DESTINATION

Discover Darwin – The Heart of Australia’s Northern Territory

Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is a vibrant city where rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty converge. As a former frontier outpost, it boasts a fascinating past while serving as the gateway to iconic natural treasures like World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks and the Tiwi Islands. With its stunning harbour, brilliant sunsets, and year-round tropical weather, Darwin is the perfect base to explore the Top End.

The city's waterfront area is a hub of activity, offering picturesque beaches, lush green spaces like Bicentennial Park, and attractions such as the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, showcasing Southeast Asian and Pacific art alongside maritime exhibits. Shoppers will delight in Darwin's eclectic mix of boutiques, Aboriginal art galleries, specialty stores, and vibrant markets such as Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Parap Village Saturday Markets, and Nightcliff Sunday Markets.

Food lovers are in for a treat, with Darwin’s multicultural dining scene offering everything from Italian and Indian cuisine to NT specialties like kangaroo, buffalo, and fresh local seafood. Alfresco dining with stunning water views is a highlight, whether at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Cullen Bay, or Stokes Hill Wharf.

For those seeking adventure, Darwin delivers world-class fishing, cultural tours, thrilling expeditions, and unique World War II heritage sites. The city’s colourful calendar of festivals, events, and arts showcases its diverse and harmonious community of over 60 nationalities.

Weather you are looking to organise an eventing out or extending your trip, the Top End Visitor Information Centre is your one-stop shop for free travel advice, maps, and tour bookings. Located in the city centre, it’s open seven days a week to help you make the most of your visit.

Explore Darwin and discover a city full of life, culture, and adventure, where every moment offers a new experience.

Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Helen Orr Tarntipi Bush Camp, Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss

DARWIN CITY MAPS

  • ARNHEM LAND

    Arnhem Land, dotted with ancient rock paintings, is an iconic Aboriginal cultural region. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, savannah woodlands, extraordinary rock formations, picturesque coastlines, and deserted islands. Visitors can join tours offering unique experiences like sunset cruises on billabongs, wildlife watching, and adventurous "bush tucker" walks. This remarkable region showcases Australia’s rich natural and cultural heritage, making it a destination of immense significance and beauty, ideal for those seeking a connection with its history, landscapes, and traditions.

  • KATHERINE GORGE

    Nitmiluk National Park is known for its stunning landscape shaped by the Katherine River. The park offers breathtaking lookouts over 13 gorges with 60-meter sandstone cliffs rising from the river. Visitors can enjoy kayaking between towering cliffs, walks to ancient rock art, serene rock pools, cascading waterfalls, and remote fishing spots, providing an unforgettable experience of both adventure and tranquility in this beautiful natural setting.

  • BERRY SPRINGS

    Berry Springs offers a refreshing way to cool off while immersing oneself in nature. This stunning park features palm-fringed waterholes with crystal-clear spring water, perfect for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy sliding down the natural waterslides formed by the creek’s cascades. Known for its serene beauty and inviting waters, Berry Springs provides an idyllic escape for nature lovers, combining relaxation and adventure. It’s a memorable destination for those seeking peace, excitement, and a unique outdoor experience.

  • MARY RIVER

    Located just an hour's drive from Darwin, the Mary River is accessible year-round. Visitors can join river tours to witness its remarkable birdlife and stunning scenery, or take fishing tours to catch Barramundi. While exploring, it's essential to stay alert for glimpses of the crocodiles that inhabit the northern Australian waters, making this destination a unique and thrilling experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

  • KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

    UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, spanning around 20,000 square kilometres. This expansive park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural significance, with lush wetlands, towering escarpments, and ancient sandstone galleries. These landscapes have been home to the Bininj people for over 50,000 years, preserving their rich traditions and knowledge. Kakadu’s diverse ecosystems, stunning wildlife, and historic sites make it a must-see destination for those seeking adventure and cultural exploration.

  • TIWI ISLAND

    Just a 20-minute flight or two-hour ferry ride from Darwin, Melville and Bathurst Islands are home to the Tiwi people, one of the world’s oldest living cultures. The Tiwi welcome visitors, sharing stories, traditional ceremonies, and artwork that have endured through the ages. Guests can explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, crystal-clear rock pools, and even stay overnight to immerse in the unique culture and beauty of the islands.