The Top End - Australia 2004 - page 400

Where Can I Swim?
Crocodiles and stingers render Darwin's lovely beaches a no-swim zone
year-round. Locals sunbathe on Casuarina Beach, and swim within view of
the sea in Lake Alexander in East Point Reserve. About an hour's drive
from the city, on the way to the Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs
Nature Park has swimming holes along Berry Creek, with steps for easy
access, and small waterfalls which create a natural Jacuzzi. They may be
closed in the wet season.

Tips

Royal blue and turquoise lobby armchairs shout up-to-the-minute style, carried
over in a more muted way in the rooms, which are mostly contemporary-style
spacious studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments. Those on the higher
floors have sea views. A pantry-stocking service does your grocery shopping.
“Premium” apartments have CD players and dataports, and you can request a
video gaming station. There are also hotel rooms, lacking a balcony but still a
good size.
88 The Esplanade at Peel St., Darwin, NT 0800. & 1800/681 686 in Australia, or 08/8943 4333. Fax 08/8943
4388. www.savillesuites.com.au. 204 units. A$180 (US$117) double; A$180 (US$117) studio apt; A$207
(US$135) 1-bedroom apt; A$317 (US$206) 2-bedroom apt; A$355 (US$231) 3-bedroom apt. Additional per-
son A$28 (US$18). Children 14 and under stay free in parent's room w/existing bedding. AE, DC, MC, V. Free
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; access to nearby golf course and health club; Jacuzzi; bike
rental; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; business center; salon; limited room service; massage; baby-
sitting; same-day dry-cleaning/laundry service (except Sun); nonsmoking rooms; executive level rooms.
Inroom:A/C, TV w/pay movies, kitchen and laundry facilities in apts, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
MODERATE
Mirambeena Tourist Resort You're just a stone's throw from the city center
at this modern hotel complex, where the tempting swimming pools, the Jacuzzis,
and the treetop restaurant, all shaded by the leaves of a sprawling strangler fig,
have a castaway island feel. Each room is a decent size and has some kind of gar-
den or pool view. Town houses with kitchenettes are good for families, if you can
handle sharing the compact bathroom with your kids.
64 Cavenagh St., Darwin, NT 0800. & 1800/891 100 in Australia, or 08/8946 0111. Fax [phone].
www.mirambeena.com.au. 225 units (all with shower only). High season (Apr-Oct) A$152-A$195
(US$99-US$127) double; A$230 (US$150) town house (sleeps 4). Low season (Nov-Mar) A$117-A$148
(US$76-US$96) double; A$180 (US$117) town house. Extra person A$25 (US$16). Children under 3 stay free.
AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking for limited cars, plus on-street parking. Bus: 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10. Amenities: Restau-
rant; poolside cafe; 2 bars; 2 outdoor pools (in a single complex); children's pool; exercise room; 2 Jacuzzis;
bike rental; game room; minigolf; tour desk; secretarial services; limited room service; babysitting; coin-op
laundry; same-day dry cleaning/laundry service. In room:A/C, TV w/free movies, minibar (on request), fridge,
hair dryer, iron, safe.
The Summer House A groovy, stylish tropical hideaway is a rare
thing in the rough-and-ready Territory, but that's what Jill Farrand has created
in her home in this converted apartment block. The place is in a leafy suburb
3km (2 miles) from town, on the local bus route, or a A$2 (US$1.30) shuttle
ride away. Two roomy suites sport white walls, trendy polished concrete floors,
and wrought-iron furniture (one has giant Balinese armchairs and 3m/10-ft.-high
exotic flower arrangements), while a third has a retro look. All have louvered
windows to encourage a breeze, hip mosaic bathrooms, and one or two bed-
rooms, a living area, and a kitchenette. Jill delivers a nice continental breakfast.

Finds