Hotels in Darwin

Best time to visit Darwin

Darwin has 2 distinct seasons. The dry season from April – September has warm balmy days, clear blue skies, and average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. During the wet season from October – March, average temperatures are similar to the dry season, but the frequent rains and high humidity make it feel a lot warmer. Mid-June – August is a good time to visit Darwin, when average night temperatures drop to 19 – 20 degrees Celsius. At this time of the year, the city is alive and buzzing with plenty of activities and pop-up markets, but this is also the peak tourist season and accommodation costs are higher. If you don’t mind the daily afternoon rain and frequent storms, visit Darwin in the wet season, also called ‘green’ season because of the lush green landscape, spectacular waterfalls, wildlife mating, and sightings of several exotic bird species during this time of the year.

Getting around Darwin

Darwin is well-connected by a public bus network and fares start at $3.00 AUD for unlimited travel up to 3 hours from purchase. A daily ticket for unlimited travel until the last service of the day costs $7.00 AUD. The Tour Tub Darwin City Explorer offers a 5-hour guided tour of Darwin with free entry to several attractions and costs $110.00 AUD per person. To book a taxi, call one of the several service providers such as Darwin Radio Taxis, or City Radio Taxis, amongst others. Many of the sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other and can be covered on foot. You can also hire a bike 24 hours a day, from multiple locations of Spinway Bike Stations across the city.

Best places to stay in Darwin

Gazing out across the Timor Sea, Australia’s only tropical capital, Darwin is a cosmopolitan city, rich in history, art, culture and nature. With a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, splendid sunsets, and plenty of parks and museums, Darwin and its neighbouring areas cater to a wide range of interests amongst travellers.

Darwin City Centre

Characterised by wide streets, leafy parks, unmissable waterfront sunsets, and alfresco dining, the city centre is where you will see most of the action and popular attractions. Indulge in a stay at the self-contained, award-winning accommodation at Mandalay Luxury Stay on the Esplanade. Overlooking the Darwin Harbour, you have the Hilton Darwin hotel which features elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities and stunning water views. Or you can consider the H Hotel Darwin on Smith Street in the heart of Darwin’s central business district.

Fannie Bay

The Fannie Bay neighbourhood is home to the Darwin Sailing Club, Fannie Bay Gaol and the Fannie Bay Race Course. You can book a stay at the Bayview Lodge on George Crescent or the Capricornia Motel on Kellaway Street. You also have several villas and bungalows offered for short stays through operators such as Top End Short Stays.

The Gardens

Home to the George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens, this neighbourhood, known as ‘The Gardens’ features plenty of green spaces, sports ovals, and a golf course. The beachfront of Mindil Beach hosts plenty of family-friendly fun activities and sunset markets. Enjoy the tropical beachside gardens and stylish accommodation at the SKYCITY Darwin hotel on Mindil Beach. Within a 10-minute walk from Mindil Beach, you have the Gecko Lodge, offering friendly, family-run accommodation set amid lush tropical gardens.

Parap

Originally the site of Darwin Aerodrome, Parap’s long, wide road links Stuart Highway with the Fannie Bay coast. The area has several hotels and short stay holiday apartments and is also home to village markets and shops. Enjoy a stylish and comfortable stay at the Casa on Gregory, a 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Parap village. Or choose a studio or 1 – 3 bedroom serviced apartments at the Quest Parap, located close to the Parap Shopping Village and Parap markets.

Cheap hotels in Darwin

For a lively backpacking hostel stay, consider the Darwin YHA – Melaleuca on Mitchell or Chilli’s Backpackers hostel. You also have the low-key Darwin City Point Hotel (Poinciana Inn), and Value Inn hotel that offer a comfortable stay at budget prices. At the Palms City Resort, you can choose bungalows, executive villas or standard rooms for a convenient stay in the heart of Darwin City Centre.

The city’s laidback and friendly ambience coupled with an abundance of culture and nature is bound to make your Darwin visit a uniquely Australian experience. There is plenty to see and explore in this area. Just wear your hats and boots and get started on your Darwin adventure.

• Feed some of the biggest salt-water crocodiles or take a selfie with a baby crocodile at the Crocosaurus Cove.
• Explore the walk-through aviary, nocturnal house, goose lagoon, aquarium, billabong, and monsoon forest walk at the Territory Wildlife Park in Berry Springs, a 45-minute drive from Darwin.
• Book an adventurous, 2.5-hour Wetlands Cruise that takes you to the Mary River Wetlands where you can spot a huge variety of birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Watch nature at its best in Litchfield National Park.
• Get a glimpse of Darwin’s history and role in World War II at the Darwin Military Museum.
• Go on a Northern Territory Aboriginal Cultural Tour where you can learn about bush tucker and traditional medicine, try blowing a didgeridoo, play the clapsticks, throw a spear, and see basket and dilly bag-making demonstrations.
• On Thursday or Sunday evenings, visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market to enjoy some magnificent sunsets while you watch the buskers and browse through hundreds of stalls.
• Take a leisurely stroll on Mitchell Street which is home to much of the entertainment and nightlife that Darwin has to offer.
• Visit the 42-hectare large George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens to see a large collection of local plants, and relax under the canopy of rain trees and tall palms.
• Walk through the Parap Village Markets held on Saturdays and get a taste of the true Northern Territory atmosphere as you browse through the finest local produce, clothing, jewellery, and artworks.
• Watch a current or classic film at the open-air screen of Deckchair Cinema on Jervois Road in the Wharf Precinct.