Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 8 . THE TOP END
and tackle. Check out www.fishingtheterritory.com for detailed information on
fishing tours, guides, and everything you need to know to make your arms ache
from reeling ’em in!
WHERE TO STAY
Darwin’s remoteness means accommodation is not all that cheap, especially
from April to October, the peak travel in the Dry Season. From November to
March, the Wet Season, hotels usually drop their rates.
Mirambeena Tourist Resort You’re just a stone’s throw from the city center
at this modern hotel complex, where the tempting swimming pools, the Jacuzzis,
and the treetop restaurant, all shaded by the leaves of a sprawling strangler fig, have
a castaway island feel. All rooms were refurbished in 1998 to a high standard; each
is a decent size and has some kind of garden or pool view. Town houses with kitchenettes
are good for families, if you can handle sharing the compact bathroom
with your kids.
64 Cavenagh St., Darwin, NT 0800. & 1800/891 100 in Australia, or 08/8946 0111. Fax 08/8981 5116.
www.mirambeena.com.au. 225 units (all with shower only). High season (Apr–Oct) A$152–A$195 (US$99–
US$127) double;A$230 (US$150) town house (sleeps 4). Low season (Nov–Mar) A$117–A$148 (US$76–US$96)
double; A$180 (US$117) town house. Extra person A$25 (US$16). Children under 3 stay free. AE, DC, MC, V. Free
parking for limited cars, plus on-street parking. Bus: 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10. Amenities: Restaurant; poolside cafe; 2
bars; 2 outdoor pools (in a single complex); children’s pool; exercise room; 2 Jacuzzis; bike rental; game room;
minigolf; tour desk; secretarial services; limited room service; babysitting; laundry; same-day dry cleaning/laundry
service. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies, minibar (on request), fridge, hair dryer, iron, safe.
The Summer House Finds A groovy, stylish tropical hideaway is a rare
thing in the rough-and-ready Territory, but that’s what Jill Farrand has created
in her home in this converted apartment block. The place is in a leafy suburb
3km (2 miles) from town, on the local bus route, or a A$2 (US$1.30) shuttle
ride away. Two roomy suites sport white walls, trendy polished concrete floors,
and wrought-iron furniture (one has giant Balinese armchairs and 3m/10-ft.-
high exotic flower arrangements), while a third has a retro look. All have louvered
windows to encourage a breeze, hip mosaic bathrooms, and one or two
bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchenette. Jill delivers a nice continental breakfast.
A Jacuzzi in the jungly garden is great for cooling off on hot nights. Gay
and lesbian guests, and children, are welcome. No smoking indoors.
3 Quarry Crescent, Stuart Park (P.O. Box 104, Parap, NT 0820). & 08/8981 9992. www.interbed.com.au/
summerhouse.htm. 3 units (all shower only). A$120 (US$78) double; A$160 (US$104) 2-bedroom apt (sleeps
4). Rates include continental breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 5, 6, 8, or 10. From the airport, take the
Stuart Hwy. 5km (3 miles) to Stuart Park; turn left onto Woolner Rd., right onto Iliffe St., right onto Armidale
St., and left onto Quarry Crescent. Amenities: Jacuzzi; laundry. In room: A/C, TV (apt only), kitchenette, hair
dryer, iron, no phone.
Top End Hotel This two-story hotel has a quiet ambience, despite the trendy
complex of bars, restaurant, sports-betting outlets, and a liquor store on one
side. Most of the rooms face a rectangular saltwater pool surrounded by an inviting
lawn, sun lounges, and tall palms rather than the bar complex. The front
desk sells breakfast and dinner meat packs for you to cook up on the barbie.
Rooms were renovated in 2000, and each is a good size, with quality fittings,
and a furnished patio or balcony. You’re just across the road from the Esplanade
(where fish come in to shore at high tide to be hand-fed by visitors), close to
restaurants, and a 1km ( 1 ⁄2-mile) stroll from Smith Street Mall.
Mitchell St. at Daly St., Darwin, NT 0801.& 1800/626 151 in Australia, or 08/8981 6511. Fax 08/8941 1253.
www.bestwestern.com.au/topend. 40 units (all with shower only). Dry Season A$132 (US$86) double. Wet