Places to Camp Around the Northern Territory
One must enjoy the beauty of nature away from the daily routine and to do this, nothing can be better than setting a camp beneath the stars. When camping we can appreciate the beauty of nature and what better than the sites near Darwin city where you can enjoy plunge pools to waterfalls and water lands to monsoon forest. To experience the diverse nature of the northern territory, we offer you a list of a few stunning locations.
- Litchfield National Park – Just 1.5 hours from Darwin City is Litchfield National Park. The place is the best option for families and friends who are looking to camp near waterfalls and walking trails. The sites are very comfortable with all having access to basic needs such as toilets, firewood, fire pits, and drinking water. The place offers the best weekend camping experience. Wangi Falls is the most favourite among the visitors. Litchfield Park Rd, Litchfield Park NT 0822, Australia.
- Gunlom, Kakadu National Park – Kakadu National Park is an amalgamation of beautiful sites, waterfalls, and grassy lands. Take a 30-minute hike to a breathtakingly beautiful view of forest and ancient stone country. The place has all the necessary camping amenities from barbeques to solar-powered hot showers. Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886, Australia.
- Mary River National Park – One of the secluded camping spots close to the river embracing scenic beauty. The place is a popular choice among adventurous. Point Stuart Rd, Point Stuart NT 0822, Australia.
- West MacDonnell National Park – Camp the Redbank Gorge. This spot is at the same elevation as the Himalayas. If you are looking for rocky trails with campfires and want to unleash this rugged side to your personality, you must try this site. With all the basic facilities, this place is a picturesque spot to spend a few days.
- Karlu Karlu, Devils Marbles Conservation Reserves – This geologically mysterious valley is situated 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek. You can enjoy a perfect campsite night here to notice the dazzling transformation of sky through sunset to sunrise.
Places to Stay in Darwin City
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia, situated on the Timor Sea. The city is a getaway for the people who want to visit all these national parks engulfing it. The city sees a number of visitors throughout the year, as it holds a very strong position in the business industry. It is well-known to be Australia’s getaway to Asia.
The culturally diverse city has a number of good places where you can stay and enjoy your visit to the same. The best of the places are:
- Argus Hotel Darwin – 3 Shepherd Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- The Cavanagh – 12 Cavanagh Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- H for Smith Hotel – 81, Smith Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Mercure Darwin Airport Resort – 1 Sir Norman Brearly Drive, 0812 Darwin, Australia.
- Kalidonis Village – 87, Woods Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Darwin City Hotel – 59, Smith Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Rydges Palmerston-Darwin – 15 Maluka Drive, 0831 Darwin, Australia.
- Oaks Elan Darwin – 31 Woods Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Doubletree by Hilton, Darwin – 122, The Esplanade, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin – 6 Carey Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Travelodge Resort Darwin – 64, Cavenagh St, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- H On Mitchell Apartment Hotel – 105, Mitchell Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Palms City Resort – 64 the Esplanade, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Frontier Hotel Darwin – 3 Buffalo Court, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Mantra Padanas – 43 Knuckney Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Cullen Bay Resorts – 26-32 Marina Boulevard, Larrakeyah, 0820 Darwin, Australia.
- Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront -7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Mindil Beach Casino Resort – formerly Skycity Darwin – Gilruth Avenue, Mindil Beach, The Gardens, 0801 Darwin, Australia.
- C2 Esplanade Service Apartments – 102 Esplanade, Darwin CBD,0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin – 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
- Value INN – 50 Mitchell Street, Darwin CBD, 0800 Darwin, Australia.
Places to Eat in Darwin City
- Cove – The fiesta of the carnivores, the newly opened restaurant, Cove is the best option for the non-vegetarians. The restaurant is a part of SKYCITY Darwin resort and gives an amusing vibe that is a treat to the soul along with the body. Enjoy dining alongside the pool where you can enjoy the best finger-licking delicacies. Gilruth Ave, The Gardens, Mindil Beach, Darwin Australia.
- Eva’s Botanical Garden’s Cafe – If you want to enjoy breakfast in the lush greenery then this is a perfect choice for you. Situated in the heart of Darwins Botanic gardens, this place offers you the freshest food all baked in house. You can have sandwiches, wraps, salads and other delicacies here. You can take your tea and have a walk around in the gardens. Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia.
