Darwin offers plenty of opportunity for shoppers looking out for Aboriginal art and crafts as well as pearls. Find authentic Aboriginal art at the Raintree Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, shop 5, 20 Knuckey Street.

Aboriginal art, such as bark paintings, painted didgeridoos and boomerangs, is also available at the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, on the corner of Knuckey and Mitchell streets (website: www.aaia.com.au).

Some of the world's best pearls (well, those that haven't already been shipped to Japan) are on sale at Paspaley Pearls, on Bennett Street off The Mall (website: www.paspaleypearls.com). Diamonds are a big thing up here too and, if you fancy a rare pink one, from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Kununurra, you can choose from hundreds at Creative Jewellers, located at 27 Smith Street, The Mall.

General city shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1730, Saturday 0900 to 1700, and Sunday 0900 to 1500.