2021 marks the 70th annual Royal Darwin Show, and to celebrate the show organisers are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s show bigger and better than ever.
There will be live entertainment, animals, rides, show bags and pavilions showcasing the primary industries of the Darwin region.
Safe to say, it’s going to be a fun day out for the whole family.
But what else is there to do in the Northern Territory on the Darwin Show long weekend? Let’s take a look.
5 Things to do in the NT this Darwin Show Weekend
1. Join a Kakadu Day trip.
Kakadu is full of things to do for the whole family. You can take a guided tour bus straight from the heart of Darwin to Kakadu National Park. From there you can join guided tours, see the natural beauty of the area and learn the history of the land. If guided tours aren’t your style, there are plenty of self-guided options — just be sure to stay on the track.
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2. Take a day trip to Katherine.
Take a day trip to the Katherine region and you’ll find plenty of natural beauty to explore. You can’t go past the world-famous Nitmiluk Gorge, only a short 20-minute drive outside the heart of Katherine.
You can canoe up the gorge to find hidden waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art and native wildlife. But this isn’t the only gem of the Katherine Region; you can camp, hike or take guided tours through the region and bear witness to some of the best Australia has to offer!
If camping is not your style, head to localsearch.com.au to find accommodation in Katherine. Trust us, there’s so much to do you’ll want to stay for the whole week!
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3. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
A short 5-minute drive from the Darwin CBD is Mindil Beach. Stunning in the daytime, but even more-so at night, this is the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset.
While you’re there, check out the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, running 4pm until 9pm every Thursday and Sunday until October. The markets boast a collection of 200 stalls and are often referred to as the multicultural hub of the region. It’s a must-do for locals and those visiting the area and looking for things to do in the NT this Darwin Show weekend.
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4. Field of Lights, Uluru.
If you’re looking for a city escape on Darwin show weekend, why not take a long weekend trip to the Field of Light at Uluru. The Field of light is a breathtaking light installation by international artist Bruce Munro.
As darkness falls on the outback region, Fields of Light come to life as far as the eye can see, highlighting the beauty of the desert at night. Tickets start from $44 for an adult and $31 for a child.
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5. Back to the Track 2021.
From the 24 July to 15 August 2021, groups of ex-military vehicles from around Australia will undertake the journey from Alice Springs to Darwin. They will reenact the wartime journey of military supply convoys, ending their journey at Fortress Darwin.
During the journey, the convoy stops in small towns and communities telling wartime stories and sharing their piece of history with the community. If you happen to see them while you’re travelling the Northern Territory, be sure to give them a wave.
The full Back to the Track itinerary is available on their website.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Darwin Show
When is the Darwin Show in 2021?
In 2021, the Royal Darwin Show is being held on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of July, with the show holiday falling on 23 July. The famous opening ceremony and grand parade are being held on Friday, 23 July 2021 at 2:00pm.
What time does the Darwin Show open?
The Royal Darwin show is open to the public daily between 9am and 10pm. If you are planning to visit, it is important to note some pavilions have opening hours different to the main opening hours.
Pavilion opening hours:
Joe Yates Pavilion: 9am – 8pm
The Animal Nursery: 9am – 6pm
Aviculture Pavilion: 9am – 8pm
How much are tickets to the Royal Darwin Show?
A standard adult ticket to the Royal Darwin Show in 2021 will set you back $25. However, if you do purchase your tickets before the event online, the price is reduced to $20. Children under 5 are free and all other children up to the age of 14 are $15 at the gate and $12 online. There are senior, concession and family prices available.
What is the Royal Darwin Show?
The Royal Darwin Show is an annual event held by The Royal Agricultural Society of the NT INC designed to promote and encourage the development of Northern Territory primary industries including commercial, cultural and industrial. Traditionally, the show is filled with fun for the whole family featuring live entertainment, side show alley, show bags, animals and interactive pavilions.
Find accommodation in Darwin on Localsearch.com.au
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