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Darwin: The Complete Travel Guide to exploring the Capital of Australia’s Top End
Darwin is the gateway to the incredible Top End of Australia. Iconic in many ways, Darwin is rich in history and culture and will surely be a highlight of anyone’s trip around Australia. While it can be an expensive destination to get to, being a fair distance from most other tourist destinations, it is a place you will always remember and always want to return to. Find out everything you need about your trip to Darwin in this complete guide to exploring the capital of Australia’s Top End.
Where is Darwin?
Darwin is located in the Northern Territory of Australia. A good five-hour flight from Melbourne. Although Darwin seems a world away from the traditional backpacking grounds of the east coast, its iconic landscapes are sure to impress. The Top End, as it is affectionately called, is home to some of Australia’s most breathtaking National Parks, and Darwin is right on the doorstep.
How to get to Darwin:
Darwin is a relatively easy destination to get to; however, it can be pretty expensive. Boasting both an international and domestic airport, you can fly to Darwin from almost all major domestic airports and some major international locations. Flying is the easiest way to get to Darwin for most people, as it is far from most other travel destinations. To help avoid the high costs of airfares, we recommend booking well in advance if you know your dates. However, be warned that many flights departing from Darwin leave after midnight!
Furthermore, if you are road-tripping, you can also drive to Darwin. There are three main highway routes to Darwin: The Sturt Highway from Adelaide via Alice Springs, The Great Northern Highway from Perth via the Kimberlys, and Flinders Highway from Townsville via Mt Isa. Be sure to stock up on emergency water, a first aid kit and extra food before heading to Darwin on these highways. If you have a car breakdown, these supplies will keep you alive in the desert. Never leave your car in the desert; always wait with it for help.
When is the best time to visit Darwin?
Darwin is a tropical location; therefore, it is only affected by the wet and dry seasons. The wet season is characterised by hot, humid and wet weather (hence the name) and spans between November to March. The dry season spans between April to October with warm, dry weather. The dry season is also called peak season when most visitors come to the Top End. The weather is more bearable; however, be aware when the locals say ‘cold’ weather, as it is still quite hot! If you are okay with the crowds, this is the best time to visit, as most popular activities and sites will be open.
The wet season is also a great time to visit if you don’t mind the heat. Generally, prices are lower, and the scenery of the Top End changes. It’s a personal choice of when is the best time to visit Darwin and the Top End.
Where to stay in Darwin on a budget:
Darwin is a relatively small city; thus, there are few accommodation options for travellers on a tight budget. Only four hostels operate in Darwin, which some of you may have already heard about on the road. Darwin hostels have a reputation that precedes them as party hostels, which can be deterring. As discussed in other posts, you should always check recent reviews and ratings before booking, but when we went, it was better than we thought! We stayed at the Youth Shack, and while it was a massive party hostel, the facilities and the staff were good, and we had an overall comfortable stay. Below are the current hostels operating in Darwin:
Youth Shack Backpackers – Starting from $30 per night
MOM Darwin (YHA) – starting from $26.5 per night
Darwin Hostel – starting from $24 per night
The Cozy Hostel Darwin – Starting from $35
How to get around Darwin?
The tourist precinct of Darwin is easy to get around just by walking. However, getting around greater Darwin is a little more complicated.
Public Bus service:
The State Government operates a public bus service with an extensive route. You can purchase a Tap and Ride card or a single ticket on board a bus to use the service. The bus route includes popular attractions like the Crocosaurus Cove and the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Check out the bus network map here to see if you can reach your stop!
Hire car:
Visiting Darwin is more than just visiting Darwin. Darwin is the gateway to the fabulous Top End, and with attractions including Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park, you will be eager to leave the city behind. Therefore, we strongly suggest hiring a vehicle to get the most out of your trip. While you may not need it for all your time in Darwin City, one day with a car can get you to everything further out.
How to get from Darwin airport to the tourist precinct:
City Shuttle Bus:
Operated by the Blue Taxi Company, the City Shuttle Bus operates 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm and 9 pm to 1 am. With pick-up right outside the terminal and various locations in the CBD, this is a great and cheap option to get to and from the airport.
Price:
$10 per person
$35 for a family of 4
Children under 3 are free.
To book, call (08) 8980 3755 or email shuttlebus@bluetaxi.com.au
Public Bus:
The public bus stop is located on Charles Eaton Drive, an 8-minute walk from the main terminal. Please click here for more information about catching a bus to or from Darwin Airport.
Must-do’s in Darwin City:
Here’s a list of things you can’t skip on a trip to Darwin. Most of these items are at walking distance from the popular hostels and hotels:
The Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour – Darwin Tourist Facility:
The RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility showcases two iconic Territory stories – the WWII Darwin Harbour Bombing and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Explore a real RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft before sitting down to find out what it’s like to fly with the RFDS with 2 Virtual Reality stories. Likewise, experience what it would have been like during the Darwin Harbour bombing through VR before exploring more interactive exhibits.
Tickets:
Adults – $28
Children (6-14yrs) – $16
Seniors, students & concessions – $23
Family (2 adults + 3 children) – $70
To book online, click here.
Crocosaurus Cove:
Want to dive with crocodiles but not get eaten? Then this is the place for you! Home to Australia’s only crocodile dive and the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, the Crocosaurus Cove lets you get up close and personal with these incredible animals. So much so that you can even hold a baby croc! Located in the centre of the CBD and open all day, there are also a variety of presentations on offer.
Entry prices:
Adults – $38
Children 94-15yrs) – $23
Senior – $30
1 Family (1 adult + 2 children) – $80
2 Family (2 adults + 1 child) – $95
3 Family (2 adults + 2 children) – $116
4 Family (2 adults + 3 children) – $138
Cage of Death prices:
Price includes full-day entry
1 person – $180
2 persons – $275
Please visit the Croc Cove website for more tour options, inclusion and terms & conditions.
