Darwin Hotels: browse accommodation in Darwin

Why visit Darwin

This diverse, tropical paradise boasts year-round warmth, close encounters with wildlife, and thrilling recreational activities. Located in Australia's dreamy Top End, Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory. With over 198,000 people now enjoying the region's relaxed lifestyle, Darwin is not only a city hard to forget but one even more difficult to leave.

Best time to visit Darwin

Although Darwin is hot and tropical year round, the best time to visit is during Australia's winter (June-August) which is part of Darwin's dry season. The temperature is still high while rainfall is low and you avoid tropical storms. This is peak travel time to Darwin. If you want to avoid crowds and increased rates while still enjoying the dry season, visit over May or September.

Getting around Darwin

The main way to get around Darwin without a car is by bus. You can purchase a ticket beforehand to travel about freely or you can purchase a ticket when boarding but this option is cash only. Buses generally travel between bus interchanges so it's handy to get around. The route 4 bus travels from Darwin bus interchange to Casuarina bus interchange via the waterfront and stops at many popular attractions. This bus route is very handy for visitors.

What to do in Darwin

Thrill seekers will love the chance to visit local wildlife parks to see the crocodiles that call the NT home, while floral fanatics will delight in the chance to stroll through the Darwin Botanic Gardens—home to some truly unique tropical plant life.

Free things to do in Darwin

Hit the beach
The most popular beach in Darwin is Mindil beach and it's not hard to see why. This expansive beach is big enough for everyone with beige sand and blue water. Unfortunately swimming is not advised from October to May as this is box jellyfish season but Mindil beach is west facing and makes for a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Mindil Beach Market
After you're done watching the sunset at Mindil Beach meander over to the Mindil Beach markets to indulge in a smorgasbord of cheap market eats, as well as unique wares and live performances. The Mindil Sunset Markets are on every Thursday and Sunday from 4pm-9pm, only over May to October.

Fun things to do in Darwin

Swim in the wave pool
This man-made wave pool by the waterfront in the heart of the city is the perfect place to cool down if you don't want to risk the ocean and luckily it can be visited year round. There are grassy spaces around the pool to sit and relax in between refreshing dips. The pool is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Jumping crocodile cruise
You may have to travel a little outside of Darwin for this experience but it's well worth it particularly as the Northern Territory is known for its big saltwater crocs! This tour operates year round and as you may have guessed sees you on a boat watching crocodiles jump out of the river to reach the food being dangled from the boat. It's a great way to get up close and personal with a big croc without risking any limbs!

Where to eat in Darwin

Head on over to Cullen Bay Marina for a wide range of restaurants located on the waterfront. Pick your favourite cuisine and enjoy your meal with a beautiful sunset. For a morning pick me up in a heritage-listed former church, you can't go past Eva's Botanical Garden's Cafe, located in the botanical gardens so you can fuel up before heading out for a wander through the gardens. Quench your thirst in Darwin's tropical climate with a pub crawl along Mitchell Street.

Where to stay in Darwin

With Accor's Darwin hotels, resorts and apartments, you'll find convenient accommodation minutes away from everything that Darwin has to offer. Whether you're in town to see the local wildlife or to enjoy the dreamy warmth of the Northern Territory, our Darwin accommodation options are the perfect place to rest after a busy day.