwin Symphony Orchestra. Listen to some of the most famous opera pieces that are sure to give you goosebumps. Hear pieces by Puccini, Strauss, Gounod, Rodgers and Hammerstein, as well as highlights from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers. All that’s left to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Where: Darwin Waterfront, 5-7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin NT 0800
Parking is easy and ranges from free street parking, through to $4 for 4 hours at the Kitchener Drive multi-level car park.
Did we mention this is a perfect date night? Bring your partner along or check out these other great ideas for a date night.
Have you been to a Darwin Symphony Orchestra performance before? Tell us all about it in the comments below!