Things to do in Darwin if you’re Hosting an International Student
Here at the Australian Homestay Network, we consider our hosts to be ambassadors for Australia. Host families play a big role in welcoming international students to a new country, settling in and learning about their new home. Helping them live like a local is part of the homestay experience. Recommending things to do and taking your guests on outings gives them a genuine understanding of what Aussie culture – and their city – is all about. We’ve come up with a shortlist to get you started.
- Attractions
A visit to Crocosaurus Cove will hopefully give your guests some tips on how to be croc safe and why the Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront is the best option for a dip. You might like to invite them to see a movie under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema for a cheap and cheerful evening with the family. The Darwin Military Museum, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels and Darwin Aviation Museum are also good points of interest to explain our role in wartime history.
- Parks
The NT has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. While attractions like Uluru and Kings Canyon are too far away for a quick road trip, visiting the George Brown Botanic Gardens, Howard Springs Nature Park and Litchfield National Park are fantastic options to introduce your homestay students to Australia’s amazing waterholes, wildlife and habitats. Find a park here.
This iconic event really gives international students and tourists a taste of the Top End. Building a boat from empty cans is an art form to be admired and watching ‘The Battle of Mindil’ boat race finale from the banks of Mindil Beach is an experience visitors will remember for years to come. The thong throwing competition and tug-o-war are not to be missed.
- Markets
Study tour groups and students living in Darwin can see how the community comes together and comes alive at the markets. Food, entertainment, locally-made souvenirs, and handmade arts and crafts are just a few of the drawcards. Our top picks include the year-round Saturday morning Parap Village Markets and Nightcliff Markets on Sundays as well as the Malak Marketplace and famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market that take off during the dry season.
- Culture
Darwin is a proudly diverse and multicultural city. The Garrmalang Festival, Darwin Fringe Fest and Darwin Festival are some of the events to show off the unique talent in the Top End. Homestay students in the NT might also enjoy attending the Thailand Grand Festival, Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree, Italian Festival or Darwin Greek GleNTi to experience how other nationalities from around the world have come to call Darwin home.
If you haven’t already signed up as a host, you can do so here.
