FAST FACTS

a snapshot of Darwin and surrounds

Meet Darwin
  • Darwin City is the tropical capital of Australia's Northern Territory, which comprises one sixth of the continent, equivalent to France, Italy, and Spain put together.
  • Darwin's population of over 100,000 boasts a lively mix of more than 50 nationalities. Darwin's traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community.
  • Known in the past as a laid back frontier town, Darwin has evolved into a highly urbanised capital.
  • Darwin City has more art galleries than pubs.
  • The region is the main service centre for mining, offshore oil and gas production, tourism and tropical horticulture.
Location & Access
  • Darwin and the Northern Territory is Australia's strategic stepping stone to Asia.
  • Located on the coast of the Timor Sea, Darwin is set on a rocky peninsula that stretches into one of the most beautiful natural harbours on the northern Australia coast.
  • Only four hours flying time from major Australian cities and only two hours to Singapore, 1.5 hours to Bali or 4.5 hours Ho Chi Minh city.
  • For travel within Australia, Darwin is serviced by Qantas, Qantaslink, Jetstar and VirginBlue.
  • The Darwin International Airport is only 13 kilometres or 15 minutes drive from the city centre. Registered taxis are available 24 hours, seven days a week at a cost of approximately AUD25.00 one way from the airport to the City Centre.
  • The Darwin Airport Shuttle operates a 24 hour schedule service for all domestic and international flights from AUD12.00 per adult. Charter services are also available on request.
  • The Ghan, the legendary outback train, runs regularly between Darwin and Adelaide. Darwin also has a cruise ship port.
History
  • The Larrakia people lived in the greater Darwin Region before European settlement. They had trading routes with Southeast Asia, south and western Australia.
  • In 1839, HMS Beagle sailed into Darwin Harbour and the ship's captain named the port after Charles Darwin, the British naturalist.
  • The city was founded in 1869 and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871.
  • The didjeridoo – famed instrument of indigenous Australians – originally came from Arnhem Land, just east of Darwin.
  • During World War II Darwin was a major military base for allied troops in the Pacific. It was attacked twice in 1942 by the same fleet that bombed the Pearl Harbour.
Climate
  • Darwin City's tropical climate means it's always warm; the temperature averages 30ºC (86ºF).
  • From May to September the days are mild and the nights balmy and cool.
  • December to March is the ideal time to see the Northern Territory at its greenest.
  • The coolest months of the year are June and July.
  • Casual clothing is a mark of Darwin lifestyle. Pack light, comfortable clothing, good walking shoes and a hat.
Money
  • Australia's largest banks all have branches in the city centre. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are found throughout the city.
  • All major international credit cards are widely accepted, but not all businesses accept all cards and some may charge transaction fees.
  • Foreign exchange outlets are available at Darwin International Airport and most banks and major hotels.
Communication
  • Many hotels, motels and lodges have internet access. There are also internet cafes within the city centre.
  • Prior to departure, visitors from North America should check with their phone provider to make sure their cell phone will operate in Australia. If visiting for an extended period, a convenient and cost effective option is to purchase a prepaid handset once you arrive.