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
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
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
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
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

4 out of 5
901 Stuart Highway, Holtze, NT
The price is ¥18,116 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥18,116
¥18,116 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 ...
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥23,440 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
¥23,440
¥25,784 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & 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. ...
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
The price is ¥20,995 per night from Sep 13 to Sep 14
¥20,995
¥24,144 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Boutique style accommodation, clean, convenient to parks and waterfront."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Palms City 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.
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 ...
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
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! (264 reviews)
"Easy parking , clean and tidy , steak restaurant attached to quest was horrible"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Quest Palmerston
Hudson Parap

Hudson Parap

4 out of 5
49 Parap Rd, Parap, NT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a conference center. Popular attractions Mindil Beach and Darwin ...
Hudson Parap
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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Cities near Darwin