- Hanuman Darwin – The famous restaurateur Jimmy Shoo furnished this place with the best artwork and furniture from his Asian travels, which makes it an attractive site to visit. If you want to feel the essence of south-east Asia, you must visit this place to enjoy very palatable food from the region. Eva’s Cafe, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road, The Gardens NT 0800 Australia.
- Char Restaurant – The perfect spot for seafood lovers, this place offers you delicious meals along with the standout tinct of pickled local fish and scallops with lime and coconut cream. The unerring list of wines makes it a dining spot for the most glorious power brokers of Australia. Corner of The Esplanade and Knuckey Street, Darwin Australia.
- Pee Wee’s at the Point – The place faces the sea, and that makes it the best place for catching the view of the sunset along with the great food. The place offers a feast to both your eyes and body. Who can resist a wild-caught oven-baked saltwater barramundi that is prepared locally? Lot 5775, Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point Reserve, Darwin Australia.
- PM Eat & Drink – This little restaurant serves fresh seafood and other produce, exquisitely cooked to serve. The place is quite famous among foodies, so make an advance booking to avoid any last-minute waiting. 1/56 Smith Street, Darwin Australia.
- Chow – The place offers you a ton of fun where you can enjoy both nature and an air-conditioned hall, the choice is in your hands. The spot offers you the best Asian mix of food along with the finest served cocktails. Shops D1 and D2, 19 Kitchener Drive, Darwin Australia.
Where to Pick up the Essentials in Darwin City?
- Casuarina Shopping Center – It has the largest number of retail stores in the Northern Territory. You can find a few stores here. Casuarina shopping centre is the busiest shoppers stop in the Darwin city. 247 Tower Rd, Casuarina Nt 0810, Australia
- Mitchell Center – The centre is an indoor shopping place which has a super centre, pharmacy, and casual eateries. The street serves as one of the best shopping markets for shopaholics. 55/59 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
- Smith Street – Smith street has everything from clothing and outdoor stores to hairdressers and gift stores.
You can also try some stores that lie near to the city, such as Parap market that offers a good variety of vegetables. You can also visit the Mindil Market. The market is close to the beach of Mindil and thus is named after the same.
Things to do in Darwin
This tropical paradise of Australia lies in the northern territory of the continent. The tropical climate makes this place a perfect escapade for travellers. People from all over the world visit this city to experience a tropical climate away from the chill.
Despite being small, the town manages to gather a fascinating and glorious history that thrives a person and attracts him to this city. There’s a lot that this city offers ranging from the beauty of picturesque nature to a gorgeous spot for sporty people. The multiculturalism of the city promises it a vivid mass of visitors every time.
- Crocosaurus Cove – Crocodiles are considered to be an icon in the Northern Territory. There are a lot of crocodiles in the NT; this is a reason that many of the beaches are not considered safe to swim in. But to add to people’s adventure list, the place has a few crocodile parks where you can see the crocodile through the cage you are locked in. 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia.
- Tiwi Islands – This chain of nine beautiful islands are about 80 kilometres from the city of Darwin. The place has a fascinating indigenous history to enjoy. You can enjoy nature in the form of beaches, birds and it is home to many endangered species.
- Wave Lagoon – To rejuvenate yourself, you can visit this gorgeous place that is a complete relief from the heat. As the beaches in Darwin are not considered to be safe for swimming, the lagoons provide an amazing alternative to them. People can also enjoy the nearby shops and eateries. Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia.
- Cruise the Mary River Wetlands – To enjoy the local wildlife you can visit this astonishingly beautiful year-round spot. You can enjoy the view of crocodile and diverse fishes.
Darwin Botanic Garden – Here one can stroll through the lush green botanical garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia. - Darwin Harbour – The perfect waterways are a beautiful point to cruise through the pristine waters of the sea. You can enjoy local food with a delighting view of the sunset.
The Chinese Temple and Museum Chung Wah – This museum is full of interesting facts about the role the Chinese people played in the development of Australia. 25 Woods St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia. - Darwin Casino – Spend and evening testing your luck at the Darwin Casino. Mindil Beach, Gilruth Ave, Darwin City NT 0820, Australia.
