Territory Day is a day celebrated only by those in the Northern Territory of Australia and falls on 1 July 2014. It’s not a public holiday (sadly) but lots of people get together and celebrate the day, usually by attending a firework day or buying fireworks as the 1 July is the only day during each year when everyone can buy their own fireworks. This seems a bit crazy as its the middle of the dry season and there’s usually a fire ban this time of year but nonetheless on Territory Day after the sun sets everywhere you look there are fireworks going off!
I missed Territory Day last year as I arrived at the start of August and the year before that I had been in Darwin but was tired from travelling a few days before so I had never been along.
I was really pleased to realise that my family would be here on Territory Day as it would mean that we could go and watch the display together. We wanted to see the fireworks on Mindil Beach which was just down the road from the house that we were renting but we didn’t fancy battling crowds to find a spot on the beach.
We had heard from a friend about a company called Sea Darwin, who run boat tours around the harbour, trips to see turtles and also a fish and chip cruise. We are all a bit partial too fish and chips and I saw on Facebook that they were running a special extended tour on Territory Day so we would get the tour, have some fish and chips and also see the fireworks.
Luckily this was not our boat!
One of the great things was the price it was so reasonable ($55 for adults and $40 for children) and I had a voucher from a company called the Entertainment Book which meant one person’s trip was free which was pretty perfect!
Quick Stop for some fish & chips
We arrived for our trip and got on the boat where we received a complimentary glass of champagne, beer or soft drinks. Shortly after we zipped of into the harbour and to Cullen Bay where one of the crew hopped off and picked up our fish from a local restaurant. Back onto the boat and we had the most amazing fish and chips as well as some squid rings whilst watching the beautiful sunset.
Waiting for the Sunset
Next up was a bit of sight seeing whilst we waiting for the fire works and because it was Territory Day all along the coastline there were fireworks which kept going right up to the brilliant display put on at the beach.
When the display finished we did another speedy trip back to Stokes Hill Wharf where we caught the boat and home.
The journey home by car was crazy as people literally stood at the side of the road letting off fireworks. They also launched them from their apartment buildings as well as on the beach. I think the whole display lasted from around 6pm till 11pm so we saw a LOT of fireworks.
It was the perfect way to celebrate Territory Day and I was so impressed by Sea Darwin. I would totally recommend their tours and they are perfect for all of the family I think. Plus of course amazing fish and chips which are always a winner.
The Outback Expat 