The Hungry Bunny

As Darwin isn't the most touristy city in Australia, there's a dearth of luxury options for accommodation. Skycity Darwin , at a little over 4* (but not quite as 5* as it claims), is as high-end as it gets in Darwin. While it may not be in the heart of town, the hotel is next to Mindil Beach, offering much more scenic views and a breezy, relaxed vibe.  Annexed to the only casino in Darwin, Skycity, the multi-concept complex is lively and bustling. I supposed that's a good thing, especially for city folks accustomed to the nightlife. One of 2 pools in the hotel, this was the free-form pool where the main hotel rooms were at. There's a small gym next to the main hotel pool. We didn't use it much, it was stuffy and depressingly cloistered, but we rented bicycles to cycle around the complex. And we ran along the beach instead. This track went on for miles! Then there's a lagoon pool where the lagoon rooms were. It's a lot more private, as the...

Darwin is quite distinct from its arguably more famous Australian counterparts like Melbourne or Sydney. For one, the weather's tropical, as it's at the Top End of the continent and nearer to the equatorial line than any other major city in Oz. The makeup of its populace is also different, notably with more Southeast Asian immigrants as it's also the closest to the Asian continent. The latter may explain how its markets are teeming with nasi padang stalls, a sight rarely seen in most other Australian markets. One of the biggest attractions, and arguably the most prolific market, in Darwin is the Mindil Beach Sunset Market . The beach, relatively scarce during the day-time (because crocodiles), comes alive at sundown, when locals and tourists alike are drawn to the bustling market for a fun night out. Several musical acts scattered all around lend to the electric atmosphere of the market, and first one right off the bat, near the entrance of the market where the main c...

First order of business whenever we're in Australia (or NZ), is to hunt down the best pies; it's our favourite Australian food. Located just next to Crocosaurus Cove, it was serendipitous that we chanced upon Tommo's Pies . We actually were looking to buy a drink, but the smells drew us in, and we ended up buying a couple of pies. Just to try. Turned out to be one of the best pies we'd ever eaten (and we've eaten A LOT of pies). So obviously, we promptly bought another round of pies. A bonus: it's open till late at night!! Must-trys are the classic Steak Pie (A$4.80) which is more mince pie than hefty steak chunks, and the Steak & Mushroom (A$4.80) which is studded with white buttons. Luscious and sumptuous with rich melty fillings, the pastry was buttery and flaky. A wonderfully comforting hunk of pie.  A brinner-styled pie, the Beef Bacon & Cheese (A$4.80) was really just minced pie luxed up with bacon nubbins and an egg as well as grated...

il Lido was one of the restaurants along the main Darwin Waterfront Plaza. We'd been walking the heritage trail just up the hill, and wanted a pit stop to rest, soak in the lively atmosphere of the waterfront. Breezy and relaxed, the open-aired restaurant was cool and casual. Serving modern Australian fare, the main draws are the pizzas and drinks. The Cheese Board (A$23) with swiss, cheddar, and blue dairy, was accompanied by a warm apple chutney, house made lavosh, prosiutto, fresh pear slivers and green apple slices. A scrumptious, well put together platter. The Prosciutto Pizza (A$26) strewn with oodles of rocket and grated parmesan, was topped with an aioli that I thought was unnecessary. That said, the pizza was still delectable. The Iced Coffees (A$2 each) were gratifyingly decadent sugar bombs, rich and frothy and creamy. The terrace of the restaurant is best for people watching, so snag a seat outdoors if you can. il Lido Building 3 19 Kitchener ...

The Darwin waterfront is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The precinct is expansive, and spans the convention centre at one end, to the Stokes Hill Wharf at the opposite end. The stretch is lined with a multitude of dining options, and we were recommended the seafood at Crustaceans on the Wharf as a must-try. Sitting right on the historic wharf, the casual restaurant, which is more glorified canteen than full-serviced restaurant, is breezy and bustling. During the dry season, the alfresco tables which offer a spectacular view into the sea, are snapped up fast, so make reservations early early. While the food wasn't exactly mind-blowingly impressive, the seafood was one of the cheapest we've ever had. Our bill for three hearty dishes, including a whole lobster, came up to less than 100 buckaroos, which was unbelievably value-for-money. We liked that the grub here was rustic and uncomplicated, where a light touch was employed with the seafood to highlight...

A tapas bar/restaurant in the heart of the city centre, Moorish is constantly lauded as a must-try in Darwin. Boisterous and fabulous, the restaurant is a perpetual full-house. It's little wonder why locals throng to the vibrant bar-restaurant: the food, which draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East, puts a refreshingly unique spin on local and seasonal produce. Flavours were riotous, compelling, and moreish, pun intended. Service may get a little choppy, especially during peak dining hours, but staff were generally engaging, if a little frazzled. Just booze up and you won't even notice the inordinate lapses between the starters and mains. The Tapenade Crusted NT Barramundi (A$35), juicy and robust with the salty tang of olives, was enlivened by lashings of olive oil, cherry tomatoes, roasted pumpkin, kalamata olives, roasted green beans, and anchovies. The Dukkah Crusted Eye Fillet of Beef (A$39.50), set on a bed of sweet pota...

The Pearl serves one of the best brunches in Darwin. The Parisienne bistro may be distinguished for its dinner prix fixe offerings, but its brunch was most outstanding. I was actually surprised, as I didn't expect to eat Melbourne-quality brunches in Darwin, arguably Australia's most disparate city. The food was exquisite yet hearty, and pretty everything was a must-try. Service, while lean in number, was cheery and efficient. Do note though, that in spite of its relaxed ambience, the restaurant enforces a smart casual dress code. A vegetarian option that was so delicious I near-forgot it didn't have any meat, the melange of  Roasted Mushrooms & Grilled Haloumi (A$18), poached egg, roquette, grilled tomato, white bean puree, and salsa verde was nuanced and rustic. I'd never been a fan of haloumi until this, the grilling treatment searing a beautiful golden off its chewy meatiness. The Croque Madame (A$19.50), a confection of sourdough toasted with a thick...