Darwin's backstreets are a bustling hub of activity, and its surfing scene is thriving. I love exploring the hidden gems of city backstreets, and Darwin has a few unassuming areas that are currently experiencing a surge in popularity. One such area is Coconut Grove, which is witnessing a wave of new openings and re-openings. Speargrass Distillery, a new establishment on Tang Street, has started welcoming visitors on Friday nights for cocktails, music, and gin education. Their award-winning Arafura Gin and Vodka can be sampled before purchase.
Beaver Brewery, another Friday afternoon favorite for craft beer enthusiasts, is set to host its grand re-opening next Friday from 4 pm. The same street also boasts the new Botanicool store and the popular Ruby Gs cafe. Beija Flor, a beloved flower shop, has recently relocated to Travers Street, occupying a charming green shed filled with plants and flowers, just across from DTown Coffee, a renowned local coffee roaster.
The buzz in Coconut Grove doesn't stop there. Babylon Bar, a quirky Air Raid Arcade bar, is back with new owners after renovations. With its slogan, 'too weird to be a pub, too wild to be a wine bar,' it promises an exciting experience with new cocktails, beers, and artwork. The new owner, a winemaker, hints at the introduction of new wines.
De La Plage, another favorite, has recently reopened after a break. Surfers and kite surfers have been spotted catching waves at Nightcliff Beach, where I spent hours this week. The electric atmosphere, fueled by the joy of riders embracing the rare and short-lived moments, is truly captivating. The small group of surfers who live the Darwin lifestyle, seizing their limited opportunities to ride the waves, adds to the excitement.
The stoke levels were at an all-time high, with waves being caught every night and sometimes even in the mornings. Spectators lined the paths, photographers captured the moments, and smiles were everywhere. Despite the risks, the ocean's allure remains, and the Territory's residents either embrace it naturally or learn to make the most of its ever-changing conditions. For now, I find contentment in the beach's embrace.
