More about Darwin
Why go to Darwin?
A lively tropical city with a great mix of cultures and food
It's very hot and humid during the wet season
Darwin's colourful character makes it well worth exploring
Darwin Cruise Port Facilities?
Cruise ships dock close to the main town centre in an area called the Wharf Precinct -- a drinking and dining hub with a modern convention centre.
The Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal waterfront precinct has seaside walkways and shady parklands. Visitors can swim in the wave pool or a swimming lagoon with a floating children's play zone. The area is lined with outdoor restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
A 750-metre path links the terminal to the Smith Street Mall and Visitor Information Centre. Don't miss the glass observation lift, which offers panoramic views of the whole precinct and Stokes Hill Wharf while connecting you to a gently climbing walkway.
Good to Know?
December through to March is known as 'The Wet' and it pours buckets late in the afternoon and at night. Temperatures top 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity reaches extremely high levels. The land turns green, but it could also flood, and some trips to outlying areas will be washed out by impassable roads. Air-conditioned venues, such as Darwin's shops and museums, then become the most sensible destinations.
Getting Around?
By Foot: The walk to town takes about 15 minutes. Once there, the centre is walkable in about 25 minutes, from end to end.
By Taxi: Taxis will be available at the pier.
By Ride Share: Uber is available in Darwin but some of the newer rideshare options have limited drivers.
By Bus: A shuttle service operates from the Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal to the Visitor Information Centre in the CBD. The Darwin Bus Interchange is located on Harry Chan Place, off Smith Street, at the end of the main shopping street, near the port. Timetables are available, and drivers do give change. The Darwin Airport Shuttle meets all flights and provides direct transfers to all hotels.
By Car: Car rental agencies give good value for three to five people. Try Hertz (Mitchell Centre, 55 to 59 Mitchell Street), Europcar (77 Cavenagh Street) and Budget (corner of Smith and McLachlan streets).
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The currency is the Australian dollar. Money can be exchanged at banks and bureaus, and ATMs are found all over the city. Credit cards are widely accepted in Darwin except at local markets (such as the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets) where cash is often preferred. Outside Darwin, in remote areas, there are limited banking or credit card facilities.
Language?
English is spoken with a variety of Australian accents and often with lots of abbreviations and colloquial expressions. When it comes to ordering a beer, a "stubbie" is a small beer, while a "Darwin stubbie" is a very, very large beer.
