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One of Mason Gallery's two showroomss — Image credit: Mason Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mason Gallery Aboriginal Art

The Mason Gallery brings to Darwin the distinctive designs and bright bold colours of art created by Aboriginal artists of the Arnhemland, Central Desert and the Western Desert regions. Call in to wander through the gallery and see these vibrant interpretations of dreaming stories or even choose a piece to add to your collection. The Australian Aboriginal art seen at Mason Gallery comes from through out the Northern Territory and is of premium quality. The Mason family have extensive experience and knowledge of Aboriginal art, having lived and worked with Aboriginal artists working in the Northern Territory for decades.

Darwin City NT

0.3 km away

Colourful choices

Shopping and Markets

Albertini

Albertini is a concept label featuring Aboriginal printed fabrics from remote communities of the Northern Territory, Australia. Each gown is unique in print, design or colour and identifies the artist and art centre to its artwork. Australian wearable art which you can proudly showcase as an original fashion statement. Albertini offers a range of styles from casual wear, day wear and evening couture pieces. Incorporating the art work from the Indigenous artist, each piece has its own identity with a story behind its creation. Fabrics are printed by the artist using their own art work, then given back to designer Adriana, who develops the garments to best incorporate the print.

Darwin City NT

0.3 km away

Helen

Spas and Retreats

Nurture Beauty Boutique

Established in 2006, Nurture Beauty Boutique has been at the forefront in looking after the ladies and gents of Darwin and a lot of tourists. Situated in close to Darwin city's Post Office it's an easy walk from hotels in the area. A boutique salon with a relaxing ambient feel, specialising in Facials Advance skin care treatments, Body Sculpting and cosmetic tattoos. Cosmetic Tattoo or PMU including Ombre/Powder brows, Microblading, Feather brows and 3D brows, are fast becoming a popular trend, these brows are a semi permanent option for improving the appearance of your eyebrows. Helen begun her training in Melbourne and then took advanced classes with world renowned PMU artist's. Want to learn more? go to the website and down load the free E-Book and book your appointments online. Helen Wilkinson is a fully qualified Beauty therapist with 39 years experience in the industry.

Darwin City NT

0.3 km away

Sue Wah Chin building. Conservation works were recently undertaken to the front verandah.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sue Wah Chin Building

The Sue Wah Chin Building, also known as Stone Houses, was built in 1888 by Kwong Sue Duk (also known as Sun Mow Loong) and featured hipped roofs. It is a single storey building divided into five commercial premises. Each shopfront has an identical pattern of openings with a central door and a window each side. The tenancy at the far left of the building was fortified to protect the opium held there at Kwong Sue Duk's distribution centre. The building is one of only a handful of nineteenth century buildings of any sort that survive in the Darwin city centre and represents a time in the development of the Northern Territory that saw the establishment and expansion of the Chinese population as a significant component of the Darwin community. It has close associations with the well-known Chin family, who owned the building from 1921 until 2008. As for others, this building survived cyclones in 1897, 1937 and 1974 as well as bombing raids during World War II. Following Cyclone Tracy, the badly damaged hipped roofs were replaced with a flat roof. Folklore says the building was in five discrete parts to accommodate Kwong's wives. That was never the case.

Darwin NT

0.3 km away

Stacks of Damadi's artisan soaps being arranged by the maker. — Image credit: Damadi

Shopping and Markets

Damadi Artisan Soaps and Skincare

Gloriously scented with natural essential oils, Damadi's artisan soaps and skincare are delicately crafted in Darwin, tropical north Australia. Made with ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Australian grown Jojoba oil, its created with the aim of delighting the senses and returning the skin to its supple best. While you're in store, have a look in the curing room and find out more about how soap is crafted. Perfect for gift giving, there are things to suit everybody. As a bonus, it can be gift wrapped, making life easy for you. Follow your nose into the Star Arcade and you will find the tiny Damadi store surrounded by decades of history going back to its early days in the 1930's when it was the first open air movie cinema in Darwin. There's also a sculpture with World War II memorabilia to commemorate Darwin's valiant efforts during turbulent times. Damadi, its more than a shop, its an experience and a story. Take a little piece of the tropics home with you.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery

