Darwin

Travel Guide Oceania Australia Northern Territory Darwin

edit

Introduction

NT Darwin

NT Darwin

© jen_jo

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and Australia's smallest state capital, home to just over 100,000 people. It is a good base to explore the surrounding natural attractions including the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Its blend of Caucasian, Asian and Aboriginal cultures make it an interesting place to spend some time. The city has been virtually wiped out twice in its short history; once due to air raids during WWII and again when Cyclone Tracy hit in the 1970's. As a result, the city has a distinctly modern (albeit small scale) feel to it. Darwin is also the only Australian capital city to have come under substantial attack during a war. On 19 February 1942, Japanese planes made two major air raids on Darwin from the aircraft carrier fleet that had attacked Pearl Harbor less than 3 months earlier. These were the first of 64 air attacks sustained by the city during World War II, the last being on 12 November 1943. (Other areas in northern Queensland and northern Western Australia were also bombed by Japanese aircraft.)

Top

edit

Sights and Activities

  • Darwin Wharf Precinct, Darwin Wharf, Darwin, ☎ +61 8 8981 4268. At 9:58AM on 19 February 1942, the wharf was a target for Japanese bombs, which claimed the lives of many service personnel and waterside workers. Many of the historical landmarks remain and can be explored today. See also Pacific War.
  • Fannie Bay Gaol, East Point Rd, Fannie Bay. 10:30AM-4PM. Fannie Bay Gaol operated as Darwin’s major prison for almost 100 years from 1883. Two maximum security wings were added during the 1950s and the gallows were used for executions until 1952. The building’s grim and oppressive history can be felt as you walk through. free.
  • Burnett House at Myilly Point, Myilly Point, ☎ +61 8 8981 0165. Architect B.C.G. Burnett designed homes adapted to the climatic conditions of the Top End, which included the use of lightweight materials and natural ventilation. It is worth leaving your visit to Myilly Point until Sunday afternoon, when you can take High Tea in the shady tropical gardens at Burnett House.
  • Browns Mart, ☎ +61 8 8981 5522. Browns Mart is a stone building that was opened in 1885 as the store ‘Solomon’s Emporium’. It played many roles over the years, but today has become a cultural and historic icon of the city that is regularly used for theatre and performances.
  • Adelaide River War Cemetery. During World War II, Adelaide River township was the site of a large military base. The war cemetery created there is now the final resting place for 434 military personnel and civilians involved in the war effort. The cemetery is set in lush surrounds alongside the Adelaide River with beautifully tended gardens providing a peaceful backdrop for remembering the fallen.
  • Lyons Cottage, ☎ +61 8 8999 8201. Lyons Cottage, overlooking Darwin Harbour on The Esplanade, was built in 1925 to house staff working on the submarine cable that connected Australia with Britain. Also known as British Australia Telegraph (BAT) House, Lyons Cottage survived the Japanese bombing raids of 1942 and 1943 and escaped structural damage from Cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Cottage today houses the local indigenous tourism booking service.
  • The Old Court House and Police. Built in 1884 for the South Australian Government, these colonial style buildings made from local stone have housed criminals, the Navy and today the NT Administrator’s Offices. Restored after damage by Cyclone Tracy, these buildings are a stark reminder of the Darwin of yesteryear.
  • Aviation Heritage Centre, ☎ +61 8 8947 2145. The Aviation Heritage Centre has an impressive collection of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation from the early pioneers to the jet age. The prize exhibit is a B-52 bomber on permanent loan from the United States Air Force, one of only two on public display outside the US. The centre is 8 km from Darwin city and is on the site of fierce air combat that took place overhead during World War II.
  • Oil Storage Tunnels, Kitchener Dr (opposite the wharf precinct). Long tunnels bored into the cliff to store oil during WW2. Now they contain historic photos and an eerie atmosphere. $7.
  • Bicentennial Park, Esplanade. This scenic stretch of parkland along The Esplanade overlooks Darwin Harbour. It’s a great place to kick a footy, soak up some rays or have a picnic while watching the sun set.
  • George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road (Geranium St off the Stuart Hwy). 7AM-7PM. A stone’s throw from the city centre are 42 hectares of gardens that showcase local flora and that of other tropical habitats around the world. Explore monsoon forests, coastal foredunes and open woodlands on a stroll through the botanic gardens. Free.
  • Lake Alexander, Alec Fong Lim Drive. An ideal spot for swimming all year round, Lake Alexander is popular for picnics and barbecues. Spend the day by the water, have a game of volleyball and tire the kids out on the playground.
  • Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Trower Road. The Reserve encompasses 1500 hectares, including 8 km (5 mi) of sandy beaches bordered by dramatic cliffs. Stretch your legs on one of the walking paths or grab a table and settle in for a barbecue under a shady casuarina tree. edit
  • Charles Darwin National Park, Tiger Brennan Drive. Shell middens in the area indicate that it has been used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the land. During World War II, this area was part of a network of military sites that formed Australia’s front line of defence, and as a result there are many bunkers and storage facilities remaining.
  • Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) (Bullocky Point (Darwin Harbour), ☎ +61 8 8999 6573, fax: +61 8 8981 7625. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su + public holidays 10AM-4PM, closed 1 Jan, 25-26 Dec, and Good Friday. - set on a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour is this, the Northern Territory's premier cultural institution. The MAGNT collections place the region's art, history and culture, and natural history in an Australian and international context through research, interpretation and collection development. These collections encompass Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences. The MAGNT complex consists of five major permanent galleries, a touring gallery, educational facilities for school groups, a theatre, the Museum Shop and the Cornucopia Museum Cafe. All contribute to providing an entertaining, diverse and educational experience for the local community and visitors to Darwin. Marvel at the 18 foot saltwater crocodile known as "Sweetheart", who was responsible for attacking multiple boats in the 1970s and is now on display in the museum. free admission.
  • Northern Territory Parliament House, State Sq, ☎ +61 8 8947 2145. Northern Territory Parliament House is Australia’s newest. Opened in 1994, it was built on the site of the old Darwin Post and Telegraphic Office, which included the Post Office, the telegraph office, the telephone exchange, cable company offices, stores, staff residences and staff messes. Public tours are conducted regularly at no charge, although booking is essential. free entry.