Things to do with Kids in Darwin City
In Darwin City, the tropical city of Australia, the lifestyle is pretty relaxing, and the people here are very friendly, which makes it a great option for vacationing with your family and friends. There is a mix of culture that is seen at this place, as it is a neighbour to Asia. There are a number of sites that you can visit with your kids and make their trip memorable. Below are a few from the list:
- Crocosauras Cove – The name crocodile brings a chill in our body, but this place is safe where you can get up close with the crocodiles. Crocosauras Cove is located in the centre of the city allowing visitors to view the croc in a safe and specially designed environment. The adventure is split down in levels, out of which Cage of death is the extreme level. You must visit this place for an unforgettable experience. 58 Mitchell St., Darwin Australia.
- WW II Oil Tunnel and Military Museum – During World War II, Darwin was a nook spot, and then it was bombed by the Japanese. The place has a lot of remnants scattered around the city that can give you a good understanding of Australian history. Darwin waterfront, Kitchener Dr, Darwin Australia.
Recreation Lagoon – A perfect outing spot where you can enjoy swimming and other outdoor activities in complete protection of lifeguards and nets. Marlow Lagoon NT 0830, Darwin Australia. - Aquacene – At the top of my priority list is the Aquacene. If you are a nature lover, you must visit this place where you can feed the wild ocean fishes with your hands. You may see a lot of kids here. 28 Doctors Gully Road, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Darwin Australia.
- Stokes Wharf – Situated at Darwin’s waterfront, this place is home to various seaside eateries, where you can go along with your kids to enjoy a feast. 45 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin Australia NT 0800.
- Berry Springs Nature Park – The place is a famous picnic spot just 47 kilometres away from Darwin City. You can enjoy native fishes along with a picturesque natural view. You can take a walk around the bushlands and grasslands here. Berry Springs, Northern Territory Australia.
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – The place is located outside the Darwin CBD and displays a great outlook of the history. 19 Conacher St, Darwin Australia.
- The Qantas Hangar – The area that has survived a number of bombings and many cyclones is a must-visit for all. You can see this delightful place and enjoy its beauty for hours. Here you will find a huge collection of antique airplane and bike museum that will give you many moments of amusement. 22 Holtze St, Parap NT Australia.
Places to Shop in Darwin
On every outing, all of us want to get some gifts for our near and dear ones. We want to take away a touch of the place with us. So here are a few places that offer you outback necessities, aboriginal artifacts, and surf gear. There are many stores that attract tourists towards them, but there are some places that considered to be the best shopping areas in the city. The list of these places is given below.
- Casuarina Square – This shopping centre is a hub of around 180 businesses that include two supermarkets, namely Coles and Woolworths. There are seven screen BCC cinemas along with discount department stores namely Big W and Kmart. One can get a perfect gift for anyone for any occasion. The facilities include free Wi-Fi service. There are bank services, cinemas, dining and entertainment, fashion stores, food stores, bookstores, and music points. 247 Thrower Road, Darwin NT Australia 0810.
- Mitchell Centre – The place is considered to be among the best of hangout places with friends. It has a lot of facilities including two hours of free undercover parking and easy access to public transports. You can easily find stores for pharmacy, dining, fashion, beauty, jewellery, travel services, technical devices, coffee, and liquor. 55-59 Mitchell Street, Darwin Australia.
- Oasis Shopping Village – The place has over 30 outlets of various uses. You can find all you need under one roof. The stores here offer bedding, games and electronics, food and drink, health and fitness along with homewares. 15 Temple Terrace, Gray, Darwin Australia.
- Mbantua Fine Art Gallery – The place has a beautiful collection of arts and jewellery. One must visit here for an impressive collection. 2/30 The Mall, Darwin Australia.
- The Book Shop, Darwin – If you have time to relax on your vacation you will need a good book. The place has a very cooperative staff and offers excellent service. 1/30 Smith Street Mall, Smith St. Darwin Australia.
- Mindil Beach Market – The market is close to Mindil Beach and visited by many people as it offers a beautiful view. The market has a lot of stores. A very well known store is Viva La Body that carries the most amazing handmade body care products. Mindil Sunset Beach Market, Darwin Australia.
- Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery – This place operates the most extensive aboriginal art gallery in Darwin. From here you can get some handmade work on barks or handwoven baskets to add more beauty to your place. 44 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia.
