10 reasons why Darwin is a great gateway to Australia

Customers can touch down, breeze through Darwin International airport and head to their hotel in under 30 minutes. As it’s a small airport they won’t get stuck in long queues, so they can look forward to relaxing in the pool with a welcome cocktail. Recommend starting their trip with a stay in the central business district, which is a mere 15 minutes’ drive away.

Darwin’s flat terrain means it’s ideal to explore on foot, or customers can hop on a bus to zip across the compact city. An abundance of cycle paths makes it easy and safe on two wheels and bike hire is readily available, including at some hotels. Road cycling is popular in Darwin, so recommend the cycle paths around East Point Reserve, which provide superb views overlooking Beagle Gulf.

For sun-seeking customers Darwin is a superb choice, as it’s warm throughout the year. As the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city, it has a consistent average temperature of 30 degrees, and active outdoor activities are popular. Visitors won’t need to worry about their plans being ruined by the weather, as any tropical rain showers are usually short and sharp.

One of the best places to enjoy the balmy weather is Darwin Harbour. It’s seven times larger than Sydney Harbour and is surrounded by scenic beaches and pristine tidal waters. A range of harbour cruises cater for all interests, including options for families, history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts. Suggest a cruise to admire the stunning sunset, or guests can try a fishing charter for the chance to catch some of the 40 resident species. 

Darwin is home to a bustling market scene, where visitors can snap up souvenirs and affordable food, while savouring the city’s vibrant and welcoming personality. Visitors can head to the atmospheric Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday and Sunday evenings between April and September for 200 unique stalls, including incredible local and international cuisine, crafts, and an array of creative and performing artists. Then, they can enjoy music, entertainment and fantastic food at the year-round suburban weekend markets in Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek.

Darwin is the gateway to the Territory’s national parks. Litchfield national park is a mere 60 minutes’ drive away, where customers can swim in stunning waterfalls and waterholes, surrounded by monsoonal vine forests – it's an ideal day trip from the city. Kakadu national park is less than three hours away, showcasing diverse landscapes, rich wildlife and a fascinating ancient Aboriginal culture, so suggest visitors extend their stay in Kakadu to explore further, or at least spend one night there, to really make the most of the destination. Nitmiluk national park, meanwhile, is a three-hour drive from Darwin, where customers can cruise and walk through 13 impressive sandstone gorges.

Head 50 miles north across the water on a day trip to the haven of the Tiwi Islands. Known as the “Islands of Smiles”, they are home to a thriving Aboriginal arts culture, which clients can discover at a series of enchanting art centres. Recommend cultural tours and guided fishing trips, or joining a tour with a local Aboriginal guide to explore the islands’ rainforests, cliffs, beaches, jungles and rock pools.

For those keen to extend their trip, expedition cruises set sail from Darwin to the rugged and wild Kimberley coast, or in the other direction towards Cairns via Arnhem Land. Clients can also journey on one of the world’s most famous railways – The Ghan. They’ll marvel at the spectacular outback scenery as they ride the rails on the memorable 1,851-mile adventure, which travels both ways between Darwin and Adelaide, through the heart of Australia.

Darwin is closer to Asia than the rest of Australia, so it’s a laidback and culturally diverse city, with an eclectic and inviting food scene. Whether visitors tuck in at an open market, dine at one of Darwin’s fantastic restaurants or join a foodie tour, they are guaranteed delicious cuisine. Tempt customers to try Laksa, a spicy noodle soup Darwin is famous for. They can enjoy it at market stalls, restaurants or the city’s Laksa festival.

For further information, watch TTG’s Selling Darwin webinar below or visit northernterritory.com.