Deckchair Cinema:
The Deckchair Cinema is open nightly during the dry season from April to November, with doors opening at 5:45 pm. Each night screens a different film, with Fridays and Saturdays having both an early and a late screening! Food is available at the venue, with local caterers on rotation, ensuring you get a delicious meal every time. Moreover, you can pack your own snacks if you choose, but please note there is no BYO alcohol as it is a fully licensed venue, with the bar opening at 5:45 pm. Check out the program either by collecting a pamphlet or online.
Prices:
Early session:
Adults – $17
Concession (ID required) – $13
DFS Member – $10
Children – $9
0-4 yrs – free
Family (2 adults + 2 children) – $40
Late session (Friday and Saturdays only):
Adults – $11
Concession (ID required) – $6
DFS Member – $5
Children – $6
0-4 yrs – free
Family (2 adults + 2 children) – $25
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets:
Another dry season-only attraction you must attend on your trip to Darwin is the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Open Thursdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm on the Mindil Beach waterfront, these markets showcase some of the best local produce from the Territory and a great variety of street foods from other cultures. A great place to unwind from the day with great food and a gorgeous view of the sunset.
Generally, the markets start at the end of April and finish in October.
Other markets in the Darwin area include:
The Parap Village Saturday Markets
Nightcliff Markets
Rapid Creek Markets
Malak Marketplace
Darwin Heritage Trail:
The Darwin Heritage Trail is the perfect self-guided tour to learn more about the history of Darwin City. Walk around the Darwin Waterfront into the city, or choose your own way through the tour. Some top sights on the walk include the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, Stokes Hill and Government House. For more information and a Darwin Heritage Trail Map, please click here to go to the website.
Darwin WWII tours:
If you are interested in Darwin’s involvement and history in World War Two (WWII) but feel like doing something other than the self-guided tours, please check out one of the guided tours on offer. Some of the operators include:
The Darwin History and Wartime Experience
Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tour
Sea Darwin WW2 Half-day tour by land and sea
WWII Oil Tunnels Darwin:
One of Darwin’s premier Heritage Sites, the WWII Oil Tunnels, is a fascinating visit. The tunnels include a sculpture constructed from original WWII bombing remnants, educational displays and an art gallery. Open Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm during the dry and 9 am – 1 pm during the wet.
Prices:
Adults – $8.5
Seniors – $7.5
Child – $5.5
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and Eva’s Cafe:
Covering over 42 hectares with an extensive collection of North Australian and other tropical species, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Just 2km north of the CBD, you will love being here if you love plants. Then, stop at Eva’s Cafe, located in the oldest church in the Territory, the perfect place for an afternoon tea stop.
Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise:
What better way to experience one of the best sunsets in Australia than on the water? Multiple operators provide a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise experience, allowing you to choose which experience best suits you. Operators include:
My favourite sunset spot – The Bicentennial Park off the Esplanade:
Staying in the CBD, it wasn’t always easy trying to get out to watch the sunset, but luckily we found Bicentennial Park. Located right on the esplanade, a great place for an evening walk, the shady green grass is perfect for sitting back and watching the day end. Not far from the Waterfront Precinct or the infamous Mitchell street, you can quickly return to your evening plans!
Crocodylus Park:
Darwin’s Premier wildlife park is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Thousands of crocodiles and other incredible animals await you here. Get up close and personal with some of the territory’s most iconic animals and other exotic animals that call the park home. The park is not just for entertainment and tourism but also a conservation and research centre for crocodiles. Crocodile behaviour is one main area of research the park does, so make sure to learn as much as possible if you are a croc lover! Located outside the city, you can drive or catch the bus to the park!
Prices:
Adults – $44
Seniors – $35
Children (3-15yrs) – $24
Family passes – from $120
To book, follow the link here.
Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT):
If you want more history, culture and exquisite art, go no further than the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory. Open daily between 10 am and 4 pm, MAGNT Darwin is home is renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs and is not to be missed. Set overlooking Fannie Bay; you will have stunning views both inside and outside the museum.
The Darwin Waterfront Precinct and the recreation lagoon:
Not a five-minute walk from the city is the incredible Darwin Waterfront Precinct. There are over 20 places to eat and drink at the waterfront and two lagoons to swim in! The Wave Lagoon is a crowd favourite for a little more adventure or relaxation on the man-made beach before swimming in the other lagoon’s calm waters. The Waterfront Precinct is a great place to come and relax or cool down from the Top End heat.
Head out for the night on Mitchell Street:
Mitchell Street is basically the main street of Darwin. Walk from bar to bar to hostel on this fantastic and lively street. Filled with restaurants and bars, it is the perfect place to let your hair down, so to speak, after a long day in the sun.
Cullen Bay – the perfect sunset picnic spot:
Looking for another great place to watch the sun go down while in Darwin? Cullen Bay is the perfect spot for a sunset picnic! Just 2km from the CBD, you can grab some tasty takeaway from nearby restaurants and eateries before settling down on the lush lawn to watch the magic happen.
Nightcliff to Casuarina Coastal Walk:
Distance: 3km | Difficulty: Easy walking path
This easy walking trail is perfect for getting some extra steps in around the city. Following the gorgeous ocean views, you will pass the Nightcliff Pier, the infamous Foreshore Cafe and the public pool on your way to Casuarina Coastal Reserve.
Darwin’s Mangrove Boardwalk:
Still need more outside time, then head down to the Mangrove Boardwalk! Walk through the bush and mangroves out to the stunning ocean! Thirty minutes is necessary to complete the loop walk from the car park.
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