Northern Territory
Darwin
State
Country
Australia
Continent
Australia
Size
3,164 KM2
Population
1
Spending Budget
$900 - $1,200
Famous For
- Deckchair Cinema
- Darwin Festival
- Aboriginal Art Awards
- Heineken Hottest 7’s in the world
- Darwin Cup Carnival
Best Time to Visit
- January
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
History
Darwin was first named in 1839 by John Lort Stokes during the third voyage of the Beagle. It was named after his former shipmate and famous naturalist Charles Darwin. Darwin’s development was accelerated by the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, about 200 km south of the city in 1871. After the gold rush, Darwin’s growth slowed mainly due to the harsh, tropical climate, distance and poor communications with other Australian cities. The Second World War put Darwin back on the map when the town became an important base for Allied action against the Japanese in the Pacific. The road south to the railhead at Alice Springs was surfaced, putting the city in direct contact with the rest of the country. Modern Darwin is one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, more open to Asia than perhaps any other Australian city. It plays an important role as the door to Australia’s northern region. Natural wonders such as Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield are all within driving distance from the city and still contain near pre-colonial populations of crocodiles, goannas, snakes and wallabies. Today Darwin is a fast-growing regional centre that has a unique history, culture and adventure.
Present Day
Darwin has a relaxed lifestyle and unique multiculturalism, where people from over 50 different cultures live and work side by side. The regular Asian-style markets that form an intrinsic part of the everyday Darwin landscape for local residents’ seafood, music, language, and culture from just about every Asian nation, alongside "crocodile hunters", local Aboriginal artists, musicians of every genre, sports fishing operators, sunset sails, and families with children playing on the beach. Darwin’s unique cosmopolitan makeup has been recognised as a "multicultural icon of national significance" by the Australian National Trust.
Future
The future for Darwin city looks promising as more and more developmental programmes will be taken up! Major infrastructure projects include rebuilding State Square and building a new Museum of the Northern Territory. Along with infrastructural developments, the city government is also working on boosting employment opportunities. The new-look Darwin City will create more jobs and provide a boost for local businesses by attracting more tourists to the Northern Territory's capital city.
Darwin Wharf Precinct
On 19 February 1942, the wharf was a target for Japanese bombs, which claimed the lives of many service personnel and waterside workers. Many of the historical landmarks remain and can be explored today.
Fannie Bay Gaol
Fannie Bay Gaol operated as Darwin’s major prison for almost 100 years from 1883. Two maximum security wings were added during the 1950s and the gallows were used for executions until 1952. The building’s grim and oppressive history can be felt as you walk through.
Burnett House at Myilly Point
Architect B.C.G. Burnett designed homes adapted to the climatic conditions of the Top End, which included the use of lightweight materials and natural ventilation. It is worth planning your visit to Myilly Point until Sunday afternoon when you can take High Tea in the shady tropical gardens at Burnett House.
Browns Mart
Browns Mart is a stone building that was opened in 1885 as the store 'Solomon’s Emporium.' It played many roles over the years, but today has become a cultural and historic icon of the city that is regularly used for theatre and performances.
Adelaide River War Cemetery
During World War II, Adelaide River township was the site of a large military base. The war cemetery created there is now the final resting place for 434 military personnel and civilians involved in the war effort. The cemetery is set in lush surroundings alongside the Adelaide River with beautifully tended gardens providing a peaceful backdrop for remembering the fallen.
Lyons Cottage
Lyons Cottage, overlooking Darwin Harbour on The Esplanade, was built in 1925 to house staff working on the submarine cable that connected Australia with Britain. Also known as British Australia Telegraph (BAT) House, Lyons Cottage survived the Japanese bombing raids of 1942 and 1943 and escaped structural damage from Cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Cottage today houses the local indigenous tourism booking service.
The Old Court House and Police
Built in 1884, for the South Australian Government, these colonial-style buildings made from local stone have housed criminals, the Navy and today the NT Administrator’s Offices. Restored after damage by Cyclone Tracy, these buildings are a stark reminder of the Darwin of yesteryear.
Aviation Heritage Centre
The Aviation Heritage Centre has an impressive collection of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation from the early pioneers to the jet age. The prize exhibit is a B-52 bomber on permanent loan from the United States Air Force, one of only two on public display outside the US. The centre is 8 km from Darwin city and is on the site of fierce air combat that took place overhead during World War II.
Bicentennial Park
This scenic stretch of parkland along the Esplanade overlooks Darwin Harbour. It’s a great place to kick a footy, soak up some rays or have a picnic while watching the sunset.
Northern Territory Parliament House
Northern Territory Parliament House is Australia’s newest. Opened in 1994, it was built on the site of the old Darwin Post and Telegraph Office, which included the Post Office, the telegraph office, the telephone exchange, cable company offices, stores, staff residences and staff messes. Public tours are conducted regularly at no charge, although booking is essential.