Hotels in Darwin

Darwin is an isolated city in Australia. In fact, it’s even closer to the islands of Indonesia than more popular Aussie destinations like Sydney and Melbourne. But this proximity to Asian neighbours is what makes the city interesting. The culinary diversity is very prominent in restaurants, especially when you notice that laksa is the favourite dish in the region.

Darwin offers more of nature and less of the urban jungle you may be used to. If you’re looking to experience the Australian outback, there’s no better place in the continent to get this than Darwin.

How to Get There

The Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the only gateway to the city through air travel. It’s the busiest airport in the Northern Territory of Australia and serves around a million passengers annually. The airport is approximately eight kilometres from the city centre.

To get to the city, you can ride a shuttle for less than $20. There are also local buses that pass the airport. Taxis are also available, but they’re not recommended because they often overcharge tourists.

Getting Around

Darwin’s transportation system isn’t as sophisticated as the one in Sydney or Melbourne. Here, you’re stuck with buses scantily scattered around the city. It’s best to rent a car to get to restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions in the area.

If you prefer going green, cycling is also a welcome mode of transportation. There are plenty of cycling paths and tracks in Darwin where you can ride your bike. For first-time travellers, it’s recommended to take the Darwin Explorer bus line to go to the top tourist spots in Darwin.

Top Things to Do

The Northern Territory is home to various species of crocodiles. Why not visit them by going to Crocodylus Park and Crocosaurus Cove? You can even try the Cage of Death which is one of the death-defying things to do in Darwin.

Get up close and personal with crocodiles and birds in their natural habitat by cruising the Mary River wetlands. There’s also the Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile cruise if you can’t get enough of crocs.

It’s relatively hot in Darwin even during the winter season which is why visiting beaches, hot springs, and resorts are some of the best things to do in Darwin. The Wave Lagoon, Leanyer Recreation Park, and Big Buoy are the top waterparks in the city.

The Tiwi Islands is also one of the most relaxing tourist spots in Darwin. Aside from enjoying nature’s beauty, you’ll also get to know the oldest indigenous Australian people in the country here. Darwin also has several military museums to visit. For in-depth interactions and stunning artefacts, Darwin Military Museum’s Defence of Darwin Experience is a must for history buffs.

The city isn’t short of parks and gardens. Take a stroll at the Darwin Botanic Gardens to revitalize your energy from the tiring day tour. If you’re ready to experience the Australian outback, head to Litchfield National Park or take a short flight to Kakadu National Park. Meanwhile, A cruise on Darwin Harbour is one of the recommended things to do in Darwin to cap off your visit. All you need to do is sit back and experience Australia’s majestic coastlines.

What to Eat

Darwin offers a mix of Asian and European cuisine. There’s Sari Rasa for Indonesian food, Manolis Taverna for Mediterranean cuisine, and Eat at Martin’s for Indian food cravings. Hanuman offers the best international cuisine in Darwin. Their signature oven-baked oyster is a must-try.

If you’re going for a heavy meal, Char Restaurant’s steaks and seafood are highly recommended by locals. Many of the famous restaurants in Darwin can be found in the CBD area, specifically along Mitchell Street. To complete your dining adventure in Darwin, get a cup of organic Brazilian coffee from Café del Art.

Nightlife

The best way to beat the humid temperature of the region is to drink beer. It’s not difficult to find watering holes in Darwin. Go to Mitchell Street in the CBD, Darwin Harbour, Alice Springs, or Daly Waters and choose from the numerous bars and nightclubs in the area. The Darwin Ski Club, Precinct Tavern, and Discovery Nightclub are popular among tourists looking for a place to hang out at night.

The Darwin Entertainment Centre, Ducks Nuts Bar & Grill, and Viva La Vida are few of the popular places that play live music. Take note of the dress code, since not every pub will let you in wearing just a t-shirt and a flip-flop. Best to contact them beforehand to know what attire to wear.

Where to Stay

The city centre is where most tourists prefer to stay due to its accessibility. Hotels in Darwin City are also surrounded by picturesque views of oceans and parks, making them the perfect holiday escape.

If you want to get away from the bustling city life, Parap is a suburb just a few minutes away from the CBD. Darwin hotels in this area have a retro and laid-back feel ideal for staycations. If you’re looking for hotels in Darwin that have a resort-style theme, Mindil Beach is the place to stay. You’ll see more of nature and less towering buildings in this area.

Many of the luxury hotels in Darwin are found in the CBD area. But one of the most famous suites, SKYCITY Darwin, can be found on the Mindil Beach town. For adventure-seekers looking for a place to camp, the Wildman Wilderness Lodge and the Crab Claw Island offer tourists affordable cabins and tents.

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