Darwin

Book a Tour Package | See Hotels | Visit a Day Tour

Darwin is the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city on the shores of a harbour 7 times the area size of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a vibrant city of Darwin acclaimed for its relaxed, contemporary lifestyle and personality. Then explore the region’s dramatic history – from World War II air raids to Cyclone Tracey – in the museums and galleries. Sail Darwin harbour at sunset, cruise next to crocodiles and bushwalk through monsoon forest. Darwin is a gateway to explore the best natural and cultural attractions the Northern Territory and Australia has to offer, including World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park , Litchfield National Park , the Tiwi Islands , Arnhem Land
Ways to discover Darwin and its surrounds

1. At festivals, markets and on the harbour
In Darwin, the action happens outside - in markets, parks, by the beach or on boats. You can join the locals with a crate and a plate of sizzling satay at The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets from May to October. Or watch them build boats out of beer or soft drink cans at the annual Darwin Beer Can Regatta in July. Soak up Darwin’s tropical weather with a harbourside dinner at Cullen Bay Marina or a sunset harbour cruise.

2. With wildlife and in tropical parklands
Cycle past orchids and bromeliads and traditional Aboriginal plants in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Swim, have a sunset barbeque and explore sacred Aboriginal sites at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. In Berry Springs Nature Park, you can spot birds in monsoon forest and fish in the crystal clear swimming holes. Have a close crocodile encounter at Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or on a crocodile cruise along Darwin’s coastal fringe and rivers. Get up close to fish, birds-of-prey, nocturnal animals and reptiles in the Territory Wildlife Park.

3. Hot on the heels of history
Learn more about Darwin’s rich Aboriginal heritage in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here you can also relive the tragic Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. See the Chinese Temple it nearly destroyed in Litchfield Street. Darwin endured 64 Japanese air raids in World War II, and you can watch dramatic footage of the bombings and visit the bunker where Top End defence strategy was planned at East Point Military Museum. See original B52 bomber planes at the Aviation Heritage Centre and a network of walking trails leading to World War II oil tunnels around the Wharf Precinct.

4. 2 Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land Tour
Travel via Adelaide River and the Marrakai Plains to Kakadu National Park. Take a guided walk to view Aboriginal art at Nourlangie Rock, cruise on Yellow Waters to view the myriad birdlife and spot salt water crocodiles. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays. An optional 50 minute scenic flight over Kakadu is available today. The next day travel by a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle into Arnhem Land and the Mikinj Valley, continuing through spectacular scenery including sandstone outcrops, escarpments, forests and floodplains. Learn about traditional land ownership, bush skills and 'bush tucker'. View Aboriginal rock art in its natural state. Most tours are accompanied by an Aboriginal guide.

5. Under the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park
Make time for a day trip to the waterfalls and plunge pools, wildlife and birdlife, ranges and rainforest of Litchfield National Park, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Darwin. Swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole at the base of Florence Falls and bushwalk through monsoon rainforest to Walker Creek. Picnic next to roosting fruit bats at Wangi Falls and see sweeping valley views at Tolmer Falls. Take a wildlife cruise on the Reynolds River, part of a working cattle station.

6. On a trip to the Tiwi Islands
Join in the excitement of the Tiwi Islands Grand Football Final, held every March in Nguiu. Browse and buy Tiwi art, distinctive for its strong design, decorative features and vivid colours. Take billy tea and damper tea with Tiwi ladies as they demonstrate traditional weaving and painting. Then watch them perform a traditional dance and a smoking ceremony to clear bad spirits. Catch big barramundi on a fishing tour on the Tiwi coast. You’ll find a warm welcome and a lush landscape of rainforest, beaches and rock pools on Melville and Bathurst Islands, together known as the Tiwi Islands.