Facts and Figures
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and boasts a population of about 120,900. Over half of all people in the Northern Territory live here but it is still Australia's least populous capital.
It is situated on the northern coast of Australia, located on a peninsula surrounded by ocean on three sides. It is Australia's northernmost city and despite its small size it has everything you'd expect in an Australian city, but is laid back and friendly. Port Darwin was named by John Stokes after the famous scientist Charles Darwin when the HMS Beagle sailed into Darwin Harbour on 9 September 1939. The first settlement was established in 1869 at a site selected by the South Australian Government's Surveyor General.
Darwin Harbour is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and has mangrove tidal areas, sandy beaches, cultured pearl farms, sunken ships from World War II and a history dating back before white settlement. Traditionally owned by the Larrakia people, their descendants today are prominent, respected and prolific members of the community. It is home to a blend of ethnic groups from more than 60 nationalities and over 70 various ethnic backgrounds.
During World War II the first Japanese attack on Australia was a bombing raid on Darwin Harbour on 19 February 1942 where ships were destroyed and at least 240 lives were lost. Darwin was regarded as Australia's northern frontier, and there were over 60 air attacks on Darwin during 1942 and 1943. The city was rebuilt over time, and then on Christmas Day 1974 Cyclone Tracy struck bringing death and destruction to over seventy per cent of the towns buildings. Because of this most of Darwin is modern and new.
Although still a territory, the Northern Territory was granted Self Government on 1 July 1988 and the modern Parliament House building was opened in 1995. Darwin is a perfect base to explore World Heritage-listed places like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks and Arnhem Land. It's also the main service centre for regional industries, including mining, offshore oil and gas production, pastoralism, tourism and horticulture. Darwins Port is also a central outlet for the live cattle export markets of South East Asia.
Climate
Darwin has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Most of the rainfall occurs between December and March and is associated with monsoon rains and tropical cyclones. During summer the average temperature ranges from 25-33°C with about 320mm of rainfall, and in winter it ranges from 20-30°C with about 2mm in rainfall. The best of Darwins weather is from May to September when the days are mild and the nights relaxing and cool. The hottest month is November, just before the onset of the main rainy season. Due to its long dry season, Darwin has the most daily average sunshine hours of any Australian capital. Even in the coolest months of June and July, the daily minimum temperature rarely falls below 14 °C. Frost has never been recorded there. Darwin is located in one of the most lightning prone areas in the world
Top 10 things to see or do
Darwin is a unique and picturesque city and is the perfect place to base yourself for Top End holidays. It has plenty to see and do including historical attractions, museums, National Parks, nightclubs, theatres, a casino and a variety of restaurants. Alive with a diverse mix of culture, cuisine, shopping, café scene, National Parks, history, clubs and a vast array of music festivals sporting events and a plethora of other attractions it's a place well worth visiting. There's always something going on in Darwin throughout the year. Here are some of the highlights you might want to take the time to discover.
1. Visit the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels hand dug during WWII to serve as safe oil storage tanks. Today they are like a museum with black and white photos adorning the walls. Very, very impressive!
2. Take a trip to Adelaide River Bridge, 70 km from the city and join a 90 minute Jumping Crocodiles Cruise. Wild crocodiles come from the muddy banks and leap out of the water to snatch chunks of meat dangled from poles. Amazing and unforgettable.
3. Visit the Aviation Heritage Centre, one of the main aviation museums in Australia. It
House one of only two B-52 bombers outside the USA.
4. See the unsettling Cyclone Tracy exhibition and other impressive displays at The Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
5. Enjoy a movie under the stars at the Darwin Deckchair Cinema. Nightly from May to October.
6. Take part in hand feeding hundreds of fish as they swim close to shore for their regular feed at Aquascene. Great for kids and adults pretending they're only there for the kid's.
7. Visit Litchfield National Park 100 km south of Darwin.
8. Stroll round Stokes Hill Wharf Precinct and see the Australian Pearling Exhibition and Indo Pacific Marine.
9. Visit the open air markets at Parap, Nightcliff or Mindil Beach.
10. Take a sunset cruise or fishing charter on Darwin Harbour.
Darwin Events not to be missed
Darwin plays host to a cornucopia of events throughout the year.
- Darwin Festival, held in August, celebrates Darwin and its multicultural flavour and Asian connections at various Darwin venues.
- The annual Territory Craft 'Hi to the Dry Craft Fair and Open Day' has been melded with a Craft Expo and is held in the museum grounds in Darwin during April
- The annual beer can regatta is held in August.
- Mud Racing is a family friendly NT unique Motor Sporting event. Held at Hidden Valley every month over the Wet Season.
- In July-August the Darwin Cup Carnival is the Melbourne Cup of the North at Fannie Bay Racecourse.
- See the Mud Crab Tying Competition in August.
- Arafura Games, where you can watch leading sporting events from all over the Asia Pacific region
- Bass in the Grass is an annual music festival in May.
- Royal Darwin Show in July
- Rodeo in April
- The Greek Glenti in June is the largest show of ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory calendar.
- Territory Day on 1 July has a large firework display and celebrations at Mindil Beach.
- Round 5 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
- Festivities and fireworks at the free New Years Eve on the Wharf celebration. What a way to see out the year.
- June to August is the Darwin Fringe Festival with loads of live arts and cultural activity.
- Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursdays and Sundays from April to October.
- The annual World Solar Challenge attracts teams from around the world.
Darwin Hotels and Accommodation
Northern Territory holidays and Top End holidays have plenty of accommodation options. Most Darwin hotels and accommodation are located in the vicinity of the Darwin city region and within close proximity to the esplanade that overlooks the Harbour. , However there is also a wide range of Darwin budget accommodation within close distance to the airport also from backpacker hostels and the Darwin YHA through cheap Darwin hotels. You can stay at motels, hotels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, holiday apartments, five-star resorts and even stay on houseboats or yachts. Some accommodation even allows pets. Try an online search for cheap Darwin holidays to find discounts.
Transport
The main mode of public transport in Darwin is buses. They are well-maintained and most are air-conditioned. Weekday services to most areas run at least every half hour, while services on weekends and public holidays are less frequent but still regular and reliable.
There are tourist buses that visit all the major city sights that you can hop on and off for a fixed fare for the day. There are plenty of tour operators who have all inclusive tours to nearby attractions like the Jumping Crocodiles and Litchfield Park, so you don't need to have a car if you don't want to. There are several places where you can hire a car or campervan for a day, a week, or longer.
Darwin International Airport is the only international and domestic terminal in Darwin and is located 13 km from the Darwin city centre (approximately 20 minutes drive). There is an airport shuttle bus to the city, or plenty of taxis.
Other transport includes boat hire, hovercraft tours and even private Jet charter. There are also the railway services like The Ghan, which can take you all the way to Alice Springs or even further to Adelaide should you wish.