Top

edit

Events and Festivals

  • Summer in Australia is all about Outdoor Music Festivals. With single day events, camping festivals out of town and week long festivals, there is definately a music festival to suit all tastes.
  • Darwin Beer Can Regatta - exactly what it says on the tin (oh wait, can)! Wacky races which happened in the water at Mindil Beach annually in July, if you drink enough VB you could always enter yourself.

Top

edit

Weather

Darwin enjoys a tropical climate with year round warm temperatures. There are two distinct seasons in the Top End, "the Wet" and "the Dry". The heart of the wet season is in January and February when the monsoons bring heavy afternoon and overnight rains that flood the wetlands and turn the countryside green. Average temperatures are between 25 °C and 32 °C. In March and April, the rains subside and strong winds start to dry the land. Average temperatures range from 24 °C to 33 °C. The dry season lasts from May to September and is the most popular with travellers and locals, with humidity is at its lowest and the possibility of relatively cool evenings. Average temperatures range from 19 °C to 33 °C. From October to December the weather becomes increasingly humid and starts to build up to the monsoon season. Average temperatures range from 25 °C to 33 °C.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg Max31.8 °C31.5 °C32.1 °C32.9 °C32.2 °C30.8 °C30.8 °C31.6 °C32.7 °C33.5 °C33.5 °C32.7 °C
Avg Min25 °C24.9 °C24.7 °C24.3 °C22.5 °C20.1 °C19.4 °C20.4 °C23.2 °C25 °C25.6 °C25.6 °C
Rainfall465.5 mm373.1 mm335.4 mm107.5 mm24.7 mm2.3 mm1.2 mm5.8 mm17.4 mm65.4 mm136.8 mm276.4 mm
Rain Days22.321.119.69.82.30.70.40.72.96.712.516.9

Top

edit

Getting There

By Plane

Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the only international airport in the Northern Territory and is located about 13 kilometres from Darwin's city centre. International destinations include Dili in East Timor, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air North are the main operators flying here, with connections to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Broome and Kununurra in Western Australia. Within the Northern Territory, there are connections to Alice Springs and several smaller airfields, including the Tiwi Islands.

To/from the airport
Taxis, shuttle services and rental cars are widely available at the airport.

