Darwin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Darwin

Darwin Travel Guide Video

Located in the tropical “Top End” of Australia, Darwin is a good base from which to explore the great outdoors and view Aboriginal rock art.

Feed crocodiles, take a cruise on the harbour at sunset, learn about Aboriginal culture, or enjoy a night out in the tropics in Darwin, the Northern Territory’s capital city.

Darwin was founded in 1869. It was named after the English naturalist Charles Darwin by his fellow explorers, who navigated the Timor Sea aboard The Beagle. The city’s recent past has been tumultuous. Darwin was bombed during World War II, and in 1974 a cyclone destroyed it all over again. About 150,000 people call modern-day Darwin home, including some of the territory’s traditional owners, the Larrakia people.

It’s best to visit Darwin from May to September, when it’s not too hot or too wet for outdoor activities. On a Thursday or a Sunday, visit the Sunset Markets on Mindil Beach. On any day, enjoy a harbour cruise from Stokes Hill Wharf, or a movie under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema.

Although the beaches look tempting, don’t jump in anywhere to cool off: crocodiles are abundant in the area. If you’d like to meet a few, visit Crocosaurus Cove and Crocodylus Park. For a safe swim, head to the huge Darwin Wave Lagoon.

Book a tour or rent a four-wheel-drive car and explore the iconic Australian outback in Kakadu, the country’s largest national park. Be sure to bring your binoculars to spot wallabies, swamp birds, reptiles and dingoes. Hike around and find waterfalls to swim under or ancient Aboriginal rock art depicting Dreamtime stories.

Darwin’s turbulent history and dynamic art scene provide plenty to do during the wet season. Get insight into Aboriginal culture at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. To learn about the 1942 bombings, immerse yourself in the Defence of Darwin Experience or see an American B-52 bomber at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre.

This tropical city is unlike any other city in the world. Come to Darwin to experience the true Australian wilderness and the long, developing story of humankind’s relationship with the Territory’s unique natural environment.

Where to stay in Darwin

Darwin showing street scenes

Darwin City Centre

4/5(1,671 area reviews)

Darwin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Smith Street Mall or The Esplanade.

Darwin City Centre
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Palmerston

Palmerston is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you want to see more of the larger area, you might add a stop by Howard Springs Nature Park to your list.

Palmerston
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Parap

Parap is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Parap Village Markets and 24HR Art.

Parap
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Nightcliff

While there might not be top attractions in Nightcliff, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Casuarina Beach.

Nightcliff
Darwin featuring boating, general coastal views and a sunset

The Gardens

Beaches, restaurants and casinos are just a few things travellers enjoy about The Gardens. Check out SKYCITY Casino or Mindil Beach Sunset Market while you're exploring the area.

The Gardens
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Stuart Park

While Stuart Park isn't home to many top sights, Mindil Beach Sunset Market and SKYCITY Casino are some notable places to visit nearby.

Stuart Park
Darwin City Hotel
Darwin City Hotel
4 out of 5
59 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
The price is AU$114 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$114
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (480 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Clean and modern, great location and price"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Darwin City Hotel
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
The price is AU$174 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$174
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Nice hotel, but away from central Darwin. If you are touring, better to be near waterfront or central business district."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Mantra on the Esplanade
Mantra on the Esplanade
4.5 out of 5
88 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
The price is AU$149 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
AU$149
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Darwin. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"It has a good position and the pool is nice. Staff are friendly. But the aircon is freezing and there is no thermostat - just 3 levels. The lowest level was still freezing…"

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2024

Mantra on the Esplanade
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
146 Dick Ward Drive, Coconut Grove, NT
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions East Point Recreation Reserve and Lake Alexander ...
7.8/10 Good! (459 reviews)
"Helpful, welcoming staff. Very clean room! Close to bus stop for going into town & close to supermarket. Extremely good value for money. I would actually say they could get away with increasing their pricing a little & still be good value. Was only meant to stay for 4 nights, but due to travel issues ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jan. 2024

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
4 out of 5
6 Carey Street, Darwin, NT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,480 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
4 out of 5
55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (338 reviews)
WOULD STAY AGAIN
"This property met our expectations on both price and location. All staff we encountered were well trained friendly, efficient & professional. Our room was well presented, clean & functional. We had a hire car which we paid $10 per night for secure onsite parking. Woolworths city store was just 2 ..."

Reviewed on 18 Sep. 2023

Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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