Experience Darwin
Darwin is the only main city in the 'Top End' of Australia and is the Northern Territory's multicultural capital, famous for its markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and massive natural harbour. Darwin boasts a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. The city's multicultural mix is particularly highlighted by its many exciting ethnic cultural festivals and weekly food and craft markets.
Last century was a big one for Darwin: barely recomposed after sustained WWII bombings, the city was razed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Its unique past and present (of rebuilding and regular rejuvenation) lends modern-day Darwin a very human spirit. Darwin has evolved from its days as an incredibly laid-back frontier town, and while it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a highly sophisticated city. Many visitors are surprised to find that it has accommodation, eateries, clubs, pubs, museums and other amenities that are at least equal to, and often better than, what you'll find in the southern cities.
Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community and many still adhere closely to their traditional beliefs and customs. They hold a spiritual connection to the land and pass their 40,000 year history down through the generations.
Darwin is the main service centre for a wide range of industries headed by mining, offshore oil and gas production, pastoralism, tourism and tropical horticulture. The Port of Darwin is also the main outlet for Australia's live cattle export trade into South East Asia.
Darwin is also the perfect base from which to explore the natural treasuresof World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks as well as the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
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Information for visitors
Darwin, a city with over sixty nationalities living and working together, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide choice of superb international dining - from fresh Italian pasta or authentic Thai cuisine, to the perfect Aussie steak. Or perhaps sample for the first time kangaroo, buffalo, crocodile, camel or the freshest in seafood. The range of places to dine is really quite amazing, so take some time to discover the many excellent restaurants, bars and cafés on offer.
Darwin also boasts some excellent casual eateries - such as the Galleria in The Mall, the Food Court at Casuarina Square Shopping Complex, and the always popular Darwin Wharf Precinct - a great place to enjoy a bite to eat and to watch the sunset over the harbour.
Darwin International Airport is the only international and domestic terminal in Darwin and is located 13 kilometres from the Darwin city centre (approximately 20 minutes drive). An airport shuttle bus operates between Darwin city and the airport. Fares start at A$10.00 one way and A$18.00 return.
A taxi costs approximately A$22 one way to the city centre.
Darwin's weather is perfect from May to September. The days are mild and the nights are balmy and cool. This is the Dry Season, when the days are characterised by gentle Southeast trade winds and blue skies are the norm. During the Dry the early morning humidity is commonly around 65%, dropping to about 40% in the afternoon. This is wonderful weather for almost anything, especially for enjoying the great outdoors-day or night!
Banking facilities in the Northern Territory are comprehensive. Australia's largest banks all have branches throughout the Northern Territory, and many will exchange foreign currency. All major international credit cards are accepted throughout the Territory, but note that not all businesses accept all cards and some may charge transaction fees.
Banking hours are generally 9.30am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am-5pm Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.
The Australian currency is dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. Coins are 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2.
The Northern Territory has many safe places to swim, including local nature reserves, public swimming pools and in some national parks. Swimming at Northern Territory beaches is not recommended due to the presence of box jellyfish. If you choose to swim at the beach, take vinegar as a precaution as it is known to sooth the sting.
Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don't swim.
Travellers should always wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 30+ sunscreen when outdoors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised.
The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so a reliable insect repellent and appropriate clothing will make travelling more comfortable.
All visitors to Australia require a valid passport and Visa (please note New Zealand citizens do not require a visa). Applications for visas can be made through Australian Embassies or Consulates in major cities around the world or in some cases through your travel agent. Ask for a business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia.
For information about Australian missions overseas, how to apply for visas and further information on ETAs, Customs clearance, Quarantine regulations, health issues, arrival and departure and more, contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs - www.immi.gov.au/index.htm. You are advised to action your application early.
Useful information about Darwin
- Country: Australia
- Location: Northern Territory (NT)
- Population: 105,000
- Language: English
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Time zone: GMT +9.5 hours (Central Standard Time)
- Country dialling code: +61
- Telephone area code: 08
- Religion: various religions
- Min/Max temperatures September 23ºC - 33ºC
- Min/Max temperatures October 25ºC - 34ºC
