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Heritage and culture
Darwin's cultural heritage is a unique blend of ancient Aboriginal custom, European pioneering legacy, WWII history and fresh Asian influence. A visit to the eclectic collection at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, just 4 kms from the city centre is a great place to start your exploration of Darwin's heritage. Find Out More
Tropical Summer
Our tropical summer, from December to early March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year. At this time of year, the northern destinations of Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu are refreshed by a predictable daily ritual of sunshine and afternoon showers. The weather is best described as 'sultry' - it's warm, but the tropical rains are cooling. Find Out More
Outdoor Festivals
Darwin's tropical climate lends itself to an outdoor lifestyle.Much of the city's social activities take place at markets, in parks and reserves, by the beach or on boats down on Darwin Harbour. Even movie buffs prefer to enjoy the flicks outdoors at the Deckchair Cinema from April to November. Find Out More
Nature
Darwin has many parks and reserves that form its cityscape, giving the town a tropical feel. Its wide streets are lined with lush foliage and its many suburban parks are dotted with enormous banyan trees, used by local children as cubby houses, and red flowered poinciana trees. Find Out More
Discover the amazing attractions and lifestyle of Darwin on our interactive City Map .
Darwin is the tropical capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory.
Darwin has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
Darwin was founded as Australia’s most northerly harbour port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put Darwin on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific.
Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin’s World War II history at a variety of preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city. Darwin again made world news when the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974 - an event well documented at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Its colourful history has contributed to Darwin’s cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin's weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through the annual calendar of festivals and other Darwin events.
