Travel to Darwin

Travel to Darwin

The Australian city of Darwin is a multicultural, cosmopolitan, tropical city located in the country's Northern Territory. Darwin is a fairly small city, with a population of around 110,000, and is located on Australia's far northern coast, facing the Timor Sea. The city is closer to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta than it is to Sydney and is heavily influenced by Asian culture. Darwin has a mixed population, which includes large numbers of indigenous Australians, Asians and Europeans.

Transportation to Darwin

Darwin's airport offers both international and domestic routes. Many flights run between Darwin and Indonesia as well as to other destinations in Southeast Asia. Travellers can also fly to Darwin from all other states in Australia, even though you might end up going via Alice Springs, Brisbane or Adelaide.

It is possible to reach Darwin by bus on three routes - the Western Australian route from Broome, Derby, Port Hedland and Kununurra; the Queensland route through Mt Isa to Threeways and up the Track; or straight up the Track from Alice Springs. There is also a weekly train service from Adelaide to Darwin, which takes two nights.

What to see

The highlight of any visit to Darwin and the top end is to see crocodiles close up. The best location to do this in Darwin is the thrilling Crocodylus Park on McMillans road. The park revolves around a huge lagoon, and visitors can get up close to giant specimens of this carnivorous creature and observe their feeding behaviour during one of the daily feeding sessions.

On the way back to the city, dont miss the fascinating Aviation Heritage Centre. Darwin's other major attractions include the Indo-Pacific Marine & Australian Pearling Exhibition, which boasts a large aquarium; the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, displaying a comprehensive history of the area; the Chinese Temple; the Botanic Gardens and the old Admiralty House.

Daytrips

Heading out of Darwin, drive to the East Point Reserve to see wallabies, swim in Lake Alexander and walk around the mangrove walkway. Continuing further will take you to the fantastic national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield. These parksare the main reason many visitors make their way to Darwin.

Litchfield is the nearest and most easily reached of the two, with some wonderful waterfalls, but its Kakadu, a World Heritage site, which boasts an amazing variety of wildlife and plant life among its swamps and plains. In the wet season however, access is limited.

Activities and leisure

Sports fans will delight in the range of sports on offer in Darwin including cricket, Australian Rules Football, rugby league and V8 Supercars, while shoppers should head for the numerous markets for Asian handicrafts, books, knick-knacks and New Age products.

Safety issues

With the variety of wildlife and the tropical climate, visitors should be more aware of danger from these than from fellow humans. When swimming, watch out for signs warning of crocodiles and box jellyfish. The stings from the later can be extremely painful and even fatal. Of course, normal precautions should be taken regarding personal documents and belongings. We strongly advise you take out travel insurance for youand your family.