By Train

The Ghan connects Darwin with Alice Springs and Adelaide in South Australia twice a week. It's invariably more expensive than flying, and usually slower than driving yourself, but it is a journey for those who enjoy train travel, or who want to bring their car without the hassle of driving. There are transfers in Adelaide from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. You can also transfer your car from any of these origins. The train line to Darwin was built relatively recently, and was designed primarily for freight. The terminus for the train is near the deep water port at East Arm, approximately 7 kilometres from the city centre; on the other side of Frances Bay, take a taxi, or get your accommodation to arrange a pickup for you. Buslink provides a complimentary service for guests travelling in Gold class. For guests travelling in Red class, a shuttle bus service is provided. Tickets are purchased from the driver and no booking is necessary. Return services run from the Transit Centre on Mitchel St. There is no public transport to the train station.

By Car

Darwin is the northermost point in the Northern Territory and the main highway goes south and is in good condition (tarmac). The Stuart Highway runs all the way to Adelaide, some 3,000 kilometres away.

By Bus

Greyhound provides bus services to a number of towns and cities in Australia, including Alice Springs and as far as Perth.

By Boat

There are trips by catamaran to Bathurst Island (one of the Tiwi Islands) from March to November, but no further public services exist.

Cruising has increased in popularity in the Northern Territory and the schedules for several international cruises include a day stopover in Darwin. Expedition cruise ships touring the northern coast of Australia are becoming a popular way to visit remote Aboriginal art communities in Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt.

Cruise ships dock at Fort Hill Wharf, which is quite close the Stokes Hill Wharf by water, but it is a 2 kilometres or so by road. It is around 1 kilometre to the Esplanade, and 2 kilometres to downtown.

Top

edit

Getting Around

By Car

Driving is the best way to comprehensively see Darwin. Many of the sights are spread out, parking is easy and traffic is usually free flowing.
Rental cars are available at the airport and downtown Darwin. There are plenty of companies you could choose to hire a car from, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. Car hire is often not available to drivers under 25, or if it is, it's more expensive for younger drivers.

By Public Transport

There is a public bus service, which is useful for accessing areas close to the city. The services are more frequent closer to the central area where the routes overlap, but you will need to plan according to the timetable to get anywhere else - some services only run a couple of times a day. The buses are air-conditioned. $3 per 3 hour transfer or $20 for a weekly pass.

By Foot

Walking between attractions or from a bus stop to attractions, even in the inner-city, can be very hot work for those not used to the Darwin climate. Dress to stay cool, and carry water.

Top

edit

Eat

Darwin’s downtown dining hub encompasses Mitchell and Knuckey Streets and is brimming with restaurants, cafes and pubs. Dinner in Darwin can be classy or casual, but always relaxed. For breakfast, Café Uno serves a tasty toasted avocado, tomato and cheese croissant, and coffee lovers should head to Café 21 in the mall. For something a little different, try the coconut loaf with lemon curd at Roma Bar or French toast with maple syrup and bacon at Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill.

Lunch options in the Central Business District are endless. Jump on the sushi train at Go Sushi, people-watch over a Caesar salad at Wisdom Bar & Café or try the crispy roast duck at Roast and Noodle. Enjoy Yum Cha at Tasty House, sample the variety of Tapas at Moorish Café or create your own stir-fry at Magic Wok. There is an array of pubs that serve up fish and chips, burgers and parmas, try Kitty O’Shea’s, Shennanigans or the Fox Ale House. For a juicy steak and fine wine visit Char Restaurant @ Admiralty, head to Hanuman for consistently great curry, get your Italian from Giuseppe’s or try mod oz fare matched with a colourful cocktail at Monsoons.

Parap, well known for its markets, also has a diversity of lesser-known restaurants. Try sizzling Mongolian beef at The Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant or steaming hot tamales from Prickles then move on to coffee and cake at The Cyclone Café or Paraparazzi. If you want to stock up on gourmet goodies, head to Parap Fine Foods, they’ve got a great deli and stock French home-style bread.

Best known for its views and pricey real estate, the assortment of dining in Fannie Bay is considerably less expensive than the housing. You can drink a glass of sparkling with breakfast at Cornucopia Museum Café, but be sure to book, as it is always busy. Across the road is the Darwin Ski Club, where the food is pub-style with harbour views. Try The Cool Spot Cafe, a trendy hangout that offers great light meals and snacks. The seafood dishes are a highlight at Pee Wee’s at The Point, especially the soft shell mud crab.

