Darwin is the territorial capital and the most heavily populated city of Australia's Northern Territory. It has a population of 117,400 (est. 2007 includes Palmerston and Litchfield) and is located on Australia's far northern coastline. Darwin is the furthest north and least populous of the Australian capitals but it is the fastest growing capital city according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The harbour had been discovered in 1839 by John Lort Stokes aboard the Beagle, who named it Port Darwin after shipmate, Charles Darwin. Present Darwin was founded only in 1869 because of poor communications with other Australian cities.
The city is notable for its history of major disasters. Its tropical climate has seen it frequently subjected to heavy thunderstorms. Dangerous cyclones have historically occurred approximately once every three decades. Big part of the city was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Winds of up to 250 km/h were estimated to have hit the city; total damage exceeded $1000 million and 65 people were killed; about 26 000 people had to be evaluated. Darwin is also the only Australian capital city to have come under significant attack during World War II. On February 19, 1942, Japanese airplanes made two major air strikes on Darwin from the aircraft fleet - the same force that destroyed Pearl Harbour 10 weeks earlier dropped twice as many bombs on Darwin. These were the first of 64 air attacks experienced by the city during World War II, the last being on November 12, 1943.
Darwin is the gateway to the Top End’s three major National Parks; World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park.
City has an International Airport, which has connections to and from all domestic destinations and to many International destinations. Today Darwin is important to Australian military, tourism and mining industry.
Weather:
The coolest months of the year are June and July, when the daily temperature range is 19 to 30 degrees. The hottest months are October and November when daily temperatures are between 25 and 33 degrees.
Being a monsoonal climate there is a distinctive Wet Season period, with most rain falling between December and March. January and February is the heart of unpredictable Wet season. The humidity during the Wet is regularly over 70 per cent. March and April see the rains begin to subside. The dry season with clear blue skies, low humidity, warm sunshine is from approximately April-Oct. In past years the tourist season has been reduced to period between May and September but it now flows increasingly throughout the year.
Population: 117,400 (2007)
Density: 35.1/km²
Established: 1869
Area: cca 112.01 km²
Time zone: ACST (UTC+9:30)
Location: 3,144 km from Canberra
What to do in Darwin:
Recreation:
The city has many miles of beautiful beaches, including the Casuarina Beach and famous Mindil Beach, home of the Mindil Beach markets. Mindil Beach Market has over 260 Craft and Services and Food stalls.
The Casuarina Beach also offers a section about 500 meters long was designated as a legal clothes optional area - designated nudist beach area since 1976. For more nuda beaches in Australia see Free Beaches Australia. Swimming in the sea during the months of October - May should be approached with caution due to the presence of Box jellyfish, which are potentially fatal to humans.
Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are common in all areas surrounding Darwin and sporadically are even found hunting in Darwin Harbor and beaches. Darwin Crocodile farm presently houses more than 36,000 animals.
Attractions:
The Australian Aviation Heritage Center
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre has an remarkable presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s participation in aviation, from the experimental pioneers through World War II and the jumbo jet age.
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational past times of Darwin locals. The Northern Territory and Darwin are known around Australia and the world as a top class fishing destination. People from around the world flock to Darwin aiming to catch the prized barramundi, an iconic fish. This quest has spawned a thriving barramundi fishing tours industry. The Mary River, Daly River, South and East Alligator River are just a few of the water bodies where the barramundi thrive. Top End also has some sensational Blue Water sport fishing available off the seashore of Darwin. Mackerel, Trevally, Jewfish, Queenfish, Salmon, Tuna, Snapper and countless more are all prevalent in the area and accessible in a day trip from Darwin.
Barramundi Fishing Park The Barramundi Fishing Park, located in Howard Springs, has a billabong with over 3,000 barramundi and is only 30 minutes from Darwin.
Aquascene – Fish Feeding . At Doctors Gully, right in the heart of Darwin, is Aquascene, where hundreds of fish come to shore at high tide to be fed by hand. The daily fish feeding ceremony started over 40 years ago, when a nearby resident started throwing bread scraps to a few small mullet at high tide. Today visitors come from near and far to participate in this unique spectacle. Trays of bread are provided at regular intervals during the feeding period for hand feeding the mullet and milkfish. Many other species including catfish, rays, cod, diamond fish and parrot fish may also be seen in the shallows if you watch carefully.
OPENING TIMES CHANGES DAILY
28 Doctors Gully Road, Darwin, Tel: 08 8981 7837
Indo Pacific Marine – Aquarium.The Indo Pacific Marine features a large aquarium displaying living coral and other denizens of tropical seas. Indo Pacific Marine - land based living marine centre also features unique night tours of the reef.
