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10 reasons why Darwin is a great gateway to Australia

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Offer your customers a taste of the real Australia with a trip to the warm and welcoming city of Darwin, where memorable experiences await

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Aboriginal tour on the Tiwi Islands. Photo: Tourism Australia & James Fisher
Aboriginal tour on the Tiwi Islands. Photo: Tourism Australia & James Fisher

Australia’s Northern Territory is the perfect destination for travellers looking for fascinating ancient culture, beautiful nature and wildlife, delicious cuisine and thrilling adventures.

 

For customers planning to travel in Australia, Darwin is the ideal place to start. As the Territory’s capital this welcoming and compact city is easy to explore, and has plenty to entice travellers, with a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere.

Here are 10 reasons why your clients should begin their next trip to Australia in Darwin.

1. Darwin is easily accessible

Aerial view of Darwin. Photo: Tourism NT & Rachel Stewart
Aerial view of Darwin. Photo: Tourism NT & Rachel Stewart

Flying into Darwin International airport is the quickest way to get to Australia from the UK. Singapore Airlines flights from London via Changi are currently the best option, with journey times taking from just under 19 hours. Clients visiting other Australian cities can easily access the Northern Territory’s delights, with a range of regular domestic flights to Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.

2. Visitors can arrive effortlessly

Relaxing at Mindil Beach Resort. Photo: Tourism NT & Cait Miers
Relaxing at Mindil Beach Resort. Photo: Tourism NT & Cait Miers

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.

3. It's simple to explore the city

View of East Point Reserve. Photo: Tourism NT
View of East Point Reserve. Photo: Tourism NT

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.

4. Darwin enjoys year-round sunshine

Cycling around Darwin. Photo: Tourism NT & Nick Pincott
Cycling around Darwin. Photo: Tourism NT & Nick Pincott

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.

5. There’s a heavenly harbour

Cullen Bay beach and marina. Photo: Tourism NT
Cullen Bay beach and marina. Photo: Tourism NT

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. 

6. The city hosts memorable markets

Darwin Mindil Beach Markets. Photo: Charlie Bliss
Darwin Mindil Beach Markets. Photo: Charlie Bliss

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.

7. There are heaps of outdoor adventures

Swimming in Maguk Kakadu National Park. Photo: Tourism NT & Hello Emily
Swimming in Maguk Kakadu National Park. Photo: Tourism NT & Hello Emily

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.

8. Cultural discoveries await

Aboriginal tour on the Tiwi Islands. Photo: Tourism Australia & James Fisher
Aboriginal tour on the Tiwi Islands. Photo: Tourism Australia & James Fisher

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.

9. Darwin opens the door to legendary journeys

The Ghan. Photo: Tourism NT & Steve Strike
The Ghan. Photo: Tourism NT & Steve Strike

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.

10. The city serves up captivating cuisine

Dining in Darwin. Photo: Nicholas Kavo
Dining in Darwin. Photo: Nicholas Kavo

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.

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