Where to Stay in Darwin – A Guide to the Capital of The Northern Territory
Darwin is a city located on the Timor Sea, in the north of Australia. Capital of the Northern Territory, this remote tropical city got its name from naturalist Charles Darwin and it’s famous for its wildlife and for being the main gateway to many lush national parks, such as Kakadu and Litchfield, as well as for being an important link between Australia and Southeast Asia. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Darwin.
Darwin is considered the smallest, wettest and most remote of the Australian capitals. Its geographical location (it is closer to Jakarta than it is to Sydney), along with its tropical climate and wildlife makes this town a unique tourist destination in Aussieland.
The main tourist attractions in Darwin focus on its unique natural environment, flora and fauna. Some unmissable sights in and around town include Crocosaurus Cove, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Aquascene and the expansive Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. For culture, art and history lovers, this city offers sights such as the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin Military Museum, Darwin Aviation Museum or the WWII bunkers located in Charles Darwin National Park.
Beach lovers will particularly enjoy the Mindil Beach area. This vibrant district includes a casino and a popular Sunday market.
This area of the Northern Territory has a tropical climate with a rainy and a dry season. Temperatures are stable throughout the year. The dry season goes from May to September and the wet season, from October to April.
Darwin International Airport is located in the Marrara suburb, 8 kilometres from the city centre. It is the tenth-busiest in the country and offers connections to the main cities in Australia, as well as international flights to Asia and Oceania. Once in the city, the best way to get around is by car. You can rent a cheap car in Darwin here. That said, Darwin also offers a bus system, traditional taxis and ride-sharing apps, as well as a hop-on-hop-off Tourist Bus.
When it comes to the best location to stay in Darwin, The CBD area is close to most waterfront attractions and home to the best hotels in town. If you would like a more vibrant atmosphere and to stay near the beach, then The Gardens & Mindil Beach are for you.
Keep reading to find our top picks for the best areas to stay in Darwin, NT.
Best Location in Darwin, Northern Territory: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Darwin according to your preferred travel style. Keep reading this article to find out more about each different suburb.
- Best location in Darwin for sightseeing: The Gardens & Mindil Beach
- Best location in Darwin for first-time visitors: Darwin CBD
- Best location in Darwin for nightlife: Mindil Beach| Darwin CBD
- Best location in Darwin for business travellers: Darwin CBD
- Best location in Darwin for families: The Gardens & Mindil Beach
- Best location in Darwin for beach lovers: Larrakeyah | Mindil Beach
Best Hotels in Darwin, NT by Theme
If you have something more specific in mind, here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Darwin. No matter your reason for visiting this NT city, we’re here to help you out!
- Most unique hotel: Darwin City Hotel
- Best mid-priced hotel: Argus Hotel Darwin
- Best budget hotel: Quality Hotel Darwin Airport
- Best luxury hotel: Rydges Darwin Central
- Best boutique hotel: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
- Best hotel with a pool: Rydges Palmerston – Darwin
- Best Inn / B&B: Darwin City B&B
- Best backpackers hostel: Darwin Hostel
- Best resort: Mindil Beach Casino and Resort
- Best aparthotel: Argus Apartments Darwin
The Best Areas to Stay in Darwin, NT
1. Our favourite area: Darwin CBD (City Centre)
The Central Business District or CBD is, as its name suggests, the heart of the city and one of the best areas to stay in Darwin.
The centre of the city of Darwin is known for its wide streets, lush parks, shops and outdoor restaurants.
It is the oldest part of Darwin and includes many of the important institutions and places of the city, such as the Parliament, the House of Government, the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, the Bicentennial Park and the George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens.
Although the downtown is one of the most developed areas of Darwin, demographically, it is one of the least densely populated, because its core is mainly commercial and governmental.
Darwin CBD has the largest offer in hotels in the city, from backpacker options to luxury hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Darwin:
- Central location
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Best area for sightseeing
- Great transport connections
- Crocosaurus Cove
- All kinds of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Travelodge Resort Darwin
Surrounded by tropical gardens, with swimming pools and a waterfall in the centre, the Travelodge Resort Darwin offers a tropical oasis in the heart of downtown Darwin. Free WiFi connection is provided.
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Budget
Melaleuca on Mitchell
Melaleuca on Mitchell is an award-winning hostel in Darwin, featuring a leisure area with 2 outdoor pools, a hydromassage pool with a waterfall, and a bar. There are standard shared bedrooms with bathrooms.
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Luxury
Hilton Darwin
The Hilton Darwin is located in the centre of Darwin, just 250 meters from the city’s seafront. It offers a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool and an executive lounge with great views on the 20th floor.
2. The Gardens & Mindil Beach
The Gardens is a suburb of the city of Darwin.
This area of Darwin is located northwest of the CBD of the city and receives its name thanks to the Botanical Garden, located in its vicinity.
This area of Darwin is also known for hosting Mindil Beach, Darwin’s most famous and visited beach.
Mindil Beach hosts the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a variety market that takes place during the dry season (May to October) of each year.
These markets are popular with locals and tourists and can attract thousands of people.
The Gardens and Mindil Beach are among the best areas to stay in Darwin for beach lovers and flea market goers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Darwin:
- Peaceful area
- Mindil Beach Markets
- Botanical Garden
3. Larrakeyah
Larrakeyah is a suburb of the city of Darwin, located west of the city, next to the Central Business District.
Larrakeyah is named after the Aboriginal group that occupied this area before the European settlement, the Larrakia, who inhabited much of the coastal area of Darwin.
The southern part of this district is residential and quiet, while the northern area, which is adjacent to Mendil Beach, has a cosmopolitan vibe and plenty of nightlife options.
In the area of Cullen Bay is the marina of the city of Darwin, in addition to the ferry port that connects Darwin with Wurrumiyanga and Mandorah.
Larrakeyah is an excellent area to stay in Darwin outside the hustle and bustle of the CBD.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Darwin:
- Beach access
- Nightlife
- Marina and ferries
4. Parap
Parap is a suburb of Darwin located north of the city.
Parap is a predominantly residential suburb and is usually associated with neighboring Fannie Bay and the adjacent suburbs of Ludmilla and Stuart Park.
The Parap Village market is one of the oldest markets in Darwin, and is considered by many to be the ideal place to meet, have breakfast or light meals.
This multicultural market is well known for its diverse styles of food, arts and crafts and its vibrant but relaxed atmosphere. Located in the commercial district of Parap Village, near Parap Road, the market operates every Saturday of the year between 8 am and 2 pm.
Parap is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Darwin for foodies.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Darwin:
- Business-type hotels
- Quiet area
- Central location
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Casa on Gregory
Just 1.5 km from Fannie Bay, Casa on Gregory features a saltwater pool and barbecue area surrounded by tropical gardens. All rooms have beautiful views of the garden.
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Budget
Paravista Motel
Paravista Motel is a 10-minute walk from Parap Village’s Saturday markets and features an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens. All rooms have air conditioning.
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Luxury
Quest Parap
Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Parap markets, Quest Parap has a swimming pool and free parking. The establishment offers modern studios and apartments.
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