Darwin

The Northern Territory’s tropical capital is a languid place, particularly when saturated with humidity during the build-up to the wet season, which brings with it some magnificent storms. Darwin is also a highly sociable city, its residents fond of hanging out in beer-stained pubs and mingling among the stalls of open-air markets. When you arrive, wander down the Esplanade to check out Darwin’s spectacular oceanside setting. Box jellyfish make swimming at the local beaches a risky endeavor – a safer way of enjoying some time in the sea is to sail out into Beagle Gulf on one of the many available cruises. Back on dry land, the highlight is ...

The Northern Territory’s tropical capital is a languid place, particularly when saturated with humidity during the build-up to the wet season, which brings with it some magnificent storms. Darwin is also a highly sociable city, its residents fond of hanging out in beer-stained pubs and mingling among the stalls of open-air markets. When you arrive, wander down the Esplanade to check out Darwin’s spectacular oceanside setting. Box jellyfish make swimming at the local beaches a risky endeavor – a safer way of enjoying some time in the sea is to sail out into Beagle Gulf on one of the many available cruises. Back on dry land, the highlight is the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where you can see superb Indigenous art and an exhibition on the catastrophic Cyclone Tracy. There are also some fantastic markets around town, none better than the one held on Mindil Beach twice-weekly from May to October. Other quintessential Darwin experiences include a fish-and-chip lunch down at the redeveloped wharf precinct, and a sunset drink at the Darwin Ski Club on Fannie Bay.

About the Expert

Paul Smitz has coauthored a dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet on places such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysian Borneo, Brunei, various Pacific Islands, Prague, and Brussels.