After years spent in the shadow of its east coast neighbours, Darwin has decided now is the time to make itself heard.
The capital of the Northern Territory is the least populated of all of Australia’s capitals, but that’s all part of its charm. You feel as though you’re a part of something, rather than just jumping on the bandwagon.
The city itself is a multicultural metropolis, boasting nationalities from over 56 countries, while some of Australia’s most breathtaking landmarks and scenery are practically on your doorstep.
Darwin, you’ve been overlooked for too long.
Darwin Travel Tips
Find out everything you need to know before you go.
Getting to Darwin
There are no direct flights from Europe to Darwin, and most people come here via internal flight from other Australian destinations, or overland. Darwin is a long way from all the other major towns and cities.
How Long is Enough for Darwin?
It can be tricky trying to plan your time, however a few days in Darwin is generally enough time for any backpacking itinerary or two weeks should be an ample amount to really get your claws into what the Northern Territory has to offer.
Getting Around
If you stay in the city centre, most places are walkable. Taxis are available, or for more excursions lots of tour companies offer excursions. Renting a camper van is popular, you could possibly make your way south starting from Darwin passing through the stunning national parks all the way down to Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Accommodation
You can find places to stay for all budgets, from cheap backpackers hostels with dorms to luxury hotels. Like all of Australia, accommodation isn’t cheap, but Darwin offers much better value than Sydney and Melbourne for example.
Budget
Darwin is much cheaper than other cities in Australia, but getting here can be expensive.
Health and Safety
Darwin is very safe, but the sun and heat here is intense so its important to stay hydrated and protected.
Top Thing to Do in Darwin
Here are some of my favourite things to do in and around Darwin. This is by no means a comprehensive list – if you’ve been to Darwin, I want to hear from you!
Explore the City
Darwin’s a great city, and the perfect place to get lost in the markets, the history in the museums and galleries, and not to mention the great food.
The National Parks
OK, so this is technically three reasons to visit Darwin, but I’ve cleverly grouped them under one heading. Darwin is a perfect base to explore three of Australia’s biggest national parks: Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk, for Katherine Gorge. Hop on a four wheel drive safari to see them in style.
If you have to choose one I would go for The Kakadu National Park. This is a short trip from Darwin; it’s a World Heritage site and a must-see in the Northern Territory. There is plenty of beautiful wildlife or refreshing waterholes you can plunge into! There is the option to visit the Aboriginal rock art galleries, to get really immersed in the Australian culture, too.
Local and international companies offer a few trips that go to Kakadu and the neighbouring Litchfield National Park, they range from 2-5 days and start and finish in Darwin, making it hassle-free to get there. All the trips give you a taste of the elusive Outback, and life in the ‘bush’ — camping under the stars and cooking-up some traditional Aussie bush tucker.
Crocosaurus Cove and the Cage of Death!
Yes, Darwin really does have a tourist attraction called Crocosaurus Cove and the Cage of Death. Amazing. With a title like that, it would be rude not to go and check it out! You can get up close with massive saltwater crocs – don’t worry though, you’ll be nice and safe in a cage. A cage called the Cage of Death. Definitely one for adrenaline seekers.
Get a job… wait, hear me out!
OK, so on the surface, getting a job may not seem like a uniquely Darwinian experience. But what if we told you that the whole of the Northern Territory is classed as regional by the Australian government? And you know what doing regional work means. That’s right, it counts towards your second year working holiday visa! Bonza, indeed. View more advice for working in Australia.
Hit the beach
You can’t go Down Under without being a bit of a beach bum. The east coast may be famed for its beaches, but don’t overlook Darwin’s offerings. Mindil beach is the best beach that’s close to the centre, and from May to October it’s also home to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Here, you can browse the market stalls and eat good value cuisine from all over the world, as you sit under the palm trees as the sun goes down. Bliss.
Explore the Kimberley
The Kimberley in the north of Western Australia was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia. It’s vast, it’s beautiful, it’s off the beaten track – and it’s within easy travelling distance of Darwin. Get out there and experience the amazing scenery, vast gorges and awesome sunsets. This is what Australia is all about. Just be on alert for the crocs!
Outback
No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a voyage to the Red Centre, and the mighty Uluru. You can get there via the hop-on-hop-off Greyhound bus or by doing an overland Outback trip. This magical rock really is one of the best places to see in the Northern Territory, especially when you see the colours change for sunrise and sunset!
Some trips travel from Darwin to Alice Springs and visit all the hotspots including Tennant Creek, the famous Devil’s Marbles, Kakadu, and Daly Waters, the Territory’s oldest and most character-full pub.
For something a little different, you can visit an underground gold mine in Tennant Creek called Battery Hill Mining Centre. This could be a great little stop on the way to Uluru. It doesn’t have to be all desert, however you can’t visit the Northern Territory without visiting the famous Uluru!
Due to the remote location, many travellers tend to stay in Alice Springs and get short tours that take them there and to other wonderful natural sites such as the Kings Canyon. You could stay over in a campsite, where get to sleep outdoors if your wish. Getting the opportunity to stare up at the stars as you drift off to sleep isn’t something you can do very often! If you get bored at any point I promise I will eat my hat… corks included!
Darwin is far from almost everywhere, and a really off the beaten track destination to visit. But if you are looking for an alternative to the likes of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth you definitely won’t be bored here.