Darwin
Regarded as Australia’s northern outpost, Darwin’s proximity to Asia and its immersion in Aboriginal culture makes it one of the world’s most interesting cities. It retains a tropical, colonial feel despite having been largely rebuilt after the devastation wreaked by cyclone Tracy over 30 years ago.
The founding fathers of Darwin laid out the city centre on a small peninsula that juts into one of the finest harbours in northern Australia. Their names live on in the wide streets of the city centre, which is easy to get around and lacks the winding lanes of older Australian cities.
Built on the land of the Larrakia Aboriginal people, Darwin is a beautiful green city. Manicured lawns and hedges of bougainvillea and frangipani adorn parks and roadways, while the waters of the Timor Sea lap three sides of the city.
The population of 127 500 comprises over 50 ethnic groups who live together harmoniously here. This diversity stretches back to the early days of Darwin’s development when Aboriginal, European and Chinese people worked side by side. More recent arrivals include migrants from Greece, Timor, Indonesia and Africa.
Evidence of the early days remain, but Darwin is also a modern city. With so much natural beauty around its harbour, along the beaches and in its tropical parks, it remains one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Visitor information
Tourism Top End
Tourism Top End
6 Bennett St
(08) 8980 6000 or 1300 138 886
Getting Around
Darwin is easy to get around – city streets are laid out in a grid, most attractions are within walking distance, and traffic is rarely heavy.
A regular public bus service covers many of the suburbs as well as the satellite town of Palmerston (the city terminus is on Harry Chan Avenue). Private minibuses can be found near the northern end of Smith Street Mall and taxis are available at either end of the mall.
The Tour Tub is an open-air bus service to the city’s top sights, departing every hour from the northern end of Smith Street Mall.
Darwin’s network of bicycle paths extends from the city out to the northern suburbs, and bikes can be hired from many backpacker lodges, most of which can be found on Mitchell Street.
Public transport
Bus Service (08) 8924 7666.
Airport shuttle bus
Darwin Airport Shuttle Bus 1800 358 945; Metro Minibus (08) 8983 0577.
Police road report
1800 246 199 (a good source of information for travel outside Darwin, particularly in the wet season).
Bus tours
Tour Tub (08) 8985 6322.
Motoring organisation
AANT (08) 8925 5901, roadside assistance 13 1111
Car rental
Avis 136 333; Britz Campervan Rentals 1800 331 454; Budget 132 727; Hertz 133 039; Sargent's four-wheel drive hire service 1800 077 353.
Taxis
Radio Taxis 138 294 or (08) 8941 1258.
Bicycle and scooter hire
Darwin Scooter Hire (08) 8941 2434
Experience
Smith Street
Window-shopping for pearls in Smith Street Mall
The Esplanade
A stroll along The Esplanade
Mitchell Street
A safe encounter with reptiles at Crocosaurus Cove
Fannie Bay Gaol Museum
A picnic at Fannie Bay
Sunset dining
Sunset drinks at the Darwin Sailing Club
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Shopping for arts and crafts at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Aquascene
Handfeeding fish at Aquascene
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Learning about cyclones at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Stokes Hill Wharf
Swimming in the wave lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront
East Point Reserve
Watching a thunderstorm in the evening sky
City precincts
Shopping
Darwin’s major shopping precinct with interesting shops that carry Aboriginal art and artefacts interspersed with outdoor eateries, five arcades and a galleria. Paspaley Pearls is a good place to buy pearls and there are several shops near the top of the mall and in Knuckey Street where you can buy Aboriginal art. Territory Colours, 21 Knuckey Street, has great examples of local art and craft, while Animale, in the Galleria, is a terrific frock shop.
Every popular department and chain store is under one roof here, and there is also a huge eatery with more than 30 restaurants and cafes.
Framed – The Darwin Gallery, City
One of the oldest art galleries in Darwin, with some of the best Aboriginal and Islander art in northern Australia and also some of the best local craft.
Around the marina are some interesting shops and excellent outdoor dining venues. Shop, then eat; eat, then shop. Check out the Absolutely bookshop for a variety of local books, cards and alternative publications.
Walks & Tours
The ‘Discovering Trails’ Walks
Eight self-guided walks, including the Wharf Precinct, The Esplanade, the city centre, the northern suburbs, East Point and Fannie Bay. Brochure available from the visitor centre.
A relaxed tour of the CBD in a horse-drawn carriage. Bookings on 0417 813 112.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Walks
Self-guide walks through different habitats; pamphlets available from the visitor centre at the Geranium Street entrance. A guide can be organised if you book ahead. (08) 8981 1958.
Take a cruise on one of the charter boats at Cullen Bay Marina to see the sun slip below the horizon over the Timor Sea. City of Darwin Cruises; 0417 855 829; Darwin Cruises and Charters; (08) 8942 3131; Spirit of Darwin; (08) 8981 3711.