Readback has been in business in Darwin since 1995. Their Authentic, Affordable Aboriginal Art is purchased ethically and direct from local indigenous men and women artists right here in the heart of Darwin in the Northern Territory. Buying locally allows them to support, promote and offer a steady income to their skilled artists. Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery gets asked time and time again “why are your prices so low compared to others?” The answer is simple, and they practice fair trade. This enables them to offer low, competitive prices and allows customers to make socially conscious purchases. Also, their prices stay the same all year round, with no raising prices in the popular dry season. Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery is fortunate to have talented artists such as the renowned Numina Sisters and their mother, Barbara Pananka Price Mbitjana, just to name a few. Their artists are welcome to take up residence in the gallery section to paint. This is a unique experience to see them in action, and talk to them about their paintings and culture. All artwork is signed by the artist on the back of the painting and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity with a photo and information about the artist and the piece.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Star Village, Smith Street Mall, Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Star Village, Smith Street Mall, Darwin

Named after the Star Theatre, the Star Village is significant to the social history of Darwin. The theatre was the second open-air theatre in Darwin and renowned for the many great movies screened there, including the infamous 'western' nights. Harold Snell bought the block in 1928 and built the theatre, which opened on 14 September 1929 with seating for 860 people, offices and a milk bar. He sold the theatre to Christina Gordon and sons in 1930. Tom Derreck Harris was the manager at the time and sometimes organised live entertainment. In 1941, Harris leased the theatre from the Gordons. Like most other buildings in Darwin, the theatre was compulsorily acquired by the military during World War II and was not returned to the Gordons until 1951, although the public was allowed back to the theatre in 1946. Harris was granted a lease over the building in 1952 and in 1958 installed air-conditioning and undertook some modernisation. The theatre was destroyed in Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tom Harris Junior built the Star Arcade in 1980. The name is a reminder of the part the theatre played in the cultural life of Darwin for 45 years

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial

The Darwin Cenotaph commemorates Australian men and women who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The memorial was originally erected outside Government House in 1921 to commemorate those who had served in World War One. It was relocated to the Civic Centre in 1970 and then to its present location in Bicentennial Park in 1992.

Darwin NT

0.4 km away

Commonwealth Bank Building Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Commonwealth Bank Building Darwin

The former Commonwealth bank is significant as a symbol of the federal government's Civil and Defence Works Programme of the late 1930s. Displaying elements of Art Deco styling, the bank is a rare example of early modern architecture in Darwin. The building, as an architectural feature on a key intersection known as Banking Corner, makes a positive contribution to the central Darwin streetscape. The bank was completed in September 1940 and its design was then strikingly modern; the design also incorporated adaptations (eg, vents, overhangs) for climate control. The building was, and remains, a rare example of early modern movement architecture in Darwin (though later alterations have affected the integrity of the building's style to a degree). There is an office section in Bennett Street which was converted from former staff quarters. Construction of the bank reflected new commercial confidence in Darwin, stimulated by the defence build-up during the 1930s after a long period of stagnation. It suffered minor damage during early air raids on Darwin and was occupied by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for much of the war. Cyclone Tracy caused minor damage in 1974. The building was sold by the bank in 2005.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Mbantua Gallery Darwin

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mbantua Gallery Darwin

Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery specializes in art from the Utopia Region in Central Australia. Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery's history with the people of Utopia stretches close to 40 years now and to this day we are still strongly connected with these very independent artists. Also stocking unique jewellery and opals, handcrafted sculptures and beautiful and ethically sourced souvenir range. Open everyday except public holidays.

Darwin NT

0.4 km away

LANT Darwin city — Image credit: Library & Archives NT

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Library & Archives NT

Library & Archives NT (LANT) is the Northern Territory's premier public research library and archival organisation. It collects, preserves and shares the documentary heritage of the Northern Territory and is a trusted steward of Territory memory and history. LANT collections include NT Government archives, books, newspapers, photographs, maps, magazines, ephemera, websites, letters, diaries, community and organisational records, and oral histories. LANT's Darwin city venue is open to visitors and provides a relaxed environment in which to peruse the print and digital collections. On permanent display is the exhibition 'Meeting Ground: Territory Encounters' uncovering the Territory's unique history and diverse cultures that have made it what it is today. LANT Darwin city also showcases its collection through a range of temporary exhibitions, talks, tours and events.