Tel: 08 8981 1294
Cost: Adult $15.40
Child 13 & under $5.50
Family $36.30
Skycity Darwin Casino - gaming machines etc., but also hotel, 3 restaurants, 5 bars and live bands.
Tel: 08 8943 8888
Crocodylus Park - Over 1,000 crocodiles live here, from hatchlings to adults weighing half a ton! Croc-feeding sessions are fascinating, and there's a diverse range of other wildlife. It's a 15-minute drive from town. The unique facilities of the park are available for a diversity of purposes, from research to film productions and specialty tours. 815 McMillans Road, Berrimah
Tel: (08) 8922 4500.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
The World War II Oil Storage Tunnels were built during WWII by the Civil Construction Corps. This unique tourist attraction located beneath the south-eastern edge of Darwin city. Two of these oil storage tunnels are open for viewing. The tunnels feature a collection of photographs of Darwin during World War II .Wharf Precinct on Kitchener Drive was reopened in 1992 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.
Open: Oct-Apr Tues-Sun 9am-1pm and May-Sept 9am-4pm daily
Cost: Adults $5 , Children $3 , School Group price $3, Coach groups $4
Tel: 08 8985 6333
The Darwin Wharf Precinct
Situated at the western end of Stokes Hill Wharf is a 1,750sqm complex with retail, busy restaurants and tourist facilities. Also located on this wharf is the $1.5 million Function Centre. This 1,000sqm purpose-built facility comprises 840sqm of enclosed air-conditioned decking and a 160sqm external deck area with adjacent covered walkways and viewing areas.
Tiwi Islands
Melville and Bathurst Islands, known collectively as the Tiwi Islands, lie 80 kilometers north of Darwin. They offer beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and excellent fishing. Unique artwork can be seen on the Pukumani burial poles.
Where to shop:
Casuarina Square is the largest shopping complex in Darwin, offering a wide range of specialty stores, a food court and a seven-screen cinema complex.
Darwin Markets:
If you're in Darwin, go to all the local markets, you won't be disappointed
Mindal Beach
You can try food from more than 20 countries. The market is situated at Mindil Beach off Gilruth Avenue and adjacent to the Darwin casino.
The market is open on Thursday from
5pm to 10 pm and Sunday 4pm to 9pm
Parap
Darwin’s most charming market - great place to meet friends, the food is fantastic and fresh and there's plenty to look at. Parap operates throughout the year every Saturday between 7.30 am - 1.30 pm. It takes over every ounce of spare space in the Parap Shopping Village. Parap is an inner suburb of Darwin, only ten minutes by car from the CBD so it’s easily reached.
Nightcliff
If your searching for original crafts such as copper sculptures, fairy dresses, hemp designer clothing for the tropics and traditional Asian crafts, then head down to Nightcliff Markets in Nightcliff Shopping Centre, Darwin Every Sunday, 8.00am - 2.00pm
Rapid Creek
Darwin's oldest market operates on Sunday morning's, 6.30am running until 1.00pm in the shelter of the Rapid Creek Shopping Village. You find here a wide selection of fruit and vegetables. Rapid Creek Shopping Centre, Darwin
Palmerston
Sometimes called "The Family Market" because of the more relaxed atmosphere among the crowd, and the fun entertainment provided specifically to the children. This vibrant and colourful market is considered by many as the ideal meeting place.
Francis Mall, Palmerston Town Centre.
Friday Evening, April - October 2007
National Parks:
Litchfield National Park
The small town of Batchelor is the doorway to Litchfield National Park. Many permanent waterfalls cascade down an exceptional sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range. There are many crystal-clear rock pools, beautiful lookouts, walking trails, picnic and campgrounds in the area. There are also a series of fascinating termite mounds to be found in the park. Litchfield National Park is situated 100 km south - west of Darwin. The National Park has 4 main waterfalls, which run along the edge of the Tabletop Range and its neighboring rainforests. The four falls are Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, Wangi Falls and Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek). Wangi Falls are the most popular as there is a steady water flow all year round and good swimming in the area. Buley Rockhole is also a fashionable swimming spot. Swimming and camping is permitted at all falls except for Tolmer. Some areas can become unsafe after heavy rain. The best time to see the falls and get around the park easily is in the dry season from May to October.
