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Darwin | Northern Territory

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Darwin, the Territory's capital, is perched on a picturesque harbour and lies closer to Jakarta and Singapore than to Sydney and Melbourne. First settled by Europeans in 1869, when South Australian Surveyor-General Goyder arrived to establish a city in the Top End. Palmerston, as it was then known, became the terminus for the Overland Telegraph link to England, which began in 1872.

Darwin now serves primarily as an administration centre for government and the mining and agricultural industries.

Its isolation and steamy tropical climate gives Darwin a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere and lifestyle for its residents. On Christmas Day 1974, however, this peace was dramatically shattered, when Cyclone Tracy struck, making Darwin the site of Australia's worst natural disaster. During WWII, Darwin was attacked and heavily bombed by the Japanese. Today, few historic buildings remain making it one of Australia's most modern cities.

Almost half the Northern Territory population live within 50km of Australia's only tropical capital city. The population, which consists of more than 50 different cultures, has an average age younger than the rest of Australia.

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Tourist info

Tourism Top End

  • Ph: (08) 8936 2499
 

Parks/Reserves

  • Kakadu NP
  • Litchfield NP

latest stories

Suggested itinerary for Travellers to Kakadu National Park, NT

The Amazing Gunlom Falls TourismNT | 2009-08-30 | Kakadu National Park is 171 kilometres east of Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. The Arnhem Highway links Kakadu to Darwin, while the Kakadu Highway links Pine Creek and Katherine. Try this for a basic travel itinerary to Kakadu. | read more

Australia: Love at first sight - Darwin

Derby esmeralda | 2009-04-23 | 1995 Esme & Nick's Australian Travel Diary (September to October) | read more

A Top End Experience

Crocodile in Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory (Image: Tourism NT) TourismNT | 2008-12-09 | The story of Darwin's rejuvenation as a modern tropical capital city is a gripping tale. And there's no doubt Darwin has had more than its fair share of challenges. | read more

Top experiences in Darwin

The Deckchair Cinema in Darwin Harbour TourismNT | 2008-12-09 | From a jumping crocodile cruise to deck chair cinema, Darwin has heaps of activities and experiences for everyone. | read more

 

latest business reviews

No business reviews added as yet.

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Main Attractions

Aquascene

  • Witness the daily spectacular sight of hundreds of fish such as mullet, milkfish, and catfish competing for hand-fed white bread at high tide.

Australian Pearling Exhibition

  • Provides an insight into the workings (and romance) of the local pearling industry.

Darwin Botanic Gardens

  • Explore the 42ha gardens and discover mangroves, orchids, rainforest, open woodlands and other tropical habitats.

East Point Reserve

  • Visit around dusk and see Fannie Bay's amazing sunset, and wallabies coming out to roam the 200ha reserve. The reserve features natural mangroves and forest, parklands and safe saltwater swimming.

Indo Pacific Marine

  • Visitors can view living coral reef ecosystems; the night program offers a torchlight tour and a seafood buffet dinner.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

  • The markets feature myriad stalls, including the very popular food stalls reflecting the city's eclectic multicultural mix.

Wharf Precinct

  • Once the domain of anglers and skateboarders; now the old wharves are a tourist attraction, with restaurants, museums and tours.

editors picks

Australia: Love at first sight - Darwin

Derby esmeralda | 2009-04-23 | 1995 Esme & Nick's Australian Travel Diary (September to October) | read more

Suggested itinerary for Travellers to Kakadu National Park, NT

The Amazing Gunlom Falls TourismNT | 2009-08-30 | Kakadu National Park is 171 kilometres east of Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. The Arnhem Highway links Kakadu to Darwin, while the Kakadu Highway links Pine Creek and Katherine. Try this for a basic travel itinerary to Kakadu. | read more

The Bombing of Darwin, Tribute

Bombing of Darwin - a tribute event JB | 2008-04-22 | A tribute evnt by the City of Darwin, to honour and remember those who helped defend Darwin. | read more

Get Inspired by Darwin, Northern Territory's Top End

Can you spot your colleague taking the photograph on the beach? admin | 2008-10-30 | Darwin is the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital, despite Darwin being a great all year-round place to visit due to its weather, activities and unforgettable sunsets, we haven’t received many reviews…here's our review on Darwin to get you inspired to visit. | read more

Top experiences in Darwin

The Deckchair Cinema in Darwin Harbour TourismNT | 2008-12-09 | From a jumping crocodile cruise to deck chair cinema, Darwin has heaps of activities and experiences for everyone. | read more

 

 
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