Cullen Bay offers an abundance of seafood choices and expansive harbour views, but you’ll also find Italian, Thai, Greek and French cuisine. Freshly shucked oysters are a specialty at Yots Greek Taverna, try the barramundi at La Beach, succulent battered bug tails from the takeaway fish and chip shop or settle with a glass of sparkling at Buzz Café. There is a large variety of restaurants along the boardwalk overlooking the marina, so you won’t be starved for choice.

Top

edit

Drink

Darwin has numerous clubs and bars. Also you can check out some local music at Brown’s Mart.

  • Humpty Doo Tavern, Humpty Doo Shopping Centre (Cnr of Freds Pass Rd and Challenor Circuit, Humpty Doo), ☎ +61 8 8988 2550. On the edge of the agricultural area surrounding Darwin, 47 km and approximately a 30-min drive from the city. The township of Humpty Doo has attracted people who want to live beyond the city limits, but within easy commuting distance. A favourite stop for both locals and travellers on their way to Kakadu or visiting Fogg Dam, popular for bird watching. Mangrove Jack’s Bar provides airconditioned comfort, or you can enjoy a light ale in the tropical outdoor beer garden. There’s live entertainment, and lunch and dinner is served daily.
  • Sirocco Restaurant and Bar, 116 The Esplanade (Holiday Inn Esplanade), ☎ +61 8 8980 0800. Relax and enjoy a pre-dinner drink or refreshing cocktail at the fully licensed restaurant and bar, a tranquil spot overlooking an azure blue pool.
  • Top End Hotel, Mitchell St.
  • Turtles Bar and Bistro, 342 Casuarina Dr, Rapid Creek (Within the Beachfront Hotel), ☎ +61 8 8985 3000. From Th-Su. Live entertainment including local bands and entertainers. Savour one of the cold tap beers as the sun sets, relaxing at the bar inside or kick back on the deck. edit
  • Victoria Hotel, In the Smith Street Mall.

Top

edit

Sleep

  • The Cavenagh Backpackers (Nomads Backpackers Hostel), 12 Cavenagh St. Located in the heart of Darwin city.

Frogshollow Backpackers, 27 Lindsay St, ☎ +61 8 8941 2600, toll-free: 1800 068 686, fax: +61 8 8941 0758, e-mail: [email protected]. Dorm-1 Person, $24, or $140 weekly. Room only-2 persons $55-68.