Kakadu NP
South East of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed area for both its major natural and cultural importance. Kakadu is a landscape that covers more than 19,000 km2. The area is diverse and contains a millions of migratory species of birds, reptiles, frogs and insects. More than a third of the Top End's plant life also inhabits the area. The best time to visit is between April and October. Kakadu’s immaculate landscape incorporates vast flood plains, huge billabongs, woodlands, wetlands, rivers, rocky escarpments and waterfalls. Kakadu is also rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Charles Darwin National Park
Charles Darwin takes in part of the Port Darwin wetland and woodland systems, and is one of Australia's most important wetlands. Port Darwin is large at 48 km2 and very diverse. The national park includes a system of inlets, islands and bays in which 36 of the Northern Territory's 51-mangrove species lye. The Park is positioned on Frances Bay in Port Darwin and includes the western bank of Sadgroves Creek, Reichardt Creek and part of Bleesers Creek. The area was part of a network of armed forces sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's World War II defense preparations and facilities. The bunkers and shelters were used for storage between 1941 and the 1980's. The park includes a Lookout platform where there are breathtaking views of the harbour. There are also walking tracks, BBCs, shade shelters, drinking water and toilets available.
Address:Charles Darwin National Park, Box 496, Palmerston, NT 0831
Events and festivals
Darwin Latin Dance Festival in June is the biggest and best Latin dance event ever to be staged in Darwin.
On 1 July, Territorians celebrate Territory Day. The day is celebrated in a number of ways, including the famous Territory Day fireworks both public and private. The main celebrations occur at Mindil Beach, where the Northern Territory government commissions a large pyrotechnical display.
The Darwin Festival, held annually over an exciting 18 days and nights, includes comedy and cabaret, dance, theatre, music, workshops, film and visual art and the NT Indigenous Music Awards. The mid-year celebration of the Top End's large Greek community is Glenti festival, held at Bicentennial Park and India@Mindil, a similar festival held by the Indian community is a feast of Indian Culture,
The Chinese New Year is also celebrated, highlighting the Chinese influence in Darwin.
The Darwin beer-can regatta, held in July this year, is an event which has been held annually since 1975. Contestants' race boats made exclusively of beer cans.
During the month of August, you can participate on the Darwin Cup horse race, and the Rodeo and Mud Crab Tying Competition.
Arafura Games, May, leading international sporting competition for athletes from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Since 1991, Arafura Games has been held every two years. Nowadays participation had soared to more than 3,000 athletes representing 32 nations, with competition in 30 sports.
The Darwin Eisteddfod, Merrepen Arts Festival and Sea Breeze Festival – in May
V8 Supercars, late May. Held every year since 1998.Three days of the largest sporting event of the year in Darwin with fast and loud motor racing with intermissions of parachutists, drag cars and motorbike stunt riders, Hidden Valley Raceway www.v8supercar.com.au
Darwin Fringe Festival, late June, annual performance and arts festival for visiting national and international artists, throughout the city.It present cultural expressions and artistic work from communities considered to be on the edge. http://darwinfringe.octa4.net.au
Darwin Cup Carnival, early Jul-Aug,since May 1955. The Northern Territory's biggest horse racing event culminates in the running of the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup at Fannie Bay Racecourse with over 15,000 people attending every year.
www.darwinturfclub.org.au
Christmas Craft Fair in November
Darwin International Guitar Festival - Annual event celebrating classical guitar
Museums:
Darwin is home to Australian Pearling Exhibition, which houses an aquarium complete with living coral, and its complementary sea life.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about this part of the world includes collections over 30,000 items of art and material culture –an aboriginal artworks, arts and crafts from Southeast Asia and the Pacific.Than 1.2 million natural history specimens - minerals and insects, a giant stuffed crocodile, and a room set aside for visitors to experience some of the force of Cyclone Tracy. Admission to the museum is free; however entry fees to some exhibitions may apply. Conacher Street, Fannie Bay
Tel: (08) 8999 8264. www.dcdsca.nt.gov.au
East Point Military Museum
This remarkable museum was opened in 1969, as an artillery museum, established by the Royal Australian Artillery Association. Museum focuses on the World War II bombing of Darwin, which is an important part Australia's history. It is housed in a fortification of World War II. Displayed are unique field and anti-aircraft guns, historical weapons, photographs, movies, Japanese samurai swords, and an assortment of armored vehicles.
East Point Road, East Point , Tel: (08) 8981 9702.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
Here 17 planes and helicopters that include a famous B52 bomber, a B25 Mitchell bomber, a Spitfire replica, a Sabre jet and lots of original engines, relics, bombs and other aviation heritage memorabilia including books and photographs.
557 Stuart Highway, Winnellie , Tel: (08) 8947 2145.
Galleries:
Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery
Displays range of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art and craft. Works by the leading artists are now in huge demand. Collection includes Aboriginal paintings on bark, hand-woven baskets, didgeridoos, and carvings from Arnhem Land and the Central and Western desert regions. Gallery represents Australia's indigenous art, which is genuinely rooted in the mythology, representing at least 40,000 years of artistic expression.
Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery is located in Knuckey Street, Darwin
Buku Larrnggay Mulka Centre
Centre houses a collection of Yolngu, Aboriginal, bark paintings and other artifacts.
Address:Yirrkala, NT 0881
Framed - The Darwin Gallery
Australian and Aboriginal art, craft and sculpture. Gallery is the largest commercial gallery in the North of Australia. It owes a great deal of its success to the philosophy that "art is for everyone".
55 Stuart Highway Stuart Park, Darwin
Culture:
Darwin of the 1960s is captured by Peter Goldsworthy’s book ‘Maestro’ .He describes Darwin as.. “…that small, tropical hothouse of a port, half outback, half oriental, lying at the tip of northern Australia” .
‘Sit Down Up North’ written by Ted Egan shows a fascinating portrait of Darwin in the 1950s and its characters.
Entertainment:
Darwin entertainment consists of craft festivals, markets, carnivals and a lively arts scene given its size. The Darwin Festival, Darwin Beer Can Regatta Darwin Fringe festival and "Bass in the Grass" concert are popular annual events. City has a range of quality outdoor and indoor live music venues - Discovery Nightclub, The Lost Ark, Top End Hotel and Shenannigans Irish Pub hosting local and visiting acts. Other forms of entertainment include indigenous events. Ranges of art galleries including specialized Aboriginal art galleries are main feature of Darwin.
Darwin's spot for Gay and Lesbian is Throb Nightclub.
The Darwin Symphony Orchestra is the only resident symphony orchestra in the Northern Territory. is based at Charles Darwin University's Casuarina campus .It produces up to eight performances per year, including performances on the lawns of MGM Grand Casino and university campuses.
The Darwin Theatre Company is one of Australia's oldest theatre companies, provides a mixture of old and new works at its theatre located at 56 McMinn Street. The Darwin Theatre Company also provides opportunities for community members to be involved in live theatre.
Deckchair Cinema
Overlooking Darwin Harbour the Deckchair Cinema is run by the Darwin Film Society and offers an unconventional cinema under the stars. Programs can be obtained at any information or tourist outlet, at the ABC Shop, Northern Territory News and the Darwin Regional Tourism Association - or on site www.deckchaircinema.com. Bring your picnic basket.
Lyons Cottage
Also known as BAT (British Australian Telegraph) House, Lyons cottage is an early example of Darwin architecture. Lyons Cottage, overlooking Darwin Harbor on the Esplanade, was built in 1925 and is the only remaining example of colonial bungalow style architecture to be found in Darwin. The structure is made of locally quarried porcelanite stone / possibly from Larrakeyah / and in its time was the first stone residence constructed in Darwin for thirty years. Lyons Cottage is on the Northern Territory Heritage Register. Featuring shuttered windows and high ceilings, the design of the cottage echoes the distinctive architectural style of British colonial dwellings in India, Malaysia and Singapore. The cottage was restored after extensive cyclone Tracy damage. Nowadays Lyons Cottage houses a collection of Larrakeyah and European early history and it is part of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Public transport:
International airport is located 13kms from the city centre. Buses are the main type of public transport for residents and visitors. Most buses have a high standard and are air-conditioned.
All suburbs within the Darwin are sheltered by services that run regularly seven days a week. Weekday services to most areas run at least every half hour. Services on weekends and public holidays are less frequent but still regular and reliable. There are airport shuttle buses. If you're staying in hotel – even backpackers one - check to see if they offer a free shuttle service. Darwin's public buses also run regularly to and from the Royal Darwin and Darwin Private Hospitals and Charles Darwin University. Lost property is held at Palmerston and Casuarina Interchanges for a period of three months. - Phone 8924 7666
Public bus routes, maps and timetables for Darwin.
The Ghan - Great Southern Rail with route Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin.
Rail Maps Australian Rail Maps
Darwin Bus Services Darwinbus
Country Bus Services ASBus, Alice Springs
Coach Operators Aussie Adventure
Coach - Greyhound Australia
Bus/Coach Freight BusFreight Australia (part of Greyhound Australia)
www.dpi.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/transport/public/index.html
Regional Airlines: Air North, Ausjet, Direct Air, National Jet, Tiwi Air, Vincent Air
Find job in Darwin and Northern Territory:
Current Seasonal Work Vacancies in Northern Territory
Current Farm Hand Vacancies in Northern Territory
Northern Territory Job Location Finder
BARS:
Monsoons - spacious bar/cafe, with 24 meter-long bar, capacity for 400 guests inside and 100 outside.
