Darwin
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About Darwin
The gateway to the vast, rugged landscapes of the spectacular Northern Territory, Darwin is a surprisingly laid-back seaside city. Closer to its island neighbours in the Timor Sea than to the rest of Australia, this humid location has a distinctly tropical feel. There’s a small selection of special hotels and serviced apartments in Darwin, mostly clustered around the CBD and the lively waterfront. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, our Gurus’ pick of the best places to stay in Darwin promises the ideal springboard for making the most of your time in the city.
Stroll around central Darwin for a sense of the city’s relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find top boutiques on Smith Street, a buzzy bar and restaurant scene around the striking Waterfront Precinct, and some excellent museums and galleries. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is not to be missed, nor are the annual arts, culture and music festivals. Delve into the city’s history on a tour of Parliament House, or wander through the bustling Mindil Beach Sunset Markets or Saturday morning Parap Village Market to pickup fresh produce and artisanal crafts created by the city’s cosmopolitan community.
Adventurers will adore fishing trips to the nearby Tiwi Islands, sea and river cruises, and outings to the nearby Charles Darwin National Park. Crocosaurus Cove is home to over 1,000 reptiles, whilst the Botanical Gardens are home to astonishing rare flora. Take little ones to fun-filled waterparks, or catch a screening at the popular Deckchair Cinema, where city dwellers gather to see films under the stars. Many of the best places to stay in Darwin are just a short amble away.
The Best Places to Stay in Darwin
For Great Value
- Argus Hotel is a modern property in central Darwin, with compact, affordable rooms. Simple spaces are clean, modern and functional, and guests share access to a refreshing swimming pool. A great base for exploring the city as a couple or with friends and family.
- H on Smith Hotel, on lively Smith Street, is a trendy contemporary spot with crisp white linens, smart bathrooms — the best of which have sink-tub bathtubs — and big picture windows. The relaxed poolside restaurant specialises in modern Asian cuisine, and the best of the city is right on your doorstep. Also very reasonably priced.
For Families or Groups
- Rydges Darwin Central is a smart city hotel just a couple of hundred metres from the lively esplanade. Spacious rooms offer flexible options for families and groups, with extra beds in rooms decorated in white, grey and turquoise. Splash around in the plunge pool and feast on Italian fare at Salvatore's Café.
- Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers chic, white-on-white guest rooms with pale wooden furnishings, light blue accents and harbour views. The Waterfront Precinct brims with bars and restaurants, perfect for buzzy evenings out. The pool and relaxed café will be popular with families, who can also add roll-away beds to bigger bedrooms.
- Waterfront Luxury Suites are a sleek and stylish collection of multi-bedroom contemporary apartments overlooking the Waterfront Precinct. Well-equipped units have kitchens, sitting rooms, dining spaces and shaded balconies. A lovely luxury choice for those dreaming of more independence on their city break. Cook up a storm for the whole family with produce from the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
For a Seaside Resort
- Mindil Beach Casino Resort, on the northern side of the city, promises an extensive resort complex with multiple bars and restaurants, as well as late-night entertainment aplenty. Swish resort rooms and suites with big bathtubs overlook a refreshing lagoon pool, and guests can stroll down to the beach, follow coastal walking paths or catch the sunset over the Arafura Sea. Beachfront luxury.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Darwin International Airport, and take a bus or taxi into town. Most hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance. Alternatively, catch the Ghan train from Adelaide if you would prefer to travel overland from South Australia, crossing the country in an epic two-day adventure — reputedly one of the world's best railway journeys.
- Darwin is well-connected by public transport, but you may want the independence of your own ride if you're planning to explore beyond the city. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Summers (December to February) are very hot and humid, with temperatures hovering at around 33°C and more rainfall. Visit between June and August for cooler temperatures, dry weather and more possibilities of exploring.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Alice Springs.
- Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Northern Territory.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
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Best Hotels in Darwin
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Argus Hotel Darwin (Australia) 102 rooms from $77
Local exploring - A good base from which to explore both the city of Darwin and the natural wonders of the Northern TerritoryLocal markets - Parap, Nightcliff and Mindill Beach Sunset markets take place throughout the weekSailing - Enjoy a sunset harbour cruise around Darwin, discovering the city from the waterFamilies - Spacious family rooms with extra beds are great for trips with kids or friendsA modern hotel in downtown Darwin with functional, compact and good-value rooms and a pool. The central location means the city's beaches, markets and main sites are all easily accessible. The hotel can arrange day trips around the Northern Territories as well as sunset cruises & fishing excursions. See More
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H on Smith Hotel Darwin (Australia) 186 rooms from $92
Great walks - Take a guided walking tour of the city, encompassing landmarks such as the St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic CathedralMuseums - Delve into the region's history at the Darwin Botanic Gardens or the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern TerritoryLocal exploring - Perfectly placed for exploring central Darwin and the CBD on foot whilst in the city for business or leisureValue chic - Stylish contemporary design with a young, hip feel and very reasonable ratesA hip modern hotel occupying a central position on Smith St. Rooms have clean design with crisp white linen, expansive windows and spacious showers (suites have spa baths). Modern Asian cuisine is served in an open restaurant overlooking the pool. With great rates, this is a perfect city crashpad. See More
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Rydges Darwin Central Darwin (Australia) 132 rooms from $99
Families - A family friendly hotel in central Darwin, with family suites, a refreshing plunge pool and a superb central locationLocal markets - Pick up local produce at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the largest in Australia in the dry seasonLocal exploring - Perfectly located in the heart of the city with easy access to restaurants, malls, and the EsplanadeOther Activities - Take the little ones boogie-boarding and tube-riding at Wave LagoonA smart modern hotel right in the heart of the city, close to the Esplanade. Chic rooms are simply styled with large sink-into beds, wooden furniture and blue-green cushions. The best rooms have coastal views. Salvatore's Café specialises in Italian fare, and there's a gym & plunge pool, too. See More
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Mindil Beach Casino Resort Darwin (Northern Territory) 154 rooms from $145
Business meetings - A stylish resort on the edge of Darwin, with meeting rooms & conference facilities, as well as lively entertainment spacesHotel Entertainment - The resort has multiple gaming options at the bustling casino, and live entertainment at INFINITY BeatsGroups - A lively resort with a casino, perfect for luxury trips or celebrations with a group of friendsGreat walks - Follow scenic beachfront walking and jogging tracks at the edge of the hotelWith its own private beach area, an infinity and lagoon pool and popular casino, this is Darwin's liveliest resort. Set within 30 acres of seaside gardens, contemporary interiors are clad in white & cream tones, and suites have free-standing tubs. Multiple buzzy bars and eateries await. See More
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Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront Darwin (Australia) 121 rooms from $151
Families - A range of family suites, a large pool, and the option to add roll-away beds make this a great choice for familiesValue chic - With chic modern design and a Waterfront Precinct position, you are getting a lot for very low pricesClose to nightlife - The Waterfront Precinct brims with buzzy bars and restaurants, perfect for fun-filled evenings outTheatre - Catch a movie at nearby Deckchair Cinemas, Darwin's famed cinema under the starsA chic modern hotel located right on Waterfront Precinct offering rooms at very attractive prices. Minimalist bedrooms are all white-on-white with large picture windows and indulgent modern bathrooms. Downstairs is a half-covered pool and a relaxed cafe. An affordable yet stylish stay in Darwin. See More
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Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites Darwin (Australia) 17 rooms from $316
Local markets - Pick up fresh produce at the fabulous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the Rapid Creek Farmers' Market and the Parap MarketFamilies - For those travelling with children who would prefer a self-catering option, this is the perfect city baseClose to nightlife - The Waterfront Precinct, alongside the apartments, is filled with a good range of restaurantsCity Style - Expect chic modern design with fabulous coastal views - both homely and very stylishA collection of sleek waterfront apartments perfectly located in the heart of Darwin. Ranging from one-bed to three-beds, this is a great choice for families or groups. With chic minimalist style, fabulous views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern kitchens - this is an idyllic city base. See More