  • Gecko Lodge, 146 Mitchell St, ☎ +61 8 8981 5569, e-mail: [email protected]. Dorm-1 Person $17-24/room.
  • Globetrotters Lodge YHA, 97 Mitchell St, ☎ +61 8 8981 5385, +61 8 8981 3353, e-mail: [email protected]. $73.50-94 per room/per person-$20.50-27.50 for a dorm per person.
  • Melaleuca Backpackers, 52 Mitchell St, ☎ +61 8 8941 7800, 1300 723 437 (local rate).
  • Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, 1 McMinn St, ☎ +61 4 0059 0279, e-mail: [email protected]. $20/night or $100/week for a single room.
  • Value Inn, 50 Mitchell St, ☎ +61 8 8981 4733.
  • YMCA of Darwin, Doctors Gully, ☎ +61 8 8981 8377, e-mail: [email protected]. Single room $25/night or from $120/week.
  • Youth Shack, 69 Mitchell St, ☎ +61 8 8923 9790. One of Darwin’s newest backpacker accommodations and is situated in the heart of the city. Chill out and relax in the light and airy dormitory rooms, unwind with a book on the sun-deck. Facilities include a large outdoor kitchen area, BBQ, office and business services, camp kitchen. courtesy transfers, communal kitchen, communal refrigerator, TV lounge, games/recreation room, pay/satellite TV, outdoor swimming pool, public telephone, and a tour desk. 24-hr check-in. $18-85.
  • The Wilderness Lodge, 88 Mitchel St. $24.
  • Accommodation on Eden, 36 Eden St, Stuart Park, ☎ +61 8 8947 4440, fax: +61 8 8980 0888. $200-450.
  • Botanic Gardens Apartments, 17 Geranium St, ☎ +61 8 8946 0300. Quality accommodation centrally located in tranquil surroundings on Gardens Hill with views over the Botanic Gardens to the Arafura Sea. 2 or 3 bedroom fully self contained apartments, as well as motel rooms, also have four three bedroom, self contained townhouses, situated opposite the main complex. A stroll through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens leads to the Skycity Casino, Mindil Beach, restaurants, golf course, tennis courts and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. $129-395.
  • Crab Claw Island Fishermans Village, Lot 180, Crab Claw Island, Bynoe Harbour, ☎ +61 8 8978 2313. Nestled on the waters edge in a Balinese style reflecting a fishing village with elevated A/C cabins connected by walkways through the trees and palm gardens. Swimming pools a restaurant and fully licensed bar with harbour views. A limited number of powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites are situated 75 m from the waters edge and boat ramp. $28-344.
  • Crowne Plaza Darwin, 32 Mitchell St, ☎ 1300 666 545 (local rate), toll-free: 1800 891 107, fax: +61 8 8981 1765, e-mail: [email protected]. Bed and breakfast 2 persons $159-250.
  • Feathers Sanctuary, 49A Freshwater Rd, Jingili, ☎ +61 8 8985 2144. Bed and breakfast style accommodation, set on two acres of landscaped grounds in the heart of Darwin, just minutes from the Darwin airport. The bird collection at Feathers Sanctuary is diverse. Both native and exotic birds live in two large aviaries. Guests are able to enter the Waterfall Aviary and view the birds at close range. Feathers Sanctuary is secluded and secure. $200-275.
  • FreeSpirit Resort Darwin, 901 Stuart Hwy, Berrimah, ☎ +61 8 8935 0888. Set on 28 acres of lush tropical gardens and located just 15 min from Darwin city on the Stuart Highway. An independent member of BIG 4 Holiday Parks. 1 and 2 bedroom villas and cabins Powered and unpowered sites for caravans, recreational vehicles, motorhomes and campers. Facilities include; swimming pools, a poolside bistro and bar, internet cafe and a giant jumping pillow for children. $28-340.
  • Grungle Downs Tropical Bed and Breakfast, 945 McMillans Rd, Knuckey Lagoon, ☎ +61 8 8947 4440. Set in an idyllic location, only minutes from all Darwin's attractions and is perfect for a family . The Lodge has 4 queen beds. Bed and breakfast rooms and the completely self contained Family and Pet Friendly Cottage, pets are welcomed by arrangement. $120-400.
  • Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin, The Esplanade, ☎ +61 8 8980 0800, 1300 666 747 (local rate), fax: +61 8 8980 0888, e-mail: [email protected]. $149-230.
  • Litchfield Tourist Park, Litchfield Tourism Precinct, Litchfield Park Rd, Batchelor (4 km N of Wangi Falls), ☎ +61 8 8978 2077. One of Litchfield’s premier safari camps, close to all major attractions of the Litchfield National Park. Good base from which to explore the region. Has a range of permanent safari tents and tented cabins equipped with comfortable beds. Includes dinner and breakfast at Litchfield Cafe. $215-235.
  • Mandalay Luxury Stay, House 4, 78 Esplanade, ☎ +61 8 8942 3012. Self contained house with 3 bedrooms available. Quality artwork and luxurious furnishings. Offers privacy and comfort for up to six people sharing the fully equipped kitchen, views of Darwin Harbour from the balconies and swimming pool. $165-660.
  • Mantra on the Esplanade, 88 The Esplanade, ☎ +61 8 8943 4333. Overlooks Darwin Harbour to the Arafura Sea and the city skyline. 4 star hotel offers 140 one, two and three bedroom suites, 64 hotel rooms. Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Apartments have large private balconies. The hotel is adjacent to the Mitchell Street restaurant hub and within walking distance to the central business district. $215-750.
  • Moonshadow Villas, 6 Gardens Hill Crescent, The Gardens, ☎ +61 8 8981 8850. Tropical garden estate of five luxurious self-contained residential villas in a tranquil. Easy access to the city centre and Mindil Beach Sunset markets. $399-725.
  • Mount Bundy Station, 315 Haynes Rd, Adelaide River (Stuart Hwy), ☎ +61 8 8976 7009. Bed and breakfast rooms in the homestead, budget rooms in the Stockmen Quarters, group facilities in the Billabong House, self contained Cooks Cottage, shady caravan/camping sites and a swimming pool. Situated on the banks of the Adelaide River and set high on a hill overlooking the station. The homestead is comfortable and homely with fantastic views and is a quiet rural experience, enjoy your visit with personal interaction with the owners and their family life. $10-1400.
  • Pell Mell Farm Stay, Stuart Hwy, Adelaide River (Stuart Hwy) (A little to the north from Adelaide River), ☎ +61 8 8976 7006. A typical bush property, coloured by picturesque salmon gums and habited by local wildlife and a herd of 40 doe-eyed Brahman cattle. Provides a spacious, yet cosy, 2 bedroom cottage with a veranda. 'French' doors and wooden louvers open out onto a balcony. Sofa-bed is provided in the lounge area so the cottage can sleep six. $220-550.
  • Oaks Elan Darwin, 31 Woods St, ☎ +61 7 3246 1616, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm, check-out: 1000 hrs or 10 am. This property offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, with restaurant facilities, an outdoor lap pool, gymnasium and onsite restaurant (O.A.K).
  • Bamurru Plains, Swim Creek Station, Harold Knowles Rd, Point Stuart (Two and half hours from Darwin), ☎ +61 2 9571 6399. An exclusive wildlife experience at Swim Creek Station on the Mary River floodplains, Safari-style camp is surrounded by savannah woodland teeming with wildlife, reptiles and birds. Spacious free-standing rooms expose guests to the sounds of the floodplains. The dining area has good views across the vast wetlands. 10-metre wet edge pool and a library. Wide variety of activities are available including trips on the Sampan River, animal viewing, crocodile cruises, airboat trips and four wheel drive safaris. Helicopter flights are available at an additional cost. $898-1345.
  • Dragonfly House, 164 Dick Ward Dr, Coconut Grove (8 kilometres from Darwin city centre or Casuarina), ☎ +61 8 8985 6322. Modern self-contained apartment is ideal for families, groups or individuals. The house is serviced weekly and is perfect for families attending weddings and family gatherings. The indicative rate shown is a weekly basis, however longer stay rates are available. Public buses passing by location on a regular basis $1200-1500.
  • Skycity, Gilruth Ave, The Gardens, ☎ +61 8 8943 8888, toll-free: 1800 891 118. Set amongst tropical beachside gardens, this is a 5 star boutique hotel located moments from the CBD.

