Located in the northwest corner of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in the country and is a modern tropical seaport having a population of just under 100,000 residents.

In 1974, on Christmas Day, the city was devastated by Cyclone Tracy, a storm that moved in from the otherwise sparkling, peaceful waters of the Arafura Sea. In the years since 1974, the city has been rebuilt and continues to attract people from all over the Pacific Rim, adding to its already diverse, multicultural core.

More than 70 ethnic and racial backgrounds are represented in the city, resulting in an incredible variety in lifestyles, customs and cuisines. Darwin is an easy-going and friendly place with a cosmopolitan attitude. Overall, the lifestyle is unique, largely due to the city’s relative isolation from other Australian states – blending old-style Australian culture with a definite Asian influence.

The city features abundant parks, green spaces and recreational facilities, including several golf courses, public swimming pools, football ovals and a large indoor stadium. Its performing arts centre attracts international artists who perform at numerous events scheduled throughout the year.

The tourism infrastructure is well-developed and the city’s range of accommodation options is extensive, including mid-range hotels and coastal resorts in convenient locations.

Darwin harbour is a focal point for activity, from sunset cruises to wreck dives. The region around Darwin is home to over 20 nature preserves, some of which are world-renowned. There are better-known reserves such as Kakadu National Park as well as wild, beautiful and hidden gems such as Butterfly Gorge, Coburg Marine Park, Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs and Umbrawarra Gorge.

Early attempts to settle the area known today as Top End were catalysed by British fears that either the Dutch or French may develop a permanent settlement in Australia in these parts. In the years from 1824-1829, settlements were established at Fort Dundas on Melville Island and at Fort Wellington on the Cobourg peninsula, some 125 miles to the northeast of Darwin, but were eventually abandoned.

The explorer Leichardt reached Port Essington in 1845 by an overland route from Brisbane. His reports of the area brought about a lasting interest in the Top End. South Australia took control of the region in 1863, and a more ambitious plan of development ensued. In 1864, Escape Cliffs near the Adelaide River’s mouth was settled (quite close to present-day Darwin’s location). This settlement was abandoned, however, in 1866. Darwin was founded just three years later, in 1869.

Darwin’s harbour had been discovered earlier, in 1839, by John Lort Stokes. Stokes arrived on the Beagle - a ship made famous by Charles Darwin- and named the spot Port Darwin after his former shipmate. Aboriginals tried in vain to resist white settlement of the Northern Territory, and the process was as violent here as it was everywhere else in the country.

When gold was discovered in 1871 at Pine Creek, more than 120 miles south of Darwin, the city of Darwin grew significantly. When the gold fever died out, Darwin’s growth slowed, due also to the cyclones that occasionally struck the coast unpredictably and the difficulties with the Aborigines. The Aboriginals were confined to reserves set aside by the government, or to Christian missions. By the early years of the 20^th century, some also lived and worked on cattle stations.

During WWII, Darwin further established itself, becoming an important Allied base for regional action against the Japanese. At this time, the road connecting Darwin to Alice Springs was surfaced, connecting the city with the rest of Australia. Darwin was bombed numerous times during the war: in fact, there were 64 such events documented, in which 243 residents were killed.

The modern city of Darwin plays an important role in mining and sea trade. It’s also the northern entry point into the country, and as such plays an important role in national security. The rail service from Alice Springs makes Darwin and the Northern Territory accessible to international tourists as well as other Australians.

Darwin and all parts of the Northern Territory experience two distinct seasons. The tropical winter season is the dry period, and comprises the months of May to September. During this time the weather is consistently mild, skies are clear and blue, humidity low and rain virtually non-existent. The wet season follows, lasting from October to April. During this time, humidity is high and late afternoon thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours are typical. This is also the time that the coast commonly experiences tropical cyclones.

Many people say the best time to visit Darwin is during the wet season. It’s a time when everything is green, the humidity keeps the dust down, prices are lower and the barramundi fishing peaks. It’s also a time, however, of spectacular electrical storms, potential flooding and cyclones. Late in the wet season or early in the dry season is perhaps a better time to come, when the rains taper off and the humidity is lower.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit, the temperatures will most likely be in the range of 30˚C to 33˚C. If the weather isn’t the factor that determines the timing of your visit, you might consider when major events are held. If you enjoy parades, the Beer Can Regatta and the Festival of Darwin are celebrated in August, near the end of the dry season.