Darwin Travel Guide
Travel to Darwin - Capital of Northern Territory
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Tropical Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
The city was founded as Australia's most northerly harbour port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put the city on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific.
Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin's World War II history at a variety of preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city. Darwin again made world news when the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974 - an event well documented at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Its colourful history has contributed to the Darwin's cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at its weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through its annual calendar of festivals and events.
Attractions in Darwin
Take a Darwin Historic City Walk that incorporates 17 historically significant sites and buildings. Included is the British Australian Telegraph house (Lyon's Cottage), the Wharf Precinct, Myilly Point Historical Precinct and the new Parliament House.
On weekends the city is scattered with open air markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach. Here you'll find an array of stalls serving cuisines from all over Asia and locally made arts and crafts. There are also performances from musicians and artists, a variety of street theatre, traditional bush poetry and even free stock-whip cracking lessons.
Activities in Darwin
Darwin Harbour's healthy population of barramundi and other tropical fish make it a world-class fishing destination in its turquoise waters. Take a voyage of discovery around the foreshore, or go for the adventure of scuba diving around the wrecks.
There are a number of very popular options for discovering the true extent of the harbour. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on an old pearl lugger, a thrilling flight in a seaplane, a gentle hovercraft trip, or for the more adventurous, helicopter flights are available.
Relaxing
At night you can immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the pubs and nightclubs that dominate the city's nightlife hub on Mitchell Street, dine on an al fresco meal with a harbour view, or a platter of local seafood at the wharf.
Getting Around
Exploring the compact central business district by day is best done on foot, or aboard a jump on and off tour bus. Darwinbus is Darwin’s leading public transport network, incorporating bus and ferry transport in Darwin. These services are provided by the Northern Territory Government.
Bus interchanges are located at Harry Chan Place in Darwin, Bradshaw Drive at Casuarina Shopping Square in Casuarina, and corner of Temple Terrace and Roystonea Avenue in Palmerston. The city can also be circumnavigated on a bicycle following a designated path that meanders through the lush esplanade that skirts the CBD and provides great views over the harbour.
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