Darwin (Day I) - Australia

*Jumping in excitement* We won a 4 days 3 night trip for 2 to Darwin, Australia. Package includes 2 return economy class air ticket to Darwin from Kuala Lumpur, 1/2 day city tour and share twin basis at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Warm and hot climate throughout the year. Here's my travel journal... We departed on Friday night around 8.25pm and before departure we had our dinner at KLIA McD. (Total bill: RM22.05) 

Mc Chicken



Mc Grilled Chicken Burger



Fries



Coke

Flight between KLIA and Darwin takes around 5 hours. Supper was served around 10.40pm and you can select either chicken or fish set. I had the chicken mushroom set which consist of grilled chicken with mushroom sauce, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Chicken mushroom set comes with side dishes such as bun, crackers, salad and green tea cheese cake. Cheese cake was nice but I couldn't finish it as I was too tired after a long day at work.

Supper time!

Grilled chicken with mushroom sauce, comes with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots

Hello Darwin Airport

Darwin Airport



We reached Darwin Airport around 3.55am (Darwin time) on a Saturday morning. Time difference between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Darwin, Australia is +1.30 hours. It was indeed a tiring trip as I couldn't get a wink of sleep during the flight. Upon arrival, we waited 15 mins to be picked up at the airport. We were warmly greeted by a friendly male receptionist at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. It was 4.30am (Darwin time) and he was unable to check us in early due to all the rooms were fully occupied. The earliest he can check us in is 10am provided there's room available.

He was kind enough to give us an access key to the swimming pool area so that we can take a rest. We walked around Darwin Waterfront before having our breakfast at Curve Cafe Bar. Breakfast starts from 6.30am - 10.30am (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday) & 6.30am - 10am (Monday to Friday) Simple breakfast and my favourite were the hash browns and mushrooms. Check out what Curve Cafe Bar serving for breakfast here.

Darwin Waterfront (Darwin time 6.15am)

Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront Beach - Lifeguard on duty between 9am and 6pm

Sunrise at Stokes Hill Whaft

Sunrise

Darwin Convention Centre

Can you spot the moon?

Morning exercise

After breakfast, still no room available for check in yet and we decided to stroll around Darwin City. We walked pass Christ Church Cathedral, Brown Mart Theatre and hang around Smith Street (shopping heart of this northern city). We spend around 3 hours in Darwin City before heading back to the hotel.

Christ Church Cathedral



Browns Mart Theatre

The Mall, Smith Street

Bicycle parking

Our room was not ready yet and we decided to have our lunch nearby Vibe Hotel. There's whole row of restaurants and bars just next to the hotel and we had our lunch at Chow, a Vietnamese restaurant. The staff was very friendly and nice. Just place your food order at the front counter and enjoy your meal.

We ordered tender beef pho and laksa chicken. Pho is a Vietnamese noodles soup consist of brooth, noodles, herbs, spring onions, bean sprouts and meat. The brooth had a flavourful combination and it was good! However, laksa chicken was so-so for me. Consist of bee hoon, noodles, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, shallots and chicken. The laksa was not spicy and the flavour was a bit mild with less "umph". Overall, they are very generous with their beef and chicken portion.

Chow Vietnamese Restaurant

Restaurant ambience



Refreshing cold drinking water

Tender Beef Pho - $14

Sauce with lemon

Chicken Laksa - $15

Address:
Chow Vietnamese Restaurant
Shops D1 & D2 19 Kitchener Drive,
Darwin, Northern Territory 0800


Finally around 1pm, the room is ready! I was so tired and for the first time I had a good sleep without any dreams! Check out how's Vibe Hotel room looks like here

It was almost 6.30pm when we woke up and it's time for dinner. We walked around Darwin Waterfront, hoping to view the sunset but it's too late. We proceed with our dinner plan at Fiddler's Green. I saw this quote "There are no strangers here, just friends who have not met yet" written on the wall above the bar which I find it very inspiring. Staff are friendly and attentive. We wanted to order both Special #1 & 2 but sadly Special #2 has sold out. So, we ordered Special #1 which was the beef stroganoff and another main dish - beef & guinnese pie.

Beef stroganoff is a Russian dish of sauteed pieces of beef cook until richly browned. Served with mash, pastry lid and vege (broccoli, zucchini, cabbage & carrots) I find the beef a bit salty but I love the pastry lid. Besides that, I love the beef & guinness pie. The beef was well stewed and I can really taste the stout. The whole dish will be perfect for me if the mash are creamier.

Darwin Convention Centre (night view)

 

Darwin Waterfront (night view)



Fort Hill Wharf (night view)

Fiddler's Green



Fiddler's Green dinner menu



Refreshing cold drinking water



Restaurant ambience



Beef Stroganoff with mash, pastry lid and vege - $18

Beef Stroganoff with mash



Beef and guinness pie - $22

Closer look at the beef

Address:
Fiddler's Green
Shops 3A & 3B Building 1,
19 Kitchener Drive,
Darwin, Northern Territory 0800


Time for dessert! 4 types of cups available:

a) Kiddy - 1 flavour ($5.50)
b) Midget - 2 flavours ($6.50)
c) Midi - 3 flavours ($7.50)
d) Monster - 4 flavours ($8.50)

We bought 2 flavours (Midget) - classic chocolate (premium quality chocolate gelato) and strawberry (traditional strawberries gelato, made from real strawberries). I just love the strawberry flavour. The ice cream was creamy and yes... you can actually taste the real strawberries flavour! Best dessert to end the night.

Trampoline



Variety of ice creams



Classic chocolate & strawberry - $6.50

Address:
Trampoline
Shops D7, 19 Kitchener Drive,
Darwin, Northern Territory 0800