Darwin, considered the capital of the Northern territory, is one of the most intriguing cities in Australia. It is an area of vast natural beauty with a rocky peninsula and a natural harbour, and a climate that can be exceptionally hot with the city acting as a gateway to the tropical region and the northern outback. The city itself is compact with many attractions including art galleries, parks, bustling streets and many museums, but visitors should be aware that sea swimming is generally unsafe due to the large number of box jellyfish. Temperatures rarely drop below 15°C during the winter and often peak in the mid thirties during the summer - remember that the Australian summer is December-February, and the winter from June-August. Flights from the UK last approximately 22hrs and will usually include at least one stop.
| a great starting point to explore the surrounding parks and natural habitat.... |
Best for...
A tropical climate and beautiful surroundings combine to make Darwin a fun destination for families and couples...
Darwin is very much an alternative Australian destination for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of large cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but still want to soak up the sun and the Aussie atmosphere. There is no shortage of things to do in Darwin whether you're travelling with the family, on your own or as part of a couple or group. It also makes a great starting point to explore the surrounding parks and natural habitat.
What to do...
The city of Darwin is packed with so many attractions that most visitors choose to board the Tour Tub, an open-air bus that works in a similar manner to the big red bus tours in London, and take in the major sights of the city in one easy journey. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is one of the highlights with its extensive collection of Aboriginal art, along with the Fanny Bay Gaol Museum, which holds the gallows that were used in the last execution in the area. Other attractions include the Australian Pearling Exhibition and the East Point Military Museum. The East Point Reserve is also worth visiting, particularly late in the day when the wallabies can be seen coming out to feed.
Dining and shopping combine in the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Here you will find a wide range of cuisine including Thai, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Greek, Indian and Portuguese. The market area has all kinds of stores including cake and fruit-salad bars, and handicraft stalls. Within Darwin City there are many good places to eat including Sirocco Restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, the Dragon Court Restaurant, which offers Asian food and the redsalt Bar and Grill, with its sizzling steak hot plates. Other good places to eat include the Rendezvous Café, which is good for those on a budget, and the Café Twilight on Lindsay, which features a number of unique dishes.
Much of the nightlife in Darwin revolves around the hotels including the Top End Hotel, which features a large beer garden and the Victoria Hotel, which offers live music and DJs. The Discovery Nightclub is one of the most thumping discos in the area, and if you prefer something a little more relaxed head to Shenannigans Irish Pub or Kitty O'Shea's Irish Pub and Bar for some traditional live music.
For those willing to venture out of the Darwin city area you can experience more of the authentic side of Australia in the surrounding areas. In particular, Kakadu National Park has been added to the world heritage list and features stunning rainforest pockets, waterfalls and wetlands. And if you really want to sample some of the more dangerous Australian creatures, head to Crocodylus Park, where hundreds of giant reptiles are bred.
