Darwin, with its lush vegetation and multiracial population, is one of the world’s most enticing and ethnically diverse cities. It shares similarities with cities in Asia, many of which are not far away. The 85,000 Darwinians include more than 50 different ethnic groups, including a large Chinese community. Visitors find this reflected in the city’s array of Asian and Western eating places, ranging from upmarket restaurants to budget-priced food stalls at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where seaside eating, shopping and entertainment combine.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Darwin runs from deluxe five-star hotels to serviced apartments and backpacker hostels. With a range of new hotels, apartments and hostels, there is no shortage of choice.
Top End attractions easily reached from Darwin include Kakadu National Park, renowned for its extensive wetlands, wildlife and waterfalls; and Litchfield National Park, which rivals Kakadu in popularity and has hiking trails, secluded swimming holes and year-round, spring-fed waterfalls. Aboriginal culture thrives on the Tiwi (Melville and Bathurst) Islands, while Nitmiluk National Park in the Katherine region is known for its system of 13 giant gorges.
