Darwin
Travel Guide > Oceania > Australia > Northern Territory > Darwin
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and Australia's smallest state capital, home to just over 100,000 people. It is a good base to explore the surrounding natural attractions including the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Its blend of Caucasian, Asian and Aboriginal cultures make it an interesting place to spend some time.
The city has been virtually wiped out twice in its short history; once due to air raids during WWII and again when Cyclone Tracy hit in the 1970's. As a result, the city has a distinctly modern (albeit small scale) feel to it.
Neighbourhoods
Events and Festivals
Summer in Australia is all about Outdoor Music Festivals. With single day events, camping festivals out of town and week long festivals, there is definately a music festival to suit all tastes. Check out some of the festivals in and around Darwin: Outdoor Music Festivals in Northern Territory.
Weather
Darwin enjoys a tropical climate with year round warm temperatures. There are two distinct seasons in the Top End, "the Wet" and "the Dry". The heart of the Wet season is in January and February when the monsoons bring heavy afternoon and overnight rains that flood the wetlands and turn the countryside green. Average temperatures are between 25 °C and 32 °C. In March and April, the rains subside and strong winds start to dry the land. Average temperatures range from 24 °C to 33 °C.
The Dry season lasts from May to September and is the most popular with travellers and locals, with humidity is at its lowest and the possibility of relatively cool evenings. Average temperatures range from 19 °C to 33 °C.
From October to December the weather becomes increasingly humid and starts to build up to the monsoon season. Average temperatures range from 25 °C to 33 °C.
Getting There
By Plane
Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the only international airport in the Northern Territory. International destinations include Dili in East Timor, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Qantas, Virgin Blue and Air North are the main operators flying here, with connections to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Broome and Kununurra in Western Australia.
Within the Northern Territory, there are connections to Alice Springs and several smaller airfields, including the Tiwi Islands.
By Train
The Ghan connects Darwin with Alice Springs and Adelaide in South Australia.
By Car
Darwin is the northermost point in the Northern Territory and the main highway goes south and is in good condition (tarmac). The Stuart Highway runs all the way to Adelaide, some 3,000 kilometres away.
By Bus
Greyhound provides bus services to a number of towns and cities in Australia, including Alice Springs and as far as Perth.
By Boat
There are trips by catamaran to Bathurst Island (one of the Tiwi Islands) from March to November, but no further public services exist.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banyan View Lodge | Banyan View Lodge 119 Mitchell Street | Hostel | 70 |
| Chilli's Backpackers | 69a Mitchell St | Hostel | 68 |
| Dingo Moon Lodge | 88 Mitchell Street | Hostel | 71 |
| Elkes Backpackers Darwin | 112 Mitchell Street | Hostel | 60 |
| Frogshollow Lodge & Backpackers | 27 Lindsay St GPO Box 3047 | Hostel | 59 |
| Gecko Lodge | 146 Mitchell street | Hostel | 25 |
| Melaleuca On Mitchell | 52 Mitchell Street | Hostel | 75 |
| The Cavenagh | 12 Cavenagh St | Hostel | 67 |
| Value Inn | 50 Mitchell St | Hotel | 75 |
| Youth Shack | 69 Mitchell St | Hostel | 69 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
This is version 12. Last edited at 15:20 on Oct 28, 09 by Utrecht (+178). 20 articles link to this page.
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