In 2008 we took a flight to Darwin with our 3 children to embark on a 3 week touring holiday of Australia. We had absolutely no idea what to expect once we arrived, and it was our first ever time in the Northern Territory. We flew into Darwin from Sydney, a short flight, but still long enough with 3 small children. Here’s a quick overview about Darwin and how to get there.
Here’s a quick Guide to the Capital City of the Northern Territory:
- Population: Darwin boasts a population of over 127,000 people. This makes it the smallest population of any capital city in Australia. A highly multicultural city with close ties to neighbouring Asian countries creates a city full of culture.
- Climate: Darwin is a tropical city with both a dry and a wet season. The dry season generally runs from April/May to October with very little rainfall. The coolest months of the year are generally June & July with temperatures rarely dipping below 14 °C. The Wet Season brings with it tropical cyclones and monsoonal rains. Between December and March is when the majority of rainfall occurs for this season. Thunderstorms and extremely high humidity are also common. November is generally the hottest month each year.
- Economy: The largest economic sectors within the Darwin region are Mining and Tourism. There are large influxes to the area within the tourist season (generally the dry season) with work opportunities flowing in line with these influxes.
- Historical Events: Some of Darwins greatest history lays in it’s stories of survival. From bombings in war times to Cyclone Tracey, darwin has history in bountiful supply that can be discovered by walking through town or visiting the museum or other local attractions.
- Recreation & Arts: Darwin offers a wide range of recreational activities within the city centre and nearby areas. With wildlife parks, museums, art displays, Entertainment Centre, Bars & Hotels, Fishing, sporting events and local national parks being the main attractions within the city and surrounds.
Getting to Darwin:
- By Road: Darwin is fully accessible by road. There are plenty of hire care options within Darwin if you need wheels. There are also bus companies which can bring you to and from darwin and a good transport network of buses and taxis while you’re in town.
- By Air: Darwin has it’s own airport and is serviced by Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue & Air North. Plan ahead and keep an eye out for discounted fairs and special offers. There is an airport shuttle which can take you directly from the airport and into the town centre.
- Train: For an extra special trip, travel by train via the Ghan is available also.
- By Boat: There are often cruises that travel to Darwin and this may be a holiday option for those who love cruises.
Ideas For Things to Do With Kids in Darwin:
Darwin has a whole lot of history and it’s a great time for kids to learn about some major events that are of historical importance not just for Darwin, but also for the entire country.
- The museum: has wonderful interactive displays that are great for kids to learn about Cyclone Tracey & the Darwin Bombings as well as Aboriginal Culture, Crocodiles and more.
- Tourist Walks: that weave through town to places such as the Town Hall Ruins
- Mindil Beach Markets: Can you say FUN! Lots of entertainment and bargains, this is a great adventure for the entire family.
- Crocosaurus Cove and Crododilus Park: Definitely 2 highly recommended attractions. You’ll see some HUGE crocodile and other animals, as well as learning a lot too!
- Aquascene: Feed fish right in the ocean at your feet!
So that’s our basic overview of Darwin, we’ll also be covering individual tourist attractions and local regions further so you’ll know just where to take your Little Aussie Travellers while you’re there.
