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Darwin, Australia

Darwin

Gateway to the Top End

Welcome to Australia's frontier city

Introduction

Australia's northernmost state capital, Darwin, is well known as the gateway to the Top End's national parks, but there's plenty to do in the city itself, and even more in its immediate surroundings. Museums and galleries shed light on Darwin's fascinating history, while colourful weekend markets provide endless hours of shopping and snacking. The nearby wetlands and monsoon forests are great for spotting crocs, and many of the locals consider Litchfield National Park to have just as much to offer as the more famous Kakadu.

You might not expect to find a cosmopolitan and vibrant city in such a remote corner of Australia, but Darwin is just that. More than 50 nationalities - including the area's traditional custodians, the Larrakia Aboriginal people - are represented in a city that exudes a confident and relaxed air. Founded in the 19th century when gold was discovered at nearby Pine Creek, Darwin has bounced back from both Japanese bombing during the Second World War and almost total devastation at the hands of Cyclone Tracey in 1974. Yet projects like the multi-million-dollar waterfront development at Darwin Harbour and a huge number of parks, markets, museums and galleries are testament to the city's revival.

Try a jackfruit curry or sample crocodile jerky at the much-loved Mindil Beach Sunset Market from May to October. Catch a film beneath the stars with a drink from the bar at the Deckchair Cinema from April to November. Dine beside the harbour at Cullen Bay Marina. Or charter your own yacht and see the city from the water.

Litchfield National Park, traditionally home to the Wagait Aboriginal people, is the closest national park to Darwin and is easily accessible from the city. Monsoon forests, towering termite mounds and unusual rock formations are typical sights in a park that encloses much of the spectacular Tabletop Range, a wide sandstone plateau fringed by cliffs. Powerful waterfalls cascade off the plateau during the wet season, forming crystal-clear rock pools perfect for swimming.

The Mary River Region is a wetland habitat full of birds and other wildlife is another popular and easy excursion from Darwin, an hour's drive away. Saltwater crocodiles and other flora and fauna can be seen on scenic cruises through the billabongs, but it's the world-class fishing that the Mary River floodplain is really best known for, with a wide range of charters offering anglers the chance to catch barramundi and other tropical species.

 

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Top itineraries in Darwin

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

The Ghan & Kangaroo Island

13-day tailor-made rail holiday from £6,235 pp incl. flights

Travelling from south to north, this tailor-made trip marries one of the world’s greatest rail journeys with tropical Darwin, Adelaide’s heritage and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

Nitmiluk Gorge

Northern Territory Explorer: Top End to the Red Centre

16-day tailor-made holiday from £5,630 pp incl. flights

Discover the diverse natural wonders, ancient Aboriginal cultural heritage and eclectic cuisine of Australia’s vast Northern Territory on this in-depth, immersive adventure.

The Ghan

The Ghan Expedition: Wilderness to Wines

14-day tailor-made luxury rail journey from £8,360 pp incl. flights

Either side of this all-inclusive rail journey through the Outback, you’ll sample the wines of the Barossa Valley and enjoy a luxury safari in the wilds of Australia's Top End.

Top places to stay in Darwin

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan

Luxury train

Regarded as one of the world's greatest rail journeys, The Ghan takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Australia.

Bamurru Plains

Bamurru Plains Lodge, Kakadu

Traditional safari lodge

Bamurru Plains is an ecologically sensitive camp in the midst of the Mary River floodplains, an area rich in bird and wildlife and where you can explore the magnificent landscape in the company of expert guides and hosts.

Adina Apartments, Darwin

Adina Apartment Hotel, Darwin Waterfront

Contemporary hotel

Enjoy waterfront living in the midst of Darwin’s Waterfront area offering easy access to the swimming and boating lagoon and wave pool plus a wide choice of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Oaks Elan Darwin

Oaks Elan Darwin, Darwin

Contemporary hotel

The Oaks Elan Darwin soars 27 floors above the harbour and offers a choice of hotel rooms or apartments in a great location.

Darwin articles

Rocky Mountaineer

The world’s best journeys by rail

Travel in style with the ultimate collection of train journeys, chosen by our rail experts reporting back from the tracks. There’s everything from such old favourites as the Orient Express to new classics as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer.

Meet our Darwin experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0634

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0634 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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