Darwin and Surrounds, Northern Territory

Tiwi Islands - Darwin and surrounds The tropical Top End is dramatic, vibrant and friendly, and offers a range of experiences. Darwin, the Northern Territory’s cosmopolitan capital, is a great place to begin exploring. The city offers a range of accommodation and facilities, and is a popular holiday destination, thanks to its relaxed charm and proximity to the region’s iconic natural wonders.

Half an hour south of Darwin is Berry Springs Nature Park, a swimming and recreational area and the popular Territory Wildlife Park is just next door. Operating on the nearby Adelaide River, regular jumping crocodile cruises provide the chance to see saltwater crocodiles propel themselves from the water. Further south along the Stuart Highway is Litchfield National Park, a great place to cool off beneath cascading waterfalls and view attractions such as unique magnetic termite mounds, monsoonal rainforests and tumbling rocky waterholes. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is 250 kilometres from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.

To the north of Darwin are the Tiwi Islands where visitors can share in the culture of the Tiwi people. Take an organised tour and purchase some local art and crafts, chat with some of the local Tiwi ladies over a pot of billy tea, or fish the clear waters surrounding the islands.

Fishing is a popular Northern Territory pastime, with Darwin and Bynoe Harbours offering excellent fishing. The Daly River, the Mary River wetlands and the Victoria River are among the fishing hot spots while Dundee Beach and Mandorah Beach boast stretches of sandy coastline.

Articles

A cultural melting pot

Darwin is closer to Asia than Sydney, so it has the vigour and diversity you would expect of a city that is home to 50 ethnic groups. Along with Aboriginal culture, these influences help mould a unique restaurant, market and cultural scene. more

A re-incarnated city

Darwin has little in the way of historic architecture. Cyclone Tracy flattened the city in 1974, giving it a chance to be rebuilt as a modern tropical capital. Its low-rise buildings and wide, tree-lined streets, parks and waterfront developments embrace an outdoor lifestyle.

A waterfront city

Darwin sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney harbour and overlooks the Arafura Sea, offering an array of waterfront delights including superb dining, cruising, or wreck-diving. more

History happened here!

The region has a dramatic history, with a strong Aboriginal cultural heritage, a 19th century gold rush on its doorstep and a series of air-raids during World War II. Darwin survived 64 Japanese bombing raids, only to be devastated by a tropical cyclone in 1974.

Savour the delicacies

Of course you'll taste great seafood here at Australia's Top End, but you can also savour dishes melded from Asian and European influences, or try crocodile, buffalo, camel or emu. The heat means a cold beer is never far off, or a good wine at a fine restaurant. more