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Visit Australia’s smallest capital city, where the living couldn’t be bigger. If you're having 'one of those days', you'll find a remedy here.
You’ll find a way of life far removed from the east coast cities of Australia. Outdoor cinemas, sunset beach markets, indigenous-Asian fusion cuisine - you can’t top the Top End for a great holiday.
Visit some of the Northern Territory’s most remote pubs, such as the famous Humpty Doo Hotel, with a helicopter pub-crawl in Darwin, read our article on 'Take a Helicopter Tour of Darwin’s Most Remote Pubs'.
Read articleOpens external siteTop things to do in Darwin
Darwin can be divided into four general regions – inner Darwin, northern suburbs, Palmerston and outer Darwin – but it is inner Darwin that will be of most interest to visitors.
This older part of Darwin, including the Wharf Precinct, is separated from the new northern suburbs by the airport and the RAAF base, much of it predating the devastation of Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
The vibrant city of Darwin is on a peninsula that reaches into Darwin Bay.
It’s bordered by sea on three sides, which means that getting around town comes with frequent glimpses of the harbour between the colonial buildings and parks.
Smith Street Mall is at the very centre and is surrounded by hotels, government offices, Parliament and the court buildings. Most tourist venues will be located around the waterfront, on Stokes Hill WharfOpens external site in a new window Precinct and along The Esplanade. Running parallel to The Esplanade, you’ll find Mitchell Street, Darwin’s nightlife strip.
Three kilometres from the CBD on Fannie Bay is Mindil beach, most famous for its cosmopolitan sunset markets held from the last Thursday in April until the last Thursday in October. Food stalls are set up behind the beach. Wander the arts and craft stalls, taste foods from all over the world before settling on the sandy beach as you take in a famous Top End sunset.
One of the main attractions of the NT – the 20,000km2 Kakadu National Park attracts scores of visitors from around the world for its stunning changing landscapes and vibrant indigenous culture.
See the world heritage-listed scenery, filled with beautiful cascading waterfalls, exotic birdlife and walking trails to suit any level of fitness. Visit one of the largest collections of Aboriginal rock art in the massive Kakadu National ParkOpens external site in a new window.
Driving the Nature's WayOpens external site in a new window tourism drive you'll experience many of the park's major sites including Mamukala Wetlands, the Bowali Visitor Centre, the town of Jabiru, Nourlangie Rock, Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Cooinda and Gunlom.
For an unforgettable sunset, walk to the lookout at Ubirr.
Stunning waterfalls, crystal clear waterholes, magnetic termite mounds, impressive bushwalks and abundant wildlife; Litchfield National Park has it all.
Located south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park encompasses much of the Tabletop Range, and is famous among bushwalkers for the incredible 39km circuit walk along the Tabletop Track.
Be amazed by the dramatic beauty of Tolmer, Wangi and Tolmer Falls, as water pours off of the wide sandstone plateau into crystal clear waterholes below. Swim in one of the many waterholes as you keep watch for local wildlife, or wander past the fascinating magnetic termite mounds; standing at around 2 metres tall, the sculptured mounds are cleverly constructed keep the termites cool during the midday sun.
Katherine is where the outback meets the tropics, a region full of gorges, misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures.
You’ll be spoilt for choice from driving, fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking and trekking or jump on board a sunset dinner cruise as you glide through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. If you’re up for an adventure why not join a helicopter tour and take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of this magnificent gorge.
See the mighty Katherine River flowing through Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park), or head out for camping and adventure in the Elsey and Gregory National Parks. The Daly River and Gulf Region are renowned as top fishing destinations, and Mataranka is rich in history – the Never Never Museum tells of local Mangarayi and Yangman people and customs, and the more recent settlement of Europeans.
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Darwin has a tropical climate, and has two distinct seasons, the 'wet' and the 'dry'. The 'wet' season (November to April) has increased humidity followed by monsoonal rains and storms. Temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C to a maximum of 33°C. The 'dry’ season (May to October) has warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21°C to 32°C.
Darwin airport services domestic and international flights and is located 12.5km from the city centre.
There is a taxi rank and shuttle service located outside the terminal, the shuttle service can transfer you to and from the city centre, picking up and dropping off at local hotels.
Buses, taxis and bike make getting around Darwin easy, but the best way to see the sights is on foot.
There are a number of walks that cover the wharf, esplanade, city and gardens along with other points of interest and historical landmarks.
Book car hire with Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Qantas Frequent Flyer members could earn Qantas Points^ with Avis and Budget.
Find out more about flights to Darwin.
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Eligible customers can relax in style before their next flight in our stylish Darwin Qantas Club.
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^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. Join online now. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
** Prices are per room, per night and vary depending on date of check in, length of stay and room type. Conditions apply.
~ Qantas activities are provided by Viator. Conditions apply.