Accommodation:
Hotel rates in Darwin drop dramatically in the Wet season, from November to March, so if you don't mind a drenching and quite unbearable humidity levels you can be assured of picking up a bargain or various lucrative deals. Ensure that the weather is on your side and pay attention to the weather warnings. Darwin accomodation suit all tastes and budgets even students - Student Accommodation in Darwin
5 stars
Crowne Plaza Hotel Darwin City
Skycity Darwin City
4 stars
Cullen Bay Holiday Apartments Cullen Bay
Darwin Central Hotel City
Mediterranean All Suite Hotel Darwin City
Quality Hotel Frontier Darwin City
Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin City, 64 Cavenagh Street, Darwin NT 0800
Botanic Gardens Apartments Darwin Near City
Marina View Holiday Apartments Darwin Cullen Bay
Saville Park Suites Darwin City - Mantra on the Esplanade and Mantra Pandanas – with panoramic views of Darwin Harbour and city skyline
Quest Apartments Darwin City - award winning superbly appointed serviced apartments
Holiday Inn Darwin City on the end of The Esplanade
Novotel Atrium Darwin City
Darwin Airport Resort Airport
Moonshadow Villas Darwin City - exotic, luxurious, architect designed, award winning rainforest villas.
Marrakai Luxury All Suites Darwin City
3 stars:
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments Darwin City – bad reviews on the net..
Comfort Inn Asti Darwin City
Cavenagh Hotel Darwin City
Luma Luma Holiday Apartments Hotel Darwin City
Value Inn Darwin Central
Alatai Apartments Darwin City
Palms City Resort Darwin Esplanade
Backpackers:
Chilli's Backpackers
Hostel offers budget accommodation, cheap tours and travel, car rental, and airport pick-up. Located in the heart of Mitchell ST, Darwin, CBD, next door to the transit center and close to all tourist attractions.
Elkes Backpackers Darwin
Tourism Award winning international backpackers lodge in the central city. Offering full international standard services and features and tours, campervan hire and car rentals.
Frogshollow Lodge & Backpackers
rated as "the best backpackers in Darwin" by Lonely Planet (2002). Budget accommodation, cheap tours and travel, airport pick-up. Located just opposite historic Frogshollow Park.
Gecko Lodge
A small family run backpackers in the main street of Darwin, just out of the nightlife noise but close enough to walk to. Set in lush tropical gardens, relaxed, laid-back and simple, 10 minutes walk to the beach and 15 minutes to the city.
Globetrotters Lodge Darwin
Centrally located in Mitchell St, the hub of activity, Globe Trotters offers the convenience of Darwin city shopping within only a few minutes walking distance – bad reviews on the net.
Value Inn
Darwin's only self -service hotel. The hotel is centrally located on Mitchell Street and offers "real value for money". Mitchell St. is fast becoming the tourist haven, boasting a wide variety of multi cultural restaurants, espresso bars, markets and specialty shops. Value Inn offers 3 pools, waterfall spa, outdoor pool table, licensed bar and a 4 meters big screen. Each of the 93 rooms has a queen size and single bed (max occupancy 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children), private facilities, TV, fridge, Ensuite Bathroom with Shower and air conditioning.
Wilderness Lodge Backpackers
A small friendly hostel surrounded by tropical garden in the heart of the "City". Doubles, twins and dormitory rooms (mainly 4 Bed ) all with fan and air conditioners. Free pancake breakfast with tea and coffee facilities. Bike hire. Freecall: 1800 068 886 (Australia Only)
FREE AIRPORT & BUS PICK-UP
Banyan View Lodge owned and operated by the YWCA of Darwin
Cavenagh Hotel
Dundee Lodge
Harriets Place Backpackers Lodge
Melaleuca On Mitchell best equipped backpacker and budget accommodation in Darwin
Park Lodge
YHA Travel Centre NT - 97 Mitchell Street
YMCA Darwin Inc
Youth Shack
Interesting facts about Darwin:
Ø Darwin is closer to Asia than it is to cities in Australia such as Sydney and Melbourne
Ø The population in Darwin is the most youthful in the nation
Ø The region has some of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in Australia
Ø During World War II, Japanese bombers raided the city 64 times, killing around 900 people and destroying 77 aircraft and several ships
Ø Named after the famous scientist Charles Darwin
Ø Australia's most northernmost state capital
Ø On Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost entirely wiped out by Cyclone Tracy, which dealt out the highest wind speeds ever seen on the Australian mainland.