Darwin NT

0.4 km away

Westpac Bank

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Westpac Bank

This bank, constructed as the Bank of New South Wales in 1940, is emblematic of the Commonwealth Government’s £1.5 million civil and defence work programme between the years 1938 and 1941 when critical infrastructure was added to the town after years of stagnation and is an important element in the Bank Corner precinct of the central business district. The bank was damaged during bombing raids in 1942 and again during Cyclone Tracy in 1975. On each occasion it was repaired and refurbished so little of its original fabric remains, although it retains its Colonial Revival style, which contrasts with its three counterparts on Bank Corner. The Westpac Bank building is valued by the community as an inner-city pre-war structure and as part of the essential commercial infrastructure of any city.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Victoria Hotel (the Vic), Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Victoria Hotel (the Vic), Darwin

The Victoria Hotel (‘the Vic’) has been a Darwin institution since its opening in July 1890 and would be, according to the NT Times and Gazette, the ‘best and most commodious hotel north of Townsville’. Commissioned by Ellen Ryan, then of Grove Hill, it was a two-storey porcellanite construction. Initially named the North Australia Hotel, it was renamed Victoria on 11 September 1896. The hotel is an icon of the Darwin cityscape and was the grandest hotel in Palmerston for many years. Ellen Ryan hosted a number of VIP guests, including Mr Justice Dashwood and family and the South Australia Premier, Sir Thomas Playford, in 1892. All hotels in the northern part of the Northern Territory were nationalised by the Australian Government in September 1915 after which the Administrator, the contentious Dr JA Gilruth, ordered the closure of public bar in the Vic Hotel, causing acrimony among already agitated working men. Thus the Vic has an association with the Darwin Rebellion of December 1918 and the issue of political representation for Northern Territory citizens. The Vic has survived three major cyclones and World War II, during which it was compulsorily acquired by the Navy then relinquished in 1945.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Brown’s Mart, Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Brown’s Mart, Darwin

Brown’s Mart in Darwin is a unique building that dates to the 1880s and is highly regarded as a landmark in the city. Built of porcellanite stone, it has a corrugated iron roof and is considered to have architectural, historic and social significance. Architect JG Knight designed new premises for VL Solomon & Co in 1885 and it became known as Solomon’s Emporium, the finest stone store in Palmerston (Darwin’s then name). From 1887-1910, the building was known as the Mining Exchange where the Port Darwin mercantile agency, run by JAV Brown and HH Adcock, operated as importers, customs and shipping agents. Its use as a shipping agency and auctioneering venue continued until it was leased by the Bank of New South Wales in 1937 while its own building was constructed. The building suffered substantial damage in a cyclone in 1897. During WWII, it was converted to a torpedo workshop. After the war it was used by the Navy until about 1952. It then housed the police force, the Crown Law Office and the Motor Vehicle Registry. The building was repaired after Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and has been used as a community theatre since.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Commercial Bank

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Commercial Bank

Built for the Town and Country Bank in 1884, it was possibly the first building built of stone by private enterprise. In 1887 the building became the premises for the Commercial Bank of Australia. It survived World War II bombing and minor damage by cyclone Tracy, however only the facade remains today.

Darwin City NT

0.4 km away

Big Bus Darwin

Amusement and Theme Parks

Big Bus Darwin

Discover Australia's Top End on the Hop-on, Hop-off Darwin Big Bus Tour! Big Bus Darwin tours provide the perfect introduction to Darwin, with top-deck views and stops near all the top landmarks and attractions. Hop on Hop off City Tour operating Monday to Saturday in the peak season, tickets can be purchased off the driver at any of the Big Bus stops. Some buses have air-conditioning, all buses are open air, with Canopy cover. Pre-recorded English commentary. 70 min loop in the morning. 90 min loop in the afternoon. (Peak season) Check website for latest operating times.

Darwin City NT

0.5 km away

Roadmaster’s House

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Roadmaster’s House

The building was originally constructed by the North Australian Railway to provide staff accommodation. The existing building is typical of houses built by the Commonwealth in Darwin in the 1910s, in terms of its floor plan, roof form, use of materials, and small details such as the roof ventilator and the corrugated iron stove recess. It was known as the Stella Maris Hostel for seafarers for many years, and it’s now the Roadmaster’s House Museum.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Reserve Bank

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Reserve Bank

The Reserve Bank was constructed in 1966-67 and is a particularly fine example of the twentieth century stripped classical architectural style. The generous curtilage upon which the building sits is an important part of the overall design and provides an appropriate setting for the building, which is a reminder of the role that the Reserve Bank of Australia played in the development of a centralised banking and monetary control system. This was reinforced by opening a branch of the bank in each capital city. The building is one of four buildings making up 'bankers' corner'. The others are the former Commercial Bank of Australia facade, the Commonwealth Bank and the Westpac Bank (former Bank of New South Wales). The garden and small circular fountain are part of the original building design. The bank closed on 31 October 1997. In 1999-2000 the building was occupied by the United Nations and became symbolic of Australia's role in the East Timor conflict.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Old Boab Tree in Cavenagh Street

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Boab Tree in Cavenagh Street

This tree is significant due to its historic, social and aesthetic values. This Boab marks the site of Darwin's first primary school, and later the Darwin High School and the Adult Education Centre. This Boab was planted in the late 1800's and is a fine example of its species. During WWII a "Daisy Cutter" bomb lay unexploded within its shade for several days prior to discovery.

