THE TROPIC CAPITAL

Looking out over the Timor Sea, Darwin is unlike any other major city in all of Australia. It’s a steamy paradise and a jump off point for other attractions in the area, but Darwin’s a cosmopolitan and thriving city all on its own. It’s also a city of contrasts: it’s a city that’s always on the go but still stays true to its small-town roots and its laid-back tropical vibe, a place where non-Aboriginal mixes with the local Larrakia members. Ever since Darwin became a settlement back in the late 1800s this town has been developing at a rapid pace, with only two events that stopped its growth - namely that of World War II and the landing of Cyclone Tracy, which devastated the city but allowed it to be built anew.

Today, the city is a thriving tourist destination, with world-class destinations such as the newly renovated Darwin Harbour, the sights up and down the Esplanade, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, just to name a few examples. You’ll be able to sample the best in Asian cuisine that Australia has to offer - after all, Darwin’s closer to some places in Asia than to Canberra. It’s also close to amazing national parks like Kakadu and Litchfield. So with all that going for it, it’s frontier atmosphere and its friendly locals, you just can’t pass up this amazing part of Australia.

CROCODILES

The Northern Territory is home to some dangerous species, but none is more iconic of this area than the crocodile. Found in two different varieties, namely the saltwater and the freshwater crocodiles, these reptiles can be found in the waters throughout the region, hence why swimming in these lakes, streams or rivers can be incredibly dangerous.

The saltwater variety has been known to attack a person every so often, which is a trait that it does not share with its freshwater brethren, so take extreme care when dealing with the salties. The freshies haven’t been known to actively attack humans, but it’s still best to keep your wits about you when dealing with any reptile.

There are many ways to see a crocodile up close without putting yourself in danger. First, you can head out for a croc cruise, sailing up and down on one of the many boats that traverse the Adelaide River. Your guide will coax the crocodiles out of their hiding places, allowing you to see them up close. It’s been going on for the past twenty years, so crocs themselves are pretty familiar with the routine.

For those that want to see crocs a bit closer to the city centre, there’s the Crocosaurus Cove, which allows you to see the crocs right in the middle of it all, and it’s as close as you’re ever going to want to get. You’ll come face to face with some of the largest crocs in captivity, and you might fancy being lowered right into a pool with an albino crocodile named Snowy, in a little device morbidly known as the Cage of Death. There’s also barramundi, turtles and stingrays there too, so it’s not all about our scaly friends.

If that sounds a little too frightening, there’s always the Crocodylus Park and Zoo, home to hundreds of different crocs as well as a myriad of other animals in their mini zoo. Spend about two hours wandering around the facility, and maybe take in a tour that leads to a croc feeding demonstration. It’s less than a half hour away from the city, so it’s definitely worth the trip.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

CROC CRUISE

Head on out for a croc tour, watching as your guide spots and coaxes crocs to come out of the water. Tours will also include a visit to the nearby Window on the Wetlands visitor centre and Fogg Dam Nature Reserve.

Full listing of crocodile cruises up and down the Adelaide River.

CROCOSAURUS COVE

Not for the faint of heart, the Crocosaurus Cove is home to some of the largest crocodiles in captivity, and will allow you to get face-to-face with a 600kg albino saltie with only a cage protecting you.

Link to Crocosaurus Cove ticket bookings, including the Cage of Death Experience.

CITY TOURS

Darwin City plays host to a number of amazing attractions - to see as many of them as humanly possible in a short amount of time, consider taking a tour around the city with a small or large group. You’ll be a Darwin expert in no time!

To look at some of these tours, access the widget to the right and look them up. Select “Scenic Tour” as the style of tour you’d like to investigate more, after selecting “Darwin” as the location and “Northern Territories” as the state/territory.

MULTI-DAY SAFARIS

Looking to go on a many-week adventure? Multi-day safari tours leave from Darwin and head throughout the Northern Territories and on to other parts of Australia. Extended tours give you an up close look at the country unlike anything you’ve seen before.

To look at some of these tours, access the widget to the right and look them up, selecting “Extended Tour” as the style of tour you’d like to investigate more, after selecting “Darwin” as the location. Note that some tours start in Darwin and some end there.

DARWIN HARBOUR CRUISES

Sail from picturesque Darwin Harbour and enjoy the weather off the coast, enjoying either a lunch or dinner onboard the fine catamaran vessel.

Lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruises with City of Darwin Cruises.

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

Darwin has a host of great accommodations, which will go out of their way to please you. Some will even pick you up from the airport, and most will honour discounts with an YHA membership, even though there’s a local affiliate in town. Search the Accommodations/Beds widget to see which one works for you.