Explore Darwin & Surrounds

The Top End has two seasons - the dry and the wet, with a brief transitional period referred to as the build-up.

You can enjoy beautiful sunny days and blue skies during the dry season. The weather sits around 32^oC during the day and 20^oC at night, with humidity siting around 6 to 65% - making it the perfect weather to spend most of your time outdoors.

The build-up typically starts in November and runs until late-December. This period brings an increase in temperature and humidity ahead of the wet season.

The wet season starts in December and typically runs until April. There's an increase in temperature and humidity but you can expect spectacular monsoonal rains and iconic thunder and lightning storms.

Other than private vehicles, buses are the main form of public transport around Darwin. Although taxis, rideshare services, cycling, scooting and walking are also popular.

Parking

There is plenty of parking around the city and surrounds, and unlike our interstate neighbours, parking is affordable, with all-day off-street parking available for around $5-12 per day. Parking is free afterhours, weekends and public holidays in all off street parking locations.

The City of Palmerston offers free CBD parking in key locations during the week.

By road

Despite vast distances, travelling to the Northern Territory by coach is easy and affordable. For information about tickets, schedules and fares, visit local visitor information centres and transport hubs like Tourism Top End Visitor Information Centre, Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information Centreand Greyhound for details.

The Stuart Highway connects Darwin to South Australia via Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. The Victoria Highway connects the Territory to Western Australia, and the Barkly Highway to Queensland. Driving is a great way to see Australia, however it is best to plan your journey in advance, noting distances between fuel stops and accommodation options can vary.

By air

Darwin International Airport is the largest airport servicing the Northern Territory.. The airport is located 8 kilometres from the Darwin CBD and includes international, domestic and cargo terminals. Darwin International Airport services a number of airlines and charter flights, including Air North, Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin and Singapore Airlines.

By rail

The Darwin Railway Station is located on Berrimah Road at East Arm, right next to the Port of Darwin. This passenger terminal is where you can experience The Ghan - one of the world’s most luxurious and memorable train journeys.

There are several arts and cultural centres, museums, and galleries across the Top End. Read about the facilities in the region.

There are also a number of events in the regions hosted by local venues and sporting groups. Look over the calendar of events to see what's on offer.

Some key events happening in the region include:

• Darwin Cup Carnival
• Darwin Festival
• Darwin International Laksa Festival
• Top End Gin Festival
• Darwin Cocktail Festivals
• Bass in the Grass Music Festival
• Darwin Fringe Festival
• Darwin Street Art Festival

Find out more about the variety of sports available in the region. You can also look at the NT Community website for local sporting groups.

Darwin City, Casuarina, Nightcliff, Palmerston, Bachelor, Jabiru, Gunbalanya and Maningrida all have public swimming pools.

Australian Rules Football (AFL) is the Territory's most popular sport, especially in Aboriginal Australian communities throughout the regions. All other major sporting codes are played depending on whether it is the wet or dry season.

The Greater Darwin Region has:

• 33 Primary Schools
• 4 Middle Schools
• 8 Senior Schools
• and multiple university campuses

The Top End region has a range of childcare, primary, secondary and tertiary education options.

There are:

• 119 childcare centres
• 42 primary schools
• 21 senior schools
• 6 universities

You can look at the Childcare and School sections to learn more.

If you want to see a list of schools in your area, visit the Northern Territory Government's Education Directory.

When you move to the region access to housing can vary depending on where you are relocating to. Housing can be available to purchase and rent, however, availability in some communities may vary. If relocating for work, check with your employer to see if they offer relocation assistance allowance.

Housing and rental average costs are kept up to date on the NT Economy website.

The Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory REINT has a complete list of real estate agents that operate within the NT. These agents can assist you in looking for properties to rent or purchase.

If you’re looking for a rental and you work in a key service industry in the Territory, you may be able to apply for the rental subsidy scheme on the Northern Territory Government website.