Darwin

Travel Guide

Mindil Beach showing a sunset and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Darwin
Darwin
Darwin
Crocodylus Park showing dangerous animals, zoo animals and a pond

Darwin Travel Guide Video

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 featuring street scenes

Darwin City Centre

Darwin City Centre is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Smith Street Mall and The Esplanade while you're in town.

Darwin City Centre
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Palmerston

Noted for its restaurants and shopping, you might consider exploring all Palmerston has to offer. You won't have to venture far to check out nearby attractions like Howard Springs Nature Park.

Palmerston
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Cullen Bay

While visiting Cullen Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Cullen Bay Marina and Mindil Beach.

Cullen Bay
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Nightcliff

Nightcliff might not have many top sights, but Casuarina Beach and Mindil Beach Sunset Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Nightcliff
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Eaton

If you're spending time in Eaton, you might enjoy its restaurants and gardens. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by TIO Stadium or Marrara Sports Complex.

Eaton
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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
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
The price is P12,322 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P12,322
P14,029 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly motel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"The bird at the front counter and staff so friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Palms City Resort
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

4 out of 5
901 Stuart Highway, Holtze, NT
The price is P7,116 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,116
P7,116 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Darwin. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation and ...
8/10 Very Good! (432 reviews)
"Found the male manager to be very rude But the young lad Lachlan was very polite and gave us great service"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Mindil Beach was excellent, great value for money, new pool area was fabulous, old one was nice too. Restaurants were all very very high standard, and never saw a staff member that didn't have a freindly greeting and a smile."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Mindil Beach Casino Resort
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.
Quest Palmerston

Quest Palmerston

4 out of 5
18 The Boulevard, Palmerston, NT
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Howard Springs Nature Park and Flight ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Good location, amenities all that you need. Service was lovely. $10/day for secure parking was not expected."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Quest Palmerston
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 a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,656 reviews)
"They do tried to make special for my husband’s birthday and I really appreciate it. However, the property itself needs some TLC."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (500 reviews)
"Awesome location and great view"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
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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