Stefanos Vasilakis is the General Manager at Metro Advance Apartments and Hotel Darwin, a property that is located right in the heart of the action. Read on for Stefanos’ insider tips on the best things to do, see and eat while you’re in Darwin.

Where is the best place near the hotel for a coffee?

The Vault Café on Smith Street.

Where are the best dessert options near the hotel?

Kurt’s Cakes on Cavenagh Street. They do beautiful fresh cannoli and they also do made-to-order cakes for special occasions which is handy if you’re having a birthday while you’re in town.

What are some of the best shops in Darwin?

Di Croco and Arley Rae stores for crocodile products. You can also visit the flagship Paspaley Pearls store in town, and Mindil Beach Markets also have a number of stalls selling locally made products. This is particularly good place to buy things like indigenous art and crafts, jewellery, locally designed clothing and skincare made from native ingredients.

Are there any unusual historical facts about your neighbourhood?

St Mary’s cathedral (one block from hotel) is one of the few buildings in Darwin that survived Cyclone Tracy. During World War II, the church of St Mary was also the seat of the garrison of the military chaplaincy for Aussie troops in Darwin.

What are the best things about your hotel?

It’s in a great CBD location right next door to  a supermarket for convenient grocery shopping. It’s also within walking distance of the famous Mindil Beach Markets. You can easily stroll down to the Waterfront, walk to the Convention Centre and there are restaurants, cafes and shops right on the doorstep.

Where is the best place to get a massage/pedicure/blowdry near your hotel?

Smith Street – there are plenty of options there.

Where is a good place to go for a walk?

The Esplanade and the Waterfront.

What are the best pubs in your neighbourhood?

The Cav Hotel on Cavenagh Street and The Tap on Mitchell Street which is particularly good for people watching.

What are some unmissable tourist attractions in Darwin?

Stokes Hill Wharf and Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, Mindil Beach, Darwin Military Museum and the Art Gallery.

Where are your favourite places to hang out when you’re not working?

I love going down to the Waterfront for dinner, going out for coffee and ice cream at the Cool Spot, and riding my bike around the city. Darwin has really good bike paths that make it extra-easy to get around.