Darwin Introduction

Darwin is a port city and capital of the Northern Territory in Australia with a harbour larger than Sydney’s. It lies along the Timor Sea and is the country’s gateway to Southeast Asian countries, particularly East Timor and Indonesia. Location of some spectacular lightning storms, these electrifying displays, particularly during the months November and December are a natural phenomena that attract people from all over the country and indeed the world.

Visit the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre to see some rather impressive aircraft, including a B-52 bomber, which has been supplied by the United States Air Force and is one of only two exhibited outside of the US. Other airplanes on display, include a B-52 G Stratofortress, CAC Avon Sabre A94-914, Cobra AH-1G and several more.

Make your way over to Mindil Beach to enjoy some spectacular sunsets and wander around the markets, known as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. They run between the months May to October with stalls full of handcrafted goods, as well as an impressive range of foods from around the world.

Mindil Beach is also the venue for the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, which takes place every July and involves participants building boats of beer cans that are then launched into the water to see whether they’ll stay afloat or sink, of which the latter tends to be the most entertaining. Plenty of other activities take place during the event, including concerts and a thong throwing competition, that’s footwear Down Under, not the underwear.

Crocosaurus Cove is a fun day out where you’ll be able to see some saltwater crocs up close and personal. The park is in the city’s centre and also contains a freshwater aquarium full of fish, like barramundi and sawfish. If you’re feeling daring, enter the Cage of Death, which seats up to two people and is suspended above crocodiles of five metres in length and longer.

Darwin is on the doorstep of so many national parks so day trips to these natural sites are a must. Visit Charles Darwin National Park, Kakadu National Park or Litchfield National Park where you can trek, swim in waterfalls and observe unique wildlife.

Darwin Travel Guides

Located in the northwest corner of Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in the country and is a modern tropical seaport having a population of just under 100,000 residents. more...

There are some excellent golf courses around Australia, and Darwin is no exception. Both nine-hole and 18-hole courses are featured, and visitors are welcome at most courses. The Darwin Golf Club on Links road is one course that welcomes the public. Phone: +61 8 8927 1322. more...

Chinese New Year: in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar, celebrations are held in every street and home in Chinese neighbourhoods of Darwin to mark this most auspicious occasion. You’ll see lion dances, parades along many streets and other exciting activities, including lots of fireworks. more...

Browse the night markets. Whether you're actually interested in shopping or just curious, a visit to one of the night markets shouldn't be missed. Real bargain hunters usually head to the Mindil Beach night market, where goods on offer range from fresh fruit to handicrafts. There's also lots of ethnic food and entertainment by street artists to be enjoyed here as well. more...

Darwin International Airport (DRW) is located just four miles outside the city and is the major air hub for the Northern Territory. Daily flights provide service to Darwin from all major Australian cities and from many cities in Asia. Being the closest Australian city to Asia, Darwin is serviced by direct international flights from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. more...

The main tourist information office for the Darwin area is the Darwin Government Tourist Bureau, located at the Smith Street Mall. The staff will be able to provide information on accommodation, car hire, tours, and yachting and fishing excursions. There are also maps available, as well as listings of events. An information counter is also located at the airport. Phone: +61 8 8981 6611. more...