The Best Areas to Stay in Darwin, Australia
The Best Areas to Stay in Darwin, Australia

Best Areas to Stay in Darwin, Australia

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.

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Darwin City Hotel is located in the Darwin CBD district, just a 2-minute walk from Crocosaurus Cove and an 8-minute walk from Darwin Entertainment Centre.


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 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!


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.

Where to stay in Darwin - Central Business District
Where to stay in Darwin – Central Business District
Accommodation in Darwin CBD - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Darwin CBD – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

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

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.

Best areas to stay in Darwin, Australia - Mindil Beach
Best areas to stay in Darwin, Australia – Mindil Beach
Alojamiento en The Gardens - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Alojamiento en The Gardens – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

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.

Best areas to stay in Darwin - Larrakeyah
Best areas to stay in Darwin – Larrakeyah

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.

Dónde hospedarse en Darwin - Parap
Dónde hospedarse en Darwin – Parap
Accommodation in Parap - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Parap – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Darwin:

  • Business-type hotels
  • Quiet area
  • Central location

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