Darwin’s one of the best cities to have a BIG adventure, with all sorts of giant animals to meet! Those willing to brave the heat can find a frightening fish, a charismatic turtle, and one of the biggest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. Follow this delightful guide to Australia’s northern capital, and your next holiday to the Territory is sure to be a Dar-winner!
The Big Frogs
Roll out the red carpet, because we’re in the company of some Hollywood bad boys… Ribbet Redford and Dennis Hopper! The amphibian actors squat out the front of the Ramada Suites, which is just a hop, skip and jump from Darwin’s waterfront. They’re a tad-pole bit rundown, but it would be lilly not to go see them!
There’s toads more info on the Big Frogs right here!
Colin the Big Turtle
Although he may seem shy at first, Colin’s a turtle-y dude once he comes out of his shell. Col’s happy chilling in a quiet corner of the Garamanak Park, which is next to a community centre. He really has tortoise all how to love!
Colin’s full story is a real flipper!
The Giant Jellyfish
Floating menacingly along the waterfront at the entrance to Darwin’s sprawling East Point Reserve, bloodthirsty blubbers are actually very approachable and fun to play around with. The deadly duo form an art installation entitled Intertwined, which was brought to life by local artiste Aly de Groot in 2014. Why not have a picnic with them – don’t forget a bluebottle of wine!
Don’t feel jelly, read the whole story!
The Big Barramundi
Wanguri schoolkids all know the three Rs – reading, ‘riting, and really big fish! They’re fortunate enough to have this behemoth barra swimming around their a-cod-amy, and she’s a valuable member of the educ-ocean-al community!
Being located within the grounds of Wanguri Primary School means she can only be admired through an imposing fence. But lose that sinking feeling, because she’s fairly close the the barra-cade and assures me she’s happy with her home.
Find out why the Big Barramundi is too cool for school!
Chinute Chinute the Big Owl
You won’t need to stay up late to see this oversized owl and I’m talon you, be prepared to fowl in love! Say hello to Chinute Chinute, who’s so nice they named her twice! She’s 1.8 metres tall, is perched in front of the Northern Territory Supreme Court, and is a real hoot to hang out with!
Read all about Chinute Chinute!
Lefty the Big Pink Buffalo
If alcoholics see pink elephants, then those who prefer the intoxicating allure of Big Things must see pink buffalos! To spend a right good time with Lefty, buffalo your instincts to the delightful Travans Cars & Commercials. There you can have your photo taken with a giant roadside attraction and buy a second-hand Toyota Hilux in the same afternoon.
Have a ball with Lefty – read the full story!
George the Crocodile
Gorgeous George isn’t just one of the newest and cutest Big Things in Darwin, he’s also one of the largest. He measures 10 metres from handsome head to tantalising tail, so he’s the apex predator at the Darwin Botanic Gardens. He’s also lots of fun to ride – surf’s up, dude!
Read more about George the Big Crocodile!
Big Kev the Big Dinosaur
There’s only one place where you can snap up a sensibly-priced socket set, swallow a scrumptious sausage sandwich, and sequester yourself back 65 million years to the age of the sauropods – and that’s Bunnings Palmerston. It’s home to Big Kev the brachiosaurus and trust me, he’s excited!