Darwin is a popular holiday destination for local and international visitors seeking the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. Travellers from all around the world love to experience its outdoor tropical lifestyle, beautiful scenery, wildlife and natural attractions.
Unwind on the picturesque waterfront with its relaxed tropical vibe. Take in the famed Darwin sunsets. Hike the beautiful national parks. Get up close to crocodiles with our Darwin crocodile tours. Fly to remote wilderness areas for an authentic outback experience. Darwin is truly the gateway to unforgettable Northern Territory experiences.
There’s plenty to see and do in and around the city centre and many highlights such as the Litchfield National Park are only a short drive away. But incredible adventures await if you head a little deeper into the region and so visitors should plan their Darwin trip with sufficient time to avoid disappointment!
The ‘Top End’, the lush, tropical north is home to a variety of amazing wildlife and visitors can expect to see a vast range of species in their natural habitat.
In the past, the many birds, salt-water crocodiles, frogs, fish, water buffalo and other remarkable creatures could only be viewed from a distance, but visitors can now have both aerial and close-up wildlife encounters by taking an easy day trip from Darwin.
Whether you’re after a family holiday, a romantic tropical getaway, an outdoor discovery tour or adrenaline-fueled Outback Floatplane Adventures, the Northern Territory with its natural beauty, amazing fauna and flora, fascinating heritage and rare sights has something for everyone.
Darwin is best described as having only two seasons - the wet season and the dry season. The contrast between the two is huge.
The dry season typically begins in May and finishes in October and is the most popular time for visitors.
Humidity is low, there is very little rainfall, nights are balmy and days are warm. It is the perfect time to explore the more remote areas that can be off-limits during the wet season.
The wet season typically runs from November to April.
During this time, the region springs to life. Floodplains are full of water, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife are everywhere and there are excellent fishing opportunities.
It is rich with indigenous culture, with the Larrakia (saltwater) people living in the area long before European settlement.
The first Europeans to set eyes on Darwin were the crew of the English ship HMS Beagle in 1839.
In 1942, Japanese fighter planes conducted an air raid that was the first enemy attack on Australia during World War II, and was carried out by the same fleet of planes that attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Japanese launched a total of 60 air attacks on the city between 1942 and 1943, causing massive destruction and killing around 250 people.
The city was rebuilt - but not for the last time.
Several cyclones over the years caused major damage, but Cyclone Tracy was the worst. It ripped through the city on Christmas Day in 1974, destroying or damaging 70 per cent of homes and severing all public services including communications, power, water and sewerage.
For some interesting insights into Darwin’s history, check out:
Darwin Military Museum www.darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory www.magnt.net.au
For some vibrant culture, a tropical atmosphere, live music, great craft stalls and tasty street food, head to Darwin’s colourful Mindil Beach.
The sunset markets on this iconic stretch of beach are almost as famous as the sunsets themselves!
With hundreds of food and shopping stalls, live music and a sensational beach backdrop, the Mindil Sunset Market is the perfect place for locals and visitors to chill, mingle, sample different cuisines and peruse local arts, crafts, clothing and homewares.
When you’re there, make sure you come and say hi to the friendly Outback Floatplane Adventures team at our market stall. We’d love to meet you and answer any questions you have about the best ways to discover the magnificence of the Northern Territory.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is held every Thursday and Sunday evening between April and October.
To book your unforgettable Darwin trip or for more information on our Litchfield tours please call us on 08 8981 4881, email us or see our FAQ page.