Annual Events in Darwin City
The relaxed vibes and charismatic beaches along with the tropical weather give the city a flock of visitors every year. If you want to enjoy pumping rock music festivals, ancient landscapes, art fanatics, and a million-dollar fishing competition, what better place than this city of the Northern Territory.
- Mahabilil Festival – The annual festival celebrating the Kakadu culture runs day and night in the northern territory. The event includes various activities, displays, art exhibitions and representations of weaving, painting and other crafts. The festival also notices the dance of different local groups. They also feature various delicacies from the region that will give a feast to your soul. The place provides you with a lot of fun and music activities. Civic Drive, Jabiru, Northern Territory 0886
- Darwin Street Art Festival – The world’s best street artists rush to the city for this ten days festival to transform 15 walls in Austin and West Lane. The event is organized by the government. Austin Lane, Darwin City, NT
- Field of Light Uluru – The field of light art installation was acclaimed by Bruce Munro. To enjoy the beauty of light under the stars you must visit this place. 163, Yulara Drive, Yulara, NT
- Terror Fest – Darwins very own heavy metal music festival. This is Terror Fests 10th year bringing Australia’s local grown talents to the stage. 31 Bishop St, Woolner NT 0820, Australia.
- Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair – Enjoy this great opportunity to purchase artwork directly from over 60 Indigenous craftsmen with enjoying traditional dance, workshops, film, fashion and music. Level 2/8 McMinn St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia.
What to Expect Weather-Wise in Darwin City?
Being situated at the top of the northern territory, the city experiences two seasons the dry season, and the rainy season, which are very distinct from each other. To plan a trip, one needs to keep in mind the weather of this tropical city.
- The Rainy season
The season ranges from November to April which is characterized by very high humidity, monsoonal rains, and storms. The humidity level reaches 80 percent, whereas the average temperatures vary from 25-34°C (77-93 ℉). - The rainfall average that touches the land annually is 1727.3 mm. The wettest month was seen in this region in January. Though the weather is wet, the month of January and February are considered the beautiful summer months in the NT. Summer days and stormy weather give a refreshment to the city and its landscapes.
- There is a considerable amount of lightning seen in the months of October to December. The locals enjoy the weather hanging out at the bars and restaurants. The beauty of the place is enhanced at this time.
- The Dry Season
The months from May to October are characterized by warm weather, dry, sunny days, and cold nights. The humidity levels vary to around 60 percent from the lowest mark and the average temperature ranges from 19-33°C (66-93 ℉). The relatively cold temperature is witnessed in the month of May until July when the weather is crisp with night temperatures from 17-23°C (62-73 ℉). You can enjoy the remote locations of the city at this time as those are not easily accessible on the wet days.
Places to Leave your Pets in Darwin City
Darwin City is a city of pet lovers, and all pets are welcomed here. These little furry friends are kept with a lot of love here in these shops.
- The Furry Godmother Pet Resort – 16 Larkin Ave, Eaton NT 0820, Australia.
- Pet Barn Coconut Grove – 287 Bagot Rd, Coconut Grove NT 0810, Australia.
- A1 Pet Minding Darwin – Darwin City NT 0800, Australia.
- Helga’s Pet Resort – 25 Francesca Cct Virginia NT 0834, Australia.
- Bees Creek Boarding Kennel – 50 Horne Rd Bees Creek NT 0822 Australia.
- Cutz For Mutts – 75 Hudson Fish Ave Ludmilla NT 0820 Australia.
- Hurry Home – Nightcliff NT 0810, Australia.
- Plush Pet Stylist – 1 Becker PI Rapid Creek NT 0810, Australia.
- Nightcliff Veterinary Clinic – 10 Tang St Coconut Grove NT 0810 Australia.
- Cujo’s Pet Minding – PO Box 40404 Casuarina NT 0810, Australia.
- Darwin Veterinary Hospital – 65 Vanderlin Drv Casuarina NT 0810 Australia.
- Good! Golly K9 Academy – 3/26 McKenzie PI Yarrawonga NT 0830 Australia.
- Bitch Box Hire – 950 Kentish Road Berry Springs NT 0838 Australia.
- Comfy Cats – 50 Miniata Rd Lambells Lagoon NT 0822 Australia.