You might be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed somewhere in Indonesia rather than our own backyard, but Darwin’s rich cultural heritage is all its very own. From food and produce markets peddling laksa worth lining up for and kaffir lime leaves the length of your forearm, to sunsets that roll on for hours, Darwin is a colourful blend of tropical atmos and vibrant culture, topped off with laid-back Australian attitude. Sri Lankan-born second generation restaurateur and chef Jimmy Shu made his way north from Melbourne over 24 years ago in search of prized saltwater barramundi, and found himself setting up shop in the top end. A short stroll through the markets and you get the distinct impression Jimmy is ‘The Fonz’ of this town. “It’s taken me 24 years to build relationships with friends and suppliers,” he says. Peeling back the layers of Darwin’s tourist veneer, there are incredible food finds, from legit Hong Kong barbecue to Javanese feasts tucked away in arcades off the main drag. Here are some of Jimmy’s favourite Darwin haunts, mixed with some of our own.

Every Sunday, come rain, hail or shine, producers and food vendors roll up at Rapid Creek Markets before dawn to set up their stalls. This is absolutely the place to come for tropical asian ingredients and you’ll find beds of jade green kangkong (river spinach), fresh curry leaves, lemongrass and every conceivable tropical fruit including rambutans. Jimmy recommends arriving early to get first crack at the good stuff. “Everything you need to cook Asian food is there, fresh and alive,” he says. Load up your shopping bags, then head out the back and grab a stuffed chicken wing and a fresh juice to celebrate your haul.

Tucked away at the back of an innocuous Smith Street mall, you’ll find Hong Kong native Danny Yeum serving up traditional barbecue classics such as lacquered roast duck and pork and impressive wonton noodle dishes to an appreciative crowd at Roast & Noodle. The food court isn’t glam by any means, but you’re not there for the decor. Jimmy reckons it’s the Northern Territory’s best barbecue pork, and with its succulent meat and salty, toffee-crisp crackling, we’d be inclined to agree.

If crowds aren’t your thing, grab your bathers, jump in the car and take a road trip to Litchfield National Park, about 90 minutes from Darwin. There is plenty to see, from alien-like termite mound landscapes and waterfalls to jump from if you’re brave, but our pick is Buley Rockhole. Somewhere between a dream and a desert oasis from a George Lucas film, Buley Rockhole is a series of deep rock pools that flow into one another, carved from the smooth, red boulders surrounding it. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day there. We say arrive early to stake your claim on your very own piece of paradise.

Another hidden arcade win, Sumatra Cafe, owned by husband and wife team Syafrin and Harmiati Basyaruddin (pictured) serves up a litany of Javanese gems. Curries are rich and textural with impressive layers of flavour; go for the young jackfruit curry and beef rendang. “It looks so simple, but tastes entirely brilliant!” says Jimmy.

Jimmy is passionate about eclectic Asian culture. Born in Sri Lanka to Chinese parents, Jimmy also finds himself at home in Thailand. His restaurant, Hanuman, pays homage to these three cultures and the result is surprisingly harmonious. Start with Hanuman’s signature oysters, gently steamed beneath tiny earthenware domes (pictured) and served with a tangy Thai-style dressing, then move onto vegetarian koftas bathed in fragrant and creamy Indian red curry, saving room for Jimmy’s take on creme brulee; the toffee lid gives way to an aroma of cardamom and cinnamon, while black rice adds texture.

When you’re done splashing around at the Wave Lagoon situated on Darwin’s waterfront, continue the tropical vibe on the boardwalk with a little Mexican fare at Hot Tamale, where the service is warm and the margaritas are ice cold. Whether you prefer your glass salted or not, there are plenty of refreshing flavours happening on the menu, including crispy flathead tacos and substantial salads.

At nightfall, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets come alive. On Thursdays 
and Sundays, you’ll
find everything from souvenirs to satay
− a great place to
 soak up Darwin’s convivial atmosphere.

Don’t worry if you can’t ski, Darwin Ski Club is more about apres. One of Darwin’s best locations to watch the sunset, bring friends, pull up a table and watch the sun sink into your schooner.

While Rapid Creek is all about produce, Parap Village Markets is all about food. Open every Saturday from 8am-2pm, we suggest a wandering meal, starting with a few sticks of satay from Sari Rasa restaurant, some Indonesian fried chicken and a cooling fresh fruit smoothie. Do save room for a laksa from Yati’s – an institution at the markets for over 20 years.