Boutique Hotels in Darwin

You would think that escaping to a small, fashionable hotel in the centre of Australia’s second biggest city would be a difficult proposition. Melbourne’s busy Central Business District is a world of towering buildings and rushing commuters, edged by the graceful, serpentine sweep of the Yarra River. But among the clatter and traffic of this hectic labyrinth, there are a surprising number of discreet little pied-à-terre places, perfect for an overnight escape or as a base for your big city adventures. In Melbourne’s CBD you can overdose on urban action, then retreat to the sanctuary of your boutique hotel whenever you please.

From the sandstone neo-Gothic of St. Paul’s Cathedral, all the way over to the Victoria Market, you and your partner can indulge in a pick-n-mix of heady inner city delights. Slide into a sidewalk table at a hipster-filled Laneway café; swap one-liners with the stall-holders in the markets; inhale the intoxicating aromas of Chinatown over on Little Bourke Street; and dine in style at a penthouse restaurant halfway to the sky. And when it all becomes too much, you can retire to the seclusion of your chosen hotel and pamper yourselves. So don’t wait a minute more. Leave all your cares behind and head downtown.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Perhaps one of the most well known markets in Australia, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets is like nothing else. Seasonally open from April until October; Thursday to Sunday, these markets are a stone’s throw from the ocean. Be in awe of live entertainment and street performers as you wander through the many stalls featuring local art and craft. The best thing about the market is the variety of food stalls. Get the best seat in the house for the tropical sunset by grabbing some food and heading to the beach for a sunset picnic dinner.

Crocosaurus Cove

Located in the centre of Darwin, you can get up close and personal with the spectacular Australian saltwater crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove. Not only can you admire these creatures and their incredible bite force at feeding time, visitors can also dare to hold a baby croc. If you are more into adrenalin seeking, why not experience the ‘Cage of Death’, where you are lowered into the water in a glass cage and then face off with a 5 metre crocodile. In addition to the crocodile experiences, this sanctuary also features a reptile house.

Tiwi Islands

Head out for a day trip or overnight cultural stay to the Tiwi Islands. Only a 2 and a half hour ferry ride from Darwin, visitors can join a cultural tour and admire the stunning aboriginal art from the locals. It is also a fabulous place to try out a spot of fishing. A popular tour is the ‘Tiwi by Design’ tour, which includes a damper morning tea, lunch and an art session with a local islander.

Litchfield National Park

No visit to Darwin is complete without making another day trip. Totally worth the 60 minute drive, is Litchfield National Park. Nature lovers will all have this on their bucket list. Hike to the giant termite mounds or cool off in the many natural waterfalls throughout the national park. Consider booking an organised day trip, as the best way to see this stunning place is to go by 4 wheel drive. Keep an eye out for unique australian wildlife like water dragons, quolls and sugar gliders

Jumping Crocodile Cruise

No cage or protection will protect you from the wild crocs you will see on this cruise. The Jumping Crocodile Cruise is an experience like no other. The company was founded and will be led by a local, who is familiar with the lands these crocs call home. Your tour guide will speak about the land as well as the eco systems that these creatures are an important part of.

Museum & Art Gallery of Darwin

Close to the water and cafes is the Museum and Art Gallery of Darwin. Artistic, scientific and culture collections are housed here and worth seeing.Exhibitions are often changing, and allows visitors to admire old and new pieces. The Art Gallery is also said to be one of the best art exhibitions in Australia and is home to the Annual Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art awards.

Territory Wildlife Park

Located in the stunning Berry springs, Is the Territory Wildlife Park. Here you can get up close to some of the most wonderful Australian wildlife. Surrounded by gorgeous nature in a bushland setting, animals are comfortable in natural habitats like a billabong,and forest. This allows visitors to see the wildlife in their true element like you would in the wild. Take a guided tour around the wildlife park to learn more about the land the park is on, and how the flora and fauna are valuable to the area.