Darwin, the capital of tropical Australia, is lush and green. Darwin is the state capital for the Northern Territory. The city had to be virtually rebuilt after being devastated by cyclone Tracy in 1974. Darwin is also the most multicultural city in Australia, boasting over 75 nationalities, a large indigenous population (25 percent) and a diverse range of immigrants from Asia.
What is the best time to visit?
Weather wise for comfort the best time to visit is between mid-June to mid-September.
Darwin, in the wet season, is hot and humid. Sticky heat with the prospect of a torrential downpour can ruin a day out and about. While the dry season has less likelihood of downpours it is warm. The cyclone season is from November to April, when there are stunning electrical storms and predictable afternoon rains.
Highlights
Darwin is humid, especially in the wet season. Extended periods outdoors, in the direct sunlight can be uncomfortable.
At the top end of Australia with Indonesia as a close neighbour.
Road access is the Stuart Highway – The Track – is the only road out of town and runs 2,800 km south to Adelaide. Since 2004, Darwin has had a rail link to the great southern cities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The Ghan passenger train service runs twice a week.
Darwin has an international airport with extensive links throughout Australia as well as neighbouring countries.
Darwin Aviation Museum
557 Stuart Hwy, Winnellie NT 0820, Australia
World War II tunnels
Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Darwin Military Museum
LOT 5434 Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT 0820, Australia
Fannie Bay Jail
Corner East Point Rd &, Ross Smith Ave, Fannie Bay NT 0820, Australia
Chinese Museum & Chung Wah Temple in central Darwin
25 Woods St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
19 Conacher St, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia
Darwin Fringe Festival
Level 2, Harbour View Plaza, 8 McMinn St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Darwin Festival
Level 2, Harbour View Plaza, 8 McMinn St, Darwin City NT 0801, Australia
George Darwin Botanic Garden. “The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are two kilometres north of Darwin city. The gardens cover 42 hectares and are noted for their collections of north Australian and other tropical species”
Photo by @malayanprince
Is a park open
Check if a park is open
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Crocosaurus
58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Darwin is not a beach destination. Jelly fish during the Dry Season, the crocodile and shark encounters together with mangrove covered beaches discourage a beach culture.
Photo by @beachtraveldestinations
Photo by @slot2013
Whether it is an art focused tour or a nature based exploration of the outback Darwin day trips offer an opportunity to taste, explore and absorb the sights and sounds of the top end.
Safety
DO not swim in Darwin waters between October and May because of the deadly Box Jellyfish. Also always beware of saltwater crocodiles. Where you can swim. Check out Where you can swim. If a waterway does not have a swimming area sign, do not swim in this area. There may still be danger if there is no sign. The area may not be safe or free from saltwater crocodiles. It is safe to swim in all public and private swimming pools.
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and March. It can exceed 40 degrees celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous to people and pets. You should always be aware of the risk of a saltwater crocodile attack in all Top End waterways. It is never 100% safe to enter the water. Your personal safety is your responsibility
Darwin has a Hop on, hop off bus providing an excellent introduction to Darwin.
Darwinbus is the main public transport network in Darwin, incorporating bus and ferry transport. Bus interchanges are located at Harry Chan Place in Darwin, Bradshaw Drive at Casuarina Shopping Square in Casuarina, and the corner of Temple Terrace and Roystone Avenue in Palmerston.
Tickets can be bought when boarding the bus – drivers carry limited change so try to ensure you have the correct fare. You can also buy your ticket at any of the Interchanges in Darwin, Casuarina or Palmerston.
Cycling and walking designated tracks.
Darwin International Airport, Darwin, is located 13 km from the city centre, it is approximately a 15 minute drive. The city-wide airport shuttle bus serves all Darwin hotels, and tickets can be purchased at the airport or at Darwin’s transit centre. It departs in front of the Terminal and meets all flights. Arrange airport transfers by telephone or from the hotel reception. There is also a taxi rank located in front of the terminal.
You really do not want to be self-guided?
There are a large number of tour groups you can book that head to the Northern Territory from all pockets of Australia, or alternatively, you can join one upon your arrival in the Outback. It’s entirely up to you. The benefit of traveling with a small group tour is that you not only have company, but everything is organized for you.
The journey is worth it.