Darwin City NT

0.5 km away

Town Hall Ruins, Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Town Hall Ruins, Darwin

The Town Hall ruins are all that remain of the original Palmerston Town Hall designed in 1882 and completed in 1883. It was used for civic purposes until the Navy occupied it during the war years. When peace returned, the building was used as office space by the Museum and Art Galleries Board. The building was so severely damaged by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 that it was not rebuilt. The remains were stabilised in 1980 since when the ruins have been developed as a public open space and visual arts performance venue. Conservation works are effected from time to time. The original building was a simple rectangular plan constructed of local stone with a corrugated galvanised iron roof. The building incorporated space for the Council and the Palmerston Institute, with its reading room and library. It was constructed of local stone and enough cypress pine from Indian Island to timber the floor and a roof, according to the contractors. While its original heritage significance is as a grand public building, it has attracted a second - and, some would argue, more important - layer of significance as a testament to the might and fury of Cyclone Tracy.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

CWA Red Cross Shop

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

CWA Red Cross Shop

The CWA/Red Cross shop demonstrates one area of the activities of the Country Women's Association; an important and influential women's organisation during the post war period of community re-establishment of Darwin. The site is a ground level rendered brick and concrete structure built as an office and club rooms. The building has been heavily adapted over the years. None of the original windows or doors remain with the exception of two windows of glass blocks.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Christ Church Cathedral Precinct

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Christ Church Cathedral Precinct

This precinct is highly valued by the community for a range of social, historic and architectural reasons. It consists of the Christ Church Cathedral (completed in 1977), the adjacent Cyclone Tracy ruins of the original Christ Church (1902) , and the associated memorial gate (1944) facing Smith Street. The church was constructed in 1902, consecrated by the Bishop of Carpentaria and named Christ Church on 2 November of that year. A vestry and rectory were added in 1917. In 1942, it was used as the Garrison Church for the Armed Services and escaped significant damage during bombing raids of 1942-43 but was looted and vandalised. The portico and memorial gate, constructed by the RAN, were added in 1944 using stone from the bombed post office. The Navy returned the church to the diocese in 1946. In 1968, the church became a cathedral. Cyclone Tracy destroyed all but front wall and portico, and these were incorporated into the new cathedral, constructed in 1976. The new Christ Church Cathedral was consecrated on 13 March 1977, the Archbishop of Canterbury in attendance. The new cathedral has been recognised for its architectural excellence and is a venue for important community events.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Frog Hollow – mature trees on the site. The landscape is well maintained

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Frog Hollow

Frog Hollow is highly valued by the Darwin community for its social, industrial relations and educational associations. It is valued as natural parkland in the central city area. It was used as worker camps in the early years of Commonwealth jurisdiction over the NT from 1911. Living conditions were squalid and described by the Northern Standard as ‘humpies’ and ‘bag huts held together by wire’. Frog Hollow had a single tap, no toilets and mosquito-infested water pools. By 1936, private houses were being constructed at Frog Hollow. In 1938, however, land was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth for military uses, including construction of a 200,000 gallon petrol tank for piping fuel to the jetty, and installation of a drainage system. A workers camp remained until the bombing of Darwin in 1942 when all land was acquired by the military. A fuel tank at Frog Hollow was destroyed in a bombing raid on 2 April 1942. In 1949, a parliamentary inquiry recommended that a school be built on land adjacent to Frog Hollow to support the rapidly growing post-war population. Darwin Primary School opened in 1954 and closed in 1984. The buildings are now used for community arts.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Gallery Interior — Image credit: Aboriginal Bush Traders

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Aboriginal Bush Traders

Aboriginal Bush Traders, connecting you with unique, authentic and ethical cultural products and experiences; supporting local indigenous artists, businesses and micro-enterprises. A retail store that melds high quality gift, art and authentic indigenous product experiences. Aboriginal Bush Traders is 100% not-for-profit, and provides avenues for Indigenous people wanting to engage in economic activities in a sustainable way. We specialise in unique, authentic and ethically-sourced products from across the Northern Territory.

Darwin City NT

0.5 km away

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