Cast a line off the Mandorah Jetty and enjoy the views of Darwin. It’s 130 kilometres by road, but only a 20-minute ferry ride from Cullen Bay Marina. Mandorah Ferry Service; (08) 8941 1991.
Sport
Darwinites love their sport. AFL (Australian Football League) is like a second religion in Darwin and the surrounding communities, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, many of whom go on to play for big clubs. In March the NTFL grand final is held at Marrara Stadium and the Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final is held on Bathurst Island – grand-final day is the only time Bathurst Island is open to visitors without a permit. Darwin and Territory teams often play a curtain-raiser to the Australian AFL season. Any match between the Aboriginal All Stars and an AFL team is a must-see game.
Rugby League and Rugby Union are also well supported in Darwin. Rugby League matches are played at Richardson Park in Fannie Bay, and Rugby Union is played at the headquarters at Marrara. The Marrara sporting complex is also home to hockey, basketball and gymnastics.
Fannie Bay and Darwin Harbour are great for sailing. The foreshore is also popular for recreational fishing, with the possibility of catching a barramundi at any beach or wharf.
The annual Darwin Cup horseracing carnival in August draws people from around the country, and Darwin’s Fannie Bay track turns on perfect conditions and weather.
The Hidden Valley leg of the V8 supercar series in May brings motorsport to town. Three days of car racing is turned into a week of celebrations as Top Enders turn out in tens of thousands for this event.
Entertainment
One of the first examples of entertainment infrastructure ever established in Darwin was the outdoor cinema that ran during the dry season – the nights were clear and balmy and the temperature perfect. That tradition continues to this day at the Deckchair Cinema (on the shores of Darwin Harbour just around from Lameroo Beach). There are also cinema complexes in Mitchell Street, Casuarina Shopping Square and The Hub in Palmerston. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory also runs interesting documentaries, short films and movies at its theatrette. Check the Northern Territory News for daily showings.
Swimming
Swimming in waters around Darwin is not recommended, particularly during the build-up to the wet season (October to December) and during the wet season (up until the end of April), because of the hidden dangers of box jellyfish and crocodiles. Although Darwin Harbour and the foreshores are patrolled regularly by Parks and Wildlife Commission officers, and saltwater crocodiles are relocated to farms, the seas are not completely free of dangerous creatures. Box jellyfish pose the biggest problem because they are small, almost transparent, and deadly. Some people do swim in the sea during the dry season, when box jellyfish are least threatening, but most locals do not. Preferred swimming spots include community pools at Parap, Nightcliff and Casuarina, East Point Reserve (), and natural springs outside the city.
Cafes & restaurants around town
Darwin Sailing Club 4 km
One of three community clubs right on the beach at Fannie Bay, a short drive from the CBD, with the others being the Ski Club (next to the museum) and the Trailer Boat Club (next to the Sailing Club). With bistro-style... Find out moreHanuman 1 km
Part of the Holiday Inn Esplanade complex in the CBD and a benchmark for multicultural dining in Darwin, Hanuman displays restaurateur Jimmy Shu’s love of Thai, Nonya and Tamil cooking. Jimmy can often be found at... Find out morePee Wee’s has one of the most magnificent views in Darwin – and that is saying something! Situated at East Point on the northern end of Fannie Bay, just a five-minute drive from the CBD, the restaurant has... Find out more
A short drive from the CBD, nicely sandwiched between the beach at Cullen Bay and the marina, reasonably priced Seadogs is run by a local Italian family. There is a real sense of traditional Italian family spirit as you... Find out more
In Darwin’s old Chinatown, this cafe is a Darwin institution. It first opened its doors in 1973, the year before cyclone Tracy struck, and is a favourite haunt for anyone who loves a hearty breakfast and good... Find out more
Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Feathers Sanctuary 8 km
Ideal for those who love wildlife, particularly birds, Feathers caters only for couples. Situated two minutes’ drive from Darwin Airport and ten minutes from the CBD, these four luxury huts are separated by lush... Find out moreMoonshadow Villas 1 km
The best example of stylish indoor–outdoor living in Darwin, this award-winning complex is located at Gardens Hill, within walking distance of the CBD. Many visitors find it hard to leave this paradise of... Find out moreConveniently located on The Esplanade, a block from Mitchell Street and a short walk to Smith Street Mall, the resort sits on the site of the old Darwin Hotel. Set around a lush swimming pool, the free-standing villas... Find out more
Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin
Centrally located, this resort has a good restaurant, two pools and beautifully landscaped gardens. With a choice of motel rooms and townhouses, the resort offers a variety of accommodation for all budgets. The post... Find out morePopular events around town
Three days of rides, and equestrian and agricultural displays at the Darwin Showgrounds. July.... Find out more
Darwin-style boat races in vessels built from beer cans. July.... Find out more
The city’s premier horseracing carnival. July/August.... Find out more
A feast of visual and performing arts that attracts people from around the world. August.... Find out more
Exquisite Aboriginal art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. August–October.... Find out more
