Darwin, in the Northern Territory, has much to offer its visitors. With a tempestuous background of pioneering, war and devastation from natural disasters, the history of Darwin has made it one of Australia's most fascinating cities. This modern metropolis has repeatedly picked itself up, dusted itself off and started over again.
From the rich culture of the city's centre to the outdoor adventures of this tropical paradise, Darwin has something to offer every traveller. This little city has weathered the storm and now it's back with a vengeance, boasting a modern, urban setting that's unparalleled in the Northern Territory.
Getting in and around Darwin
Darwin Airport
By plane, Darwin is highly accessible via Darwin International Airport. It's also possible to take The Ghan to Darwin. However, budget conscious travellers should be mindful that The Ghan is actually more expensive than flying.
Darwin Transport
Getting around Darwin is easier than ever and tourists have their choice from a long list of transportation options. There is a public bus system that works well for sight-seeing in the city. There are also numerous car and bus charter services that offer airport transfers, charter tours and personalised trips.
Darwin Car Hire
Driving is the best way to see the city and Darwin car hire is available through most major car rental companies.
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Darwin accommodation
Darwin accommodation spans from quality to budget. Darwin backpackers lodgings and motels are well represented, appealing to travellers looking to stay within their budget. Even the most inexpensive Darwin hotels still have access to the main attractions. However, there are also numerous luxury hotels both in the city and just outside it, for a more luxurious stay.
Luxury
Hilton Darwin overlooks the harbour and offers sophisticated accommodation as fit for the Hilton brand.
Mantra on the Esplanade offers great value for your money. Guests enjoy skyline and ocean views as well as four-star service. Mantra on the Esplanade offers great value for your money. Guests enjoy skyline and ocean views as well as four star service.
Grungle Downs Tropical Bed and Breakfast For a nostalgic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Grungle Downs Tropical Bed and Breakfast is a quiet get away just minutes from Darwin.
Mid-range
Rydges Darwin Central. A stay at this quality, upscale hotel will be an enjoyable one. You can also stay at Rydges Palmerston, only 20 minutes out of the city, for a cheaper rate.
H on Smith Hotel is hard to beat with the right balance between luxury and affordability.
Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin It's hard to beat the consistent quality of the Holiday Inn franchise, and the Darwin location is no exception.
Crowne Plaza Darwin A stay at this quality, upscale hotel will be an enjoyable one.
Budget
The Cavenagh Hotel is situated in Darwin's premier tourist district. You're just steps away from restaurants, shopping and attractions.
DCH on Mitchell offers spacious rooms that won't break the budget. Located near the airport, this hotel is an easy 10 minutes outside of the city. The Value Inn is situated in Darwin's premier tourist district. You're just steps away from restaurants, shopping and attractions.
The Gecko Lodge is a hostel and motel rolled into one. Includes a free daily breakfast and a short walk to the beach.
Backpackers
The Youth Shack is one of Darwin's most popular youth hostels and has all of the amenities you could ever need right on site. The Youth Shack is one of Darwin's most popular youth hostels and has all of the amenities you could ever need right on site.
Melaleuca Backpackers is a fun and friendly hostel that Darwin backpackers love. Located in the heart of the city.
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Things to do in Darwin
Darwin is virtually limitless when it comes to activities and attractions. There are museums, historic landmarks, ruins, nature reserves, beaches and wildlife aplenty. On your standard week-long vacation, it's impossible to see and do it all in Darwin.
Darwin Wharf Precinct. See where the infamous bombing of 1942 took place. At Darwin Wharf Precinct, many of the historical landmarks can still be seen today. A great stop for history buffs.
Town Hall Ruins. The remains of this historic building that was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 have been preserved. This amazing site shows the devastation as well as the resilience of Darwin after the storm.
World War II Oil Storage Tunnels. Originally designed to store and protect oil during the Second World War, these underground tunnels have now been turned into a unique museum, featuring an amazing collection of photographs of what life was like in Darwin during WWII.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve. This sizeable nature reserve protects beautiful white sand beaches with rugged cliffs in the background. These untouched beaches are a great place to relax and spend a quiet afternoon.
Charles Darwin National Park. This park has historical and cultural significance as well as natural beauty. The area became a military campground during World War II.
Aquascene. Feed large wild fish by hand. Aquascene allows Darwin travellers to get up close and personal with the local sea life. Feedings do depend on the tide, so be sure to check with the office or online.
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Day trips in and around Darwin
Territory Wildlife Park is one of Darwin's most popular activities. Guests get an up-close look at a monsoon and paperbark forest as well as a face-to-face meeting with a deadly saltwater crocodile.
Tiwi Island Tour. Take a ferry to the beautiful Tiwi Islands, home to the Tiwi people. Visit the Catholic Mission located on the island and appreciate the art, talent and heroic deeds of the people during the 1942 bombing.
Katherine. Just a short drive outside of Darwin is the city of Katherine - the meeting point between Darwin's tropical climate and the Australian Outback. See beautiful landscapes, rivers and peaks including the famed Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
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