Darwin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Darwin
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(33 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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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
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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
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 George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or SKYCITY Casino 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 ₹6,235 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
₹6,235
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (484 reviews)
Fantastic location, friendly & helpful staff.
"Fantastic location, friendly & helpful staff."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Darwin City Hotel
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
The price is ₹10,127 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹10,127
per night
2 Apr - 3 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 their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Lovely stay for one night. Staff were excellent and room was spotless"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
4 out of 5
6 Carey Street, Darwin, NT
The price is ₹8,950 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
₹8,950
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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 their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,484 reviews)
"The rooms are magnificent , views wonderful, breakfasts amazing.. Short walk to the city or Waterfront for amazing restaurants. ROOFTOP bar is fantastic, ,would recommend it to anybody ."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter 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.
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 Mindil Beach and Darwin Waterfront are located nearby. ...
7.8/10 Good! (461 reviews)
"Good value"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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 their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,484 reviews)
"The rooms are magnificent , views wonderful, breakfasts amazing.. Short walk to the city or Waterfront for amazing restaurants. ROOFTOP bar is fantastic, ,would recommend it to anybody ."

Reviewed on 18 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 centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (341 reviews)
"I loved how central the location was. The mini kitchenette was helpful and they cleaned my room daily which meant fresh towels. The reception staff were particularly friendly and helpful. Would definitely choose the Metro again."

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

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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