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Darwin Australia

"Experience Barmy Evenings in the Top End"

Darwin Australia is the northernmost capital city, and is a melting pot of people and cultures. It has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round.

Many people come to explore the legendry Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks or sacred aboriginal Arnhem Land. You can also visit Katherine Gorge from here too.

When to go

Best time to go is between May and October which is during the dry season.

You can come outside these months but expect it to feel very hot and humid with regular rain showers or thunder storms.

Getting here

Getting here by plane is easy and possible from most major cities. Click here for flight times and route information: travel distances
You can also get here by the famous Ghan train which runs through the Australian outback from Adelaide to Darwin Australia via Alice Springs.

Getting around

You don't need a car to get around the city although driving here is easy with a reasonable amount of car parking. It might be slightly easier to have a car.

For trips to Kakadu, you can self drive (you don't need a 4WD)

There are also plenty of tour operators who will take you to Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine Gorge and Arhhemland

How long for?

You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the city.

If you want to include Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Arnhem Land and Litchfield National Park you need a minimum of 7 days. There is lots to see and a fair few km to travel.

What to see and do

Darwin Australia

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets - fantastic foods, arts and crafts and aboriginal products. An icon of Darwin and not to be missed

Visit the Art Gallery of NT - an interesting boat collection and real recordings of cyclone Tracy that devastated the city in 1974.

Parap Market - Saturdays 8-2pm. A less touristy version on Mindil Market.

View some architect delights - the British-Australian Telegraph building, Parliament and Mylilly House are good to view.

Take in a film at the outdoor Deckchair cinema

Watch the sunset from Darwin's Trailer Boat club (Fannie Bay)

Outskirts of the city

Take in a jumping croc tour on your way to Kakadu

Kakadu National Park

Click here for more information on Kakadu.

Arnhem Land

This is a must do add on to your trip. It's probably one of the only places you can experience a true unspoilt aboriginal culture. In order to preserve it, you can't self drive into Arnhem land so you will need to take a day tour from Jabiru. I'd recommed Lords who are a reputable tour company offering this trip (£200 per person for the day)

Katherine Gorge

Head to Nitmiluk National Park and take the cruise through the gorge

Litchfield National Park

Much nearer to Darwin Australia and an impressive National Park although a poor cousin to Kakadu in my humble opinion.

Check out Florence falls and Wangi Falls - beautiful and less busy than Buley Rock hole

See the huge magnetic turmite mounds

Where to stay

Darwin Australia

Crowne Plaza $280

Sky City Darwin $200

Cullen Bay Apartments near marina $160 (basic but good location)

Eden and Fogg Dam B&B 65km from Darwin on the way to Kakadu

Feathers Sanctuary B&B 2 mins from Darwin Airport and a must for bird lovers $330

Budget

Elkes Backpackers Hotel

Katherine

Katherine River motel

Where to eat

Other than in the city, you really need to eat at your accommodation as there is a limited choice.

The city

Pee Wees in East Point Reserve (fine dining with some bush tucker thrown in)

Yots Taverna Greek restaurant

Head to the Fish Market, Frances Bay and then make yourself a picnic dinner and watch the sunset

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