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Location and Travel

Join us at the Darwin Convention Centre and take this opportunity to explore Darwin. Situated on the edge of a harbour bigger than Sydney's, Darwin is a beautiful, fascinating tropical city – a melting pot of people and cultures that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. While a sophisticated, modern city in its own right, it is also one steeped in history, one that has endured many hardships on its way to establishing itself as the gateway to Asia. It is the home of NT commerce and business and with its world-class natural and cultural attractions it is also a thriving hub of activity in terms of tourism, nightlife and retail.

For more information about the attractions of Darwin and other travel tips, please follow the links below:

Darwin

Climate in October:
Average high temperature: 33.1ºc (91.58ºf)
Average low temperature: 25ºc (91.58ºf)
Average hours of sunshine: 9.4 hours
Average sea temperature: 29.5ºc
Average humidity: 70%
Average daily rainfall: 70.7mm
Average rainfall days: 5days

Time Difference GMT +9.5 hours

Tax and tipping
Tipping is optional and is not expected anywhere in Australia. They are usually given as an expression of gratitude for exceptionally good service and 10% is a standard amount to give.

Goods and services tax (GST) is a tax on most goods and services in Australia. GST is added to the price of taxable goods and services at a rate of 10%.

Internet connection
Most hotels will have internet connection available in the rooms, however, it will be at a small cost. Some cafes may have free wifi available, and internet cafes are located around the city.

Local Transport
Public buses are available in Darwin as well as 24hour private hire cars and taxis. Click here for more information on how to get around Darwin.

Getting to and from the airport

Darwin Airport Shuttle A 24 hour scheduled service is available for all domestic and international flights and there is no need to book.

Public buses and taxis are also available to and from the airport. Expect to pay around $25/$30 for a trip between Darwin International Airport and Darwin CBD. An exit toll of $3 is payable by the passengers on exit from the ranking lane at the airport. Click here for more information.

What to wear in Darwin
Darwin is very relaxed: it's hot here, so comfort is key. Dress standards are usually casual, although some bars and restaurants don't allow thongs. During the dry season, the Northern Territory experiences excessive heat with long periods of sunlight, making light weight clothing essential.T-shirts and shorts are best worn at this time of year, and it is advisable to wear light, long sleeved tops to protect your skin from the risk of sun cancer. Swimwear is also essential as there are lots of great swimming spots to cool off and freshen up from the heat.Comfortable closed in footwear must be worn when trekking or walking through parks and bushland. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen is advised.The wet season brings with it higher levels of humidity and can therefore feel hotter than it actually is, and light-weight clothing is also comfortable during this season, along with a sweater/long slacks as the temperature can drop significantly during the evenings. October is the end of the dry season and the start of the wet season therefore it is wise to be prepared for both.

Proximity
Darwin is the most popular town and also the territorial capital of the Northern Territory. It is a city of roughly 110,000 inhabitants with a large proportion of Aboriginal people, which justifies the fact that the town is sometimes called 'the multicultural capital of Australia'. Darwin is closer to Jakarta than to Sydney, and also closer to Singapore than to Melbourne. It is located right at a harbour/bay often called Port Darwin. The city stretches all the way to the Beagle Gulf, which is part of the Timor Sea. Right across Port Darwin, a 15-minute ferry ride will bring you to Mandorah.

Smoking
Australia's anti-smoking regulations mean that you cannot smoke in any public building, including bars and restaurants. In addition smoking in outdoor eating and drinking areas is also banned.

Places to visit in Darwin

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours
This is a geniune experience pact with information, knowledge and culture! A true aboriginal owned and established family business based on local knowledge and history. Join Graham Kenyon and his family on a memorable experience as the family team together and show you first hand how we use the land and the nature within. Choose one of three tours that range from 1.5hr to 7hr on country or the 4.5hr environment tour.

Deckchair Cinema
The moon is out, the stars are twinkling and it is a balmy Darwin evening, but what is there to do? The Deckchair Cinema is the answer. Located in the Wharf Precinct, it's a superb place to wind down after a day of touring. Kick back in style in canvas deckchairs under starry skies, with a drink from the licensed bar. Bring your fish and chips, or enjoy a light snack from the kiosk. A variety of films are screened including family, Australian classic, arthouse and foreign, 7 nights a week from April to November

Mindil Beach Markets
Mindil beach markets are held every Thursday and Sunday Night during the dry season. Many stalls selling food, crafts, clothes, toys, uniquely Territorian items and more. There is free entertainment usually in the form of 'circus' style acts such as jugglers, fire breathers. Quite a few two and three piece bands of unique sounds and buskers. There is a large grassed area towards the sand dunes that people set up their own BYO chairs / tables / rugs. Many people also go onto the beach to watch sunset, which is around 6:30pm.

Great things to do in Darwin

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Berry Springs
Crocosaurus Cove
Wave Lagoon
Darwin Botanic Gardens
Leanyer Recreation Park