Holiday houses in Darwin

Rich in industrial history, Aboriginal culture, and untamed wilderness, Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and a gateway to the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Darwin is home to the Larrakia People, the traditional owners of the region. Proximity to Southeast Asia and many Pacific islands have also blessed the city with a diverse, multicultural community, evident in the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where you can enjoy grilled local barramundi and chips alongside mouth-watering spicy laksa or savour mud crabs next to pandan chicken.

There are dramatic gorges and rainforests to explore at the Kakadu, co-managed by First Nations and Parks Australia, where you can immerse yourself in Darwin’s indigenous history at its numerous rock art sites. Spot prehistoric crocodiles, take a scenic flight over the waterways, wander the beachfront, or simply sit back and watch the sun set over the Arafura Sea. After dark, the bars of Mitchell Street offer plenty of buzz, while the Waterfront Quarter has a more low-key vibe, and Stokes Hill Wharf is a haven for seafood.

Most people choose to visit in the dry season, which runs from June to September. This time of the year usually brings clear skies, minimal rainfall, and low humidity, offering great conditions to explore the region’s national parks, embark on scenic hikes, and see the vast array of wildlife that typically gathers around the rugged landscape’s waterholes. The wet season runs from November to March and is usually a much quieter time to visit Darwin. These months can be very humid, and there’s a strong chance of storms and monsoon rains. While not as pleasant as the dry season, this is a great time to explore Darwin with fewer fellow visitors, see the waterfalls in Kakadu National Park in full flow, and take a crocodile tour.

The Tiwi Islands

A collection of 11 islands, the Tiwi archipelago sits across the Timor Sea from Darwin. Visitors arrive via ferry, with services running three times a week. Aboriginal arts centres showcase locally crafted artwork, pottery, and jewellery, while fishing, crabbing, and swimming at Tomorapi Falls are also major draws.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are amongst the most famous in Australia. These colourful stalls are set up every Thursday and Sunday from April until October, making up over 200 specialty stores and food vendors. Try indigenous ingredients, including Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle, and green ants, and eat your way around the world with the wide range of street food on show.

Litchfield National Park

Along with Kakadu National Park, a visit to the Litchfield National Park is one of the key reasons many people visit Darwin. This spectacular expanse of nature contains a number of majestic waterfalls and waterholes where you can safely swim and cool off on hot days. The park is also known for its huge magnetic termite mounds and offers a range of walks for all levels of ability, as well as incredible viewing platforms and picnic spots.