Darwin and Surroundings (Northern Territory Australia)
Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory of Australia, is a very unique tropical city, surrounded by lush nature, which is easily discovered over a long weekend. Its geographical location and its international airport make it easily accessible from the main major cities of Australia as well as several countries in Asia. With its large national parks, its crocodiles and its aboriginal culture, it is today an adventurer’s paradise! Here is our program to spend a long weekend there. From Sydney to Darwin takes 4h 30mn by plane. Airlines: Virgin Australia, Jet Star and Qantas.
Flight from Denpasar Bali to Darwin by plane
Flights Ngurah Rai (DPS) – Darwin (DRW)
The flight time between Ngurah Rai (DPS) and Darwin (DRW) is approximately 2h 30m for a distance of approximately 1764 km. The services are operated by Jetstar. Normally 6 flights are weekly. Check weekend and holiday times in advance as they may vary.
How to organize your weekend?
From Melbourne or Sydney to Darwin, is only about 4 hours by flight, it is quite possible to spend a long weekend in Darwin. Plan one or two extra days to visit different national parks because the distances are quite substantial. Or if you live in Bali, it takes only 2 hours 30 minutes…
Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Alex Healing, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Be careful to plan your stay well because the Darwin region has an extreme climate, divided into two seasons: the dry season (May-September) and the wet season (November-April). Even if it is always hot, prefer the first period, which is more favorable to tourist activities.
As in all of Australia, motorhomes are a good mode of transport. If necessary, opt for a vehicle equipped with air conditioning: the nights are indeed hot, and the mosquitoes are very invasive (bring good mosquito repellent!).
Mindil beach market, Darwin. Tourism NT (Image gallery Tourism NT), Attribution, via Wikimedia
Darwin, between aboriginal culture and thrills
Despite its small size, Darwin is very nice to visit. The food is good there and the seaside, equipped with lagoons, allows you to enjoy the pleasures of swimming in complete safety. During the day, lovers of Aboriginal history and culture can take refuge in the Northern Territory Museum and Gallery, Bicentennial Park or in the many Aboriginal art galleries.
Sweetheart the crocodile at Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), Darwin, Australia. Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can also scare yourself in complete safety at Crocosaurus Cove, an animal park dedicated to aquatic reptiles and in particular the impressive saltwater crocodiles, before swimming in the wave pool (wave pool) or at Mindil beach.
Darwin (AU), Parliament House (Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory). Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The communities come to sell souvenirs and picturesque accessories, sometimes made of surprising materials – kangaroo hair, or crocodile skin! Many small gastronomic establishments serve a varied and delicious food and the place will certainly delight young and old.
Smith Street Mall. Bidgee, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
National parks around Darwin
To complete the visit to Darwin, you have to move away from the center and make a stop on the Adelaide River. Taking a cruise there to observe the frightening jumping crocodiles is an unforgettable experience!
Continue your journey to Litchfield National Park to enjoy its magnificent waterfalls. If there are no particular contraindications on site, you can even swim there! Finally, if the timing allows it, do not miss the unmissable Kakadu National Park. Located 200 km (124 miles) from Darwin, it is home to a rich fauna and offers beautiful hikes of all levels (entrance fee, possibility of sleeping on site (campsites), practical information at the park information centre).
If you dream of seeing saltwater crocodiles in their natural environment, this weekend will satisfy you!
Tolmer Falls cascades over two high escarpments into a deep plunge pool. The bottom of the falls is home to several colonies of rare ghost bats and orange horseshoe bats. JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources: Villa Carissa Seminyak, Bali, PinterPandai, CleverlySmart, Tourism NT, Tourism Australia, Sightseeing Tours Australia
Photo credit (main picture): Tourism NT (https://northernterritory.com) via Wikimedia Commons
NB: Prices and opening hours of attractions are subject to change without prior notice.
