Darwin is Australia's most northerly city, and the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital. Located on a peninsular with the sea on three sides, it is a place unvisited by winter. The weather can usually be adequately described as either balmy or sultry. Watching sunsets and storms are something of a local past time complemented by the penchant for outdoor dining restaurants offering delicious local cuisine, like succulent mud crabs or barramundi. There are many attractions within easy reach - browse the Museum and discover the full effects of Cyclone Tracy or view Sweetheart the Crocodile; hand feed huge milk-fish and barramundi; see crocodiles by the hundreds; enjoy a spot of fishing; or stroll along the historic city walk. Regular markets are located throughout the city, but the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are perhaps the best known. Darwin is also a great base from which to explore the surrounding region and the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
When to Visit Darwin
Darwin’s hot and humid tropical climate has an average temperature of 30oC all year round. The Wet Season begins in November and lasts through to early April (Average temperature 22 - 32oC/ Average rainfall 14mm) - tropical storms make swimming in the sea impossible at this time. Best time to visit is during the Dry Season, especially at the beginning and end when humidity is less oppressive (Average temperature 25 - 33oC/ Average rainfall 235mm)
Getting Around Darwin
Darwin International Airport (DIA) is located approximately 13 klms from the Darwin central business district and is the main international and domestic gateway to the Northern Territory. Darwin itself has to be one of the easiest cities to get around. Walking or riding a push bike is a joy in Darwin, which is small enough to discover a lot of it on foot. The public transport buses are affordable, reliable, and cover all of Darwin. Everything is just 20 minutes away! Driving in Darwin is a joy, too. Traffic is free flowing and nobody seems to be in a rush. The way Darwin is laid out makes it really easy to get where you want to go. Drive a rental car from Darwin through Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park and back.