Darwin… could it be our last frontier?

Visit Darwin in late June and all you seem to see are advertisements for ‘Fireworks’ for sale.

It brought back memories of the lead-up to Guy Fawkes and Commonwealth Day (or, if you’re old enough, Empire Day). I remember that this is when we used to buy a cache of fireworks. Then on the appropriate date we’d light up the bonfire we’d been building for several weeks and set off the fireworks or ‘crackers’ as I used to call them.

More than a few Tom Thumbs and the occasional Penny Bunger (because they were pretty precious) got set off beforehand, usually in some poor neighbour’s letterbox. But November 5^th and May 26^th were special nights when we, watched over by a few nervous parents would set off our arsenal.

In retrospect, the fireworks were rather tame, certainly compared with the spectacular displays we’ve become used to see at big events. Even the most expensive Roman Candle would be greeted with disdain today at a typical New Year’s Eve public display.

In any case, weren’t we banned from buying and setting off fireworks anyway? No-one was really surprised when this law was introduced after so many of us, and even a few parents, were injured as a result of daredevil acts or malfunctioning crackers.

All of this was more than fifty years ago. But, in Darwin it’s still allowed so come nightfall on the 1^st of July everyone in NT braces for what one person describes as “a bad night in Baghdad” and the poor dogs become deranged.

What’s more, it goes on for days afterwards! Fireworks that were bought for the big night and were stashed in some place are found. When they’re found what else can you do but set them off?

Perhaps it’s just part of the way that Territorians seem to live their lives, so unrestricted by the rules that the rest of us are subject to.

This is changing of course. This is symbolised by the speed limits that now apply to Territory highways that were previously totally unrestricted. I’m sure that the  sale of fireworks will probably be next on the ‘banned’ list.

The capital, Darwin is a city that still exudes a sort of exuberance that makes it well worth visiting. Not only is it a staging point for the many environmental wonders of northern Australia, but for its own attractions.

You can be taken back to the history and difficulties of the region’s early settlement, the bombings in World War II and Cyclone Tracy in 1974. You can experience the excitement of the Mindil Beach Night Markets, see the impressive city Botanic Gardens, and from the foreshore of the harbour one of the most spectacular and beautiful sunsets that you will ever see.

Have you visited Darwin and do you have any special memories of it? Do you think it is Australia’s last frontier town? 

Photo: sallysetsforth