Darwin

Located in the tropics on the northern coast of Australia, Darwin is a small city surrounded by turquoise waters and sandy beaches. The region boasts over 50,000 years of Aboriginal culture and history; as well as 500 years of Asian / European influence. This kaleidoscope of culture creates a feel more like exotic South East Asia than Australia. And with Australia’s youngest population, Darwin’s 110,000 residents are energetic and social.

The warm tropical climate offers a great outdoor lifestyle with open-air markets and festivals, al fresco dining and abundance of national parks to explore; including World Heritage-listed Kakadu NP.

Since the settlement in 1869, Darwin’s history has been very dramatic. The city itself is a living museum and wondrous historic monuments lie around every corner.

The Overland Telegraph Line was built in 1870-72 and linked Australia to the rest of the world, followed by the outback pioneers who came to establish vast cattle stations. The cities’ population swelled in the late 1800’s gold rush and Asian pearlers plied the northern coast diving in the tropical waters for pearls.

World War II brought devastation with 64 bombing raids by the Japanese air force. And Darwin became the frontline of WWII as a major military base supporting the allied effort in the pacific war.

Disaster has been a common theme in Darwin’s history as Mother Nature has taken its toll too. Cyclones in 1897, 1937 and cyclone Tracy in 1974 have all but destroyed the city. Its people and their resilience to rebuild is part of the psyche and character that is so unique to Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Today, Darwin boasts a multitude of museums; art galleries; historic monuments; tropical parks and beaches; exotic markets and restaurants; and activities that will captivate any visitor, including world-class fishing.

Sacred Indigenous sites exist in and around Darwin. Indigenous culture is the world’s oldest living culture and the numerous art galleries highlight the world’s oldest continuing art tradition. Darwin and the Top End is arguably the best location in Australia to get acquainted with this rich culture, history and art.

Darwin is full of surprises and most visitors wish they had more time to explore and experience this modern cosmopolitan city steeped in history. Don’t leave yourself short, ideally plan for 3 to 6 days to explore Darwin.

The best way to explore, experience and enjoy Darwin’s attractions is to take a guided Darwin city tour, either on foot, by bicycle, on a coach and/or by boat.

At night many locations around Darwin burst into life with al fresco dining, entertainment and markets. Some areas view spectacular sunsets over the turquoise waters of Darwin Harbour.

Mitchell St is the centre of activity with many restaurants and bars however there are many other great locations like Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin Wharf Precinct, Fannie Bay Foreshore, Parap, and the casino or enjoy a Darwin harbour cruise including dinner. Markets offer culinary delights, art and craft as well as acclaimed street performers; check out Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Nightcliff Market and/or Parap Market.

Cultural influences and exotic spices have made for a gastronomic mix where locals are more likely to go out for a Laksa or Satay. However fresh seafood like Barramundi is on almost every menu. And don’t worry, we’ve got outback steaks to rival Texas. While you’re here, why not try mud crab, buffalo, kangaroo or even crocodile?

Darwin is also the gateway to some of the most extraordinary landscapes and Aboriginal cultural attractions in Australia. Kakadu NP, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge NP, Litchfield NP Waterfalls, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land are all accessible on one day or extended tours from Darwin.