Information about Darwin
Location
Darwin is located in the Northern Territory, Australia. Located on the edge of the Timor Sea, most of the Territory is north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Local time is GMT plus 9-30.
Climate
Darwin has a tropical climate with two seasons, the Dry Season and the Wet Season. The Dry Season extends from May to October with temperatures ranging from 16-32 degrees Celsius. This season has blue skies, sunny days and cool nights. It is great weather especially for enjoying outdoor activities.
The Wet Season extends from November to April with temperatures ranging from 25-36 degrees Celsius. During this season there are monsoonal rains, spectacular lighting displays and high humidity. This season is also known as the cyclone season but shelters are available and residents are reminded of the steps to take to stay safe if a cyclone does eventuate.
For further information please visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website at: www.bom.gov.au
Transport
The Northern Territory's main population centres are generally well serviced with transport links. Stuart Highway is the major link between Darwin and the rest of the country Darwin is also serviced by air and rail. Other modes of transport in and around Darwin include:
- Buses
- Cabs/taxis
- Private hire vehicles
- Bicycles
Shopping
As a young and modern city, Darwin provides a full range of services for its residents. There are three major shopping centres in the city, at Casuarina and at Palmerston with many other shopping centres located throughout the suburbs. These centres boast a huge array of both large and specialty shops from major supermarket chains through to small boutiques. Darwin's famous markets provide a wonderful alternative for shopping and relaxing.
Dining
With around 75 different nationalities represented in Darwin, the multicultural flavour of the Territory is well representing in its dining experiences. You only need to take a trip to one of the Darwin markets (Mindil Beach, Parap, Nightcliff or Rapid Creek) to see their influence in the many food stalls serving great-value meals and snacks.
You can choose food from Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, India, Germany, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Italy and Greece. Many of the Territory's ethnic groups hold annual festivals to share their culture and food. This diversity is also well represented in the city's restaurants and cafes. All tastes and budgets are catered for, from five-star seaside restaurants to budget cafes on the wharf. Al fresco dining is particularly well catered for in Darwin, where the climate encourages outdoor entertaining.
Sport
Sport is a major part of the Territory lifestyle. The sporting facilities in Darwin are of a high standard and include airconditioned indoor stadiums, swimming pools, ovals and courts.
A highlight of the sporting and recreational calendar is the Arafura Games, which are held in Darwin every two years in May with the next due in 2007. From humble beginnings in 1991, the games now involve more than 3000 athletes from nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Alice Springs hosts the Alice Springs Masters Games, also known as The Friendly Games, every two years. The only entry requirement athletes need to meet is the minimum age for their chosen sport. Other major sporting events held in Darwin include the V8 Supercars and Darwin Cup Carnival (horse racing).
Recreation
Darwin's lifestyle encourages many outdoor recreational activities including:
- Bicycling and walking on the extensive tracks provided
- Sailing and canoeing
- Swimming
- Camping, scenic tours and safaris
- 4-wheel drive tours
- Fishing tours and charters.
Visit the Northern Territory Tourist Commission's travel site for some great Territory travel destinations.
The Arts
The Northern Territory has a very high participation rate in arts and cultural activities. Locals and visitors enjoy a wealth of arts and cultural events, activities, facilities and festivals. National and international touring performances and exhibitions complement the already strong and diverse programs offered by major Territory arts organisations and individual arts practitioners.
Charles Darwin University's own Darwin Symphony Orchestra is famous for staging concerts in unusual and exciting settings throughout the Territory, such as Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and Daly River. Multicultural and artistic festivals are popular in Darwin and attract large numbers of residents. The city has well-established dramatic, musical and other arts groups, which hold regular activities.
Education
The Northern Territory has a dynamic education system, providing quality educational choices from preschool to tertiary level. Preschools, primary schools and secondary schools are staffed and equipped at levels that compare well to the rest of Australia. The teacher to student ratio is consistently among the lowest in the country. There is a well-established private school system offering parents a variety of choices for their children's education.
Health Services
Darwin enjoys excellent health services with two major hospitals and a number of private health services available. Royal Darwin Hospital is a teaching facility and offers a wide range of specialist services. Community health centres operate throughout Darwin and the Northern Territory and Aerial Medical Services reach people in outlying areas.
With thanks to Darwin City Council and the Northern Territory Tourist Commission for assistance in compiling this information.
