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Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, and with a population of around 120,000 people, over half of all people in the >Northern Territory live here. It was named after Charles Darwin when the HMS Beagle sailed into Darwin Harbour on 9 September 1939. Darwin Harbour is twice the size of Sydney Harbour and has sandy beaches, mangrove tidal areas. cultured pearl farms, sunken ships from World War II and a history dating back before white settlement.

During World War II on 19 February 1942 the first Japanese attack on Australia was a bombing raid on Darwin Harbour where a jetty was destroyed, eight ships were sunk and at least 240 people were killed. It was seen as Australia’s northern frontier, and there were a total of 63 air attacks on Darwin during 1942 and 1943. Much of the city was rebuilt, and then on Christmas Day 1974 Cyclone Tracy struck and killed 71 people and destroyed over seventy per cent of the towns buildings. Because of this most of Darwin is modern and new.

The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. Most of the rainfall occurs between December and March, it is always warm, sometimes humid and there is lots of sunshine. Frost has never been recorded there.

Darwin has plenty of attractions including nightclubs, theatres, a casino and a variety of restaurants. It also has several large shopping centres and open air markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach. There is an annual beer can regatta held in August where contestants boats are made only with beer cans. Around the same time of year there is also the Darwin Cup horse race, the annual rodeo and a Mud Crab Tying Competition.

Darwin is often used as a starting point for holidays to the Top End and is a base for tours to >Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge. There are a range of attractions within easy driving distance, including waterfalls, wetlands, and wildlife. There are also the sailing and game fishing playgrounds of the Gove Peninsula.

Whether you are interested in seeing the natural environment of the Top End, learning more about Aboriginal culture or finding out the pioneering history of Darwin, you will find something for everyone at the various attractions and national parks scattered throughout the region.

Visit the Top End>>>