Top

Top

edit

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafés are very common in the larger Australian cities and popular tourist destinations. However, once you leave the major population centres, you might have trouble finding somewhere to log on. Free wifi is getting more and more common (either with or without a code) in places like restaurants, some bars and coffee places and hotels. Sometimes a fee is required.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Australia is on a GSM 900/1800 network, so if you have an unlocked phone that works on those frequencies, you will be able to buy a prepaid SIM-card and stick into your phone when you're in Australia. You will receive a new Australian phone number with the SIM-card.

To dial out of Australia use the prefix 0011, followed by the calling code of the country you are trying to reach, followed by the area code of the city/town (without the 0!) and finally the phone number.

Within Australia, it is necessary to add an area code to the phone numbers if you are calling from outside the area. Below are Australia's area codes:

  • 02 - New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory (Sydney, Canberra)
  • 03 - Victoria & Tasmania (Melbourne, Hobart)
  • 07 - Queensland (Brisbane)
  • 08 - Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory (Perth, Adelaide, Darwin)

000 is the emergency telephone number in Australia, but the international GSM mobile emergency telephone number 112 also works on mobile phones.

Post

Australia Post is the government's postal service. Most suburbs will have at least one post office. Opening times are mostly from around 8:00 or 9:00am to 5:00pm though larger ones keep longer hours sometimes. A standard letter or postcard sent within Australia will cost $0.60. Internationally, it costs $1.70 to send postcards anywhere in the world. Letters cost $1.85 to send within the Asia Pacific region and $2.60 to anywhere else in the world.[1]. It is also possible to send things as parcels or by express mail. You can also use use private courier companies like TNT, UPS or DHL as they are competitive and reliable.

Top

References

  1. 1 Australia Post. Sourced 10 May 2013

Quick Facts

[edit]

Coordinates
  • Latitude: -12.461334
  • Longitude: 130.841904

Accommodation in Darwin

We have a comprehensive list of accommodation in Darwin searchable right here on Travellerspoint.

Contributors

as well as Peter (5%), KoalaGirl (1%), Sam I Am (<1%), VATeam (<1%)

Darwin Travel Helpers

We don't currently have any Travel Helpers for Darwin

This is version 29. Last edited at 9:50 on Jul 20, 18 by Utrecht. 52 articles link to this page.

Creative Commons License
Except where otherwise noted, content of this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License