Darwin

Travel Guide

Mindil Beach showing a beach and a sunset as well as a large group of people
Crocodylus Park which includes bird life
Northern Territory featuring a beach and general coastal views
Mindil Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and landscape views
Crocodylus Park featuring 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 harbor 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 harbor 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 showing street scenes

Darwin City Centre

4/5(73 area reviews)

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
Cullen Bay Marina showing a sunset

Cullen Bay

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

Cullen Bay
Pier at Nightcliff! Spectacular sunsets!!!

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
Crocodylus Park showing dangerous animals, zoo animals and general coastal views

Knuckey Lagoon

Travelers like the zoo in Knuckey Lagoon, and Crocodylus Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Knuckey Lagoon
Fried veg from Frying Nemo. Some great vegan food.

#Trovember

Stuart Park

Though Stuart Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mindil Beach Sunset Market and SKYCITY Casino.

Stuart Park
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
$205 nightly
The price is $226 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$226 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful resort. Definitely be back"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
4 out of 5
901 Stuart Highway, Holtze, NT
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! (430 reviews)
"The cabins were very clean and the camping facilities for caravan era is a tranquil treed areas. Our checking in time was at 2 pm but we couldn’t get in till 3.30 as they were still cleaning and we had to fill in time walking around for 2 hrs. Overall I would be happy to recommend"

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
4 out of 5
31 Woods Street, Darwin, NT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$208 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$229 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"We were given an upgrade to an apartment with breakfast included. Really appreciate the upgrade - it made our holiday Hotel was older but reasonably well kept. Apartment was reasonably clean but attention to detail was missing e.g. the dishwasher door just needed a wipe over to get rid of the splashes, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
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! (253 reviews)
"Very pleasant stay."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 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! (1,645 reviews)
"Fantastic amenities, clean rooms, friendly staff who go above and beyond for their guests, awesome views as well"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 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! (497 reviews)
"Older property, but lovely and clean. Safe space for vehicles."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 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.

Getting around Darwin

Most locals get around Darwin by car, and renting one is the most convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings. A network of bus routes spans the city and is another way of getting around, while you may also wish to rent a bike; Darwin’s flat landscapes, manageable size and abundance of cycle paths make it a cyclist-friendly city. It’s easy to rent bikes, with lots of stores in town. Visit the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and LogisticsOpens in a new window website.Browse Darwin rental cars.

Best time to visit

The best times to visit Darwin are dictated by the city’s wet and dry seasons, which run from October to April and May to September, respectively. Visit during the winter, from June to August, and you’ll find the weather to be warm and dry, making this the best time of year to visit. Temperatures stay pretty consistent throughout the year in Darwin, with average highs in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

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