Port Darwin was named on 9 September 1839 after Charles Darwin, the famous scientist, when the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbour there while surveying Australia’s north. In 1869 the first settlement was established at a site selected by the South Australian Government's Surveyor General, and the discovery of gold at Pine Creek during the 1880s attracted more people to the colony. In 1911 the city’s official name became Darwin.
Darwin is situated on a peninsula on the northern coast of Australia and is surrounded by ocean on three sides. It has many wide clean beaches but the water can be dangerous because of deadly box jellyfish which are found in the northern waters between October and May, and it is not unusual to see large saltwater crocodiles taking a swim in Darwin Harbour or on local beaches.
Facts About Darwin
Darwin has a population of over 120,000 people which is more than half of the total population of the Northern Territory. It is 3,969 kilometres (2,466 miles) away from the national capital of Canberra., and the capitals of five other countries (East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Brunei and Palau) are closer.
During World War II a bombing raid on Darwin Harbour was the first Japanese attack on Australia on 19 February 1942. There were over 60 air attacks on Darwin during 1942 and 1943 and the city was rebuilt over time. On Christmas Day 1974 Cyclone Tracy struck and destroyed over seventy per cent of the towns buildings. Because so much has had to be rebuilt most of Darwin is modern and new.
The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. Most rainfall is between December and March and is associated with monsoon rains and tropical cyclones. The most pleasant time to visit is between May and September. Frost has never been recorded in Darwin, and it is one of the most lightning prone areas in the world.
Darwin Accommodation and Dining
There are plenty of hotels and accommodation in the vicinity of the Darwin city region and close to the esplanade that overlooks the Harbour. Accommodation options include hotels, motels, holiday apartments, bed and breakfasts and even houseboats and yachts. There is a range from backpacker hostels and the Darwin YHA through to five star resorts.
Despite its small size Darwin has some great restaurants and cafes that offer top food and service. There are plenty of outdoor options with alfresco dining, outdoor bars and grills, poolside restaurants and waterfront bistros being very popular. The seafood is excellent with plenty of fresh barramundi from nearby rivers as well as Spanish mackerel, Black Jewfish, queenfish and snapper which are all caught in the blue waters off the coast of Darwin.
Things to Do in Darwin
Darwin has plenty of historical attractions, museums, and National Parks. It also has a unique range of events throughout the year, including the annual beer can regatta in August. The World War II Oil Storage Tunnels hand dug during WWII are worth a visit as is the unsettling Cyclone Tracy exhibition at The Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
You can also use Darwin as a base to explore the wonders of the Top End of Australia including the Jumping Crocodiles tours from Adelaide River Bridge about 70 kilometres away and the beautiful Litchfield Park about 100 kilometres away. Take a cruise or fishing charter on Darwin Harbour and visit the night markets at Mindil Beach.
Australia's other capital cities are Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart. Canberra is also the National capital.
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