Darwin Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 Fridays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Although malaria is not a problem in Darwin or the area immediately surrounding the city, mosquitoes are. Even during the peak of the dry season, which sees the largest numbers of visitors, mosquitoes are found anywhere there’s water. A repellent is a must, which will also work to deter sandflies.

A particular concern for swimmers is the dreaded box jellyfish. This creature is potentially deadly, and is a hazard in waters off the coast from October to May. When swimming during the peak tourist season, even in the relatively ‘safe’ period of June to September, it’s wise to have vinegar at hand to pour on a wound if you are stung. Urgent hospital treatment is essential as well, as the venom can be deadly.

Crocodiles are seldom found at public beaches, but are quite common in waterways. Crocodiles spotted in a public place will make the local news, so you’ll be forewarned if there’s any known danger. There are plenty of safe swimming areas around Darwin, but it’s important to exercise caution.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the three flat blade variety, but the blades are of a different configuration that in most other countries so an adapter will be required.

Visitors to Australia do not require special immunisations for entry into the country. It is advisable, however, to use insect repellent or take other measures to prevent mosquito bites – particularly in the Northern Territory where the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River viral infections is high.

Medical services in Darwin are of high quality, as they are in all cities in Australia. The cost of medical care can also be high, however, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that their travel insurance is adequate before leaving on a trip to Australia. UK nationals enjoy a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Australia that provides free urgent medical care, as long as proof of residence in the UK can be shown.

Royal Darwin Hospital: +61 8 8922 8888

Emergency services: 000

In Darwin, as in all other parts of Australia, the official language is English. However, you may also hear local Aboriginal dialects spoken. In the Northern Territory, you’ll often hear unique words and phrases, local slang and a regional accent that may make it difficult to understand the locals at first.

The Australian currency unit is the Australian dollar, typically written as AU$. One dollar comprises 100 cents. Banknotes are printed in the following denominations: AU$100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are found in circulation in the following denominations: AU$2 and 1; and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport and at banks and currency exchange outlets in Darwin city. You’ll find ATMs in a number of locations in the centre, where you can use credit cards for cash advances. Most credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa, can be used for purchases at most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Visitors entering Australia who are 18 years and older are permitted to bring in goods totalling AU$900 in value, duty free. This allowance includes up to 2.25 litres of spirits; 250 cigarettes or the equivalent amount of tobacco in the form of cigars or packaged tobacco; and small gifts. Prohibited items include fruits, live plants, meats and nuts.

Life in Darwin, as in most parts of Australia, is informal, and this is reflected in the manner in which locals greet each other. A smile, handshake and 'G'day' constitute the normal greeting on the street. People also tend to call each other by their first names, even at first meeting.

Small gifts are exchanged by family members, friends and neighbours on special occasions, such as birthdays and Christmas. A small gift is also appropriate for the host or hostess when you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner. If the gift is wrapped, your host or hostess will probably open the gift upon receiving it.

Dining Etiquette
A dinner invitation in Darwin usually means that you’ve been invited to an outdoor barbecue, or ‘barbie’ as it’s known here. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to bring your own beer or wine, or even the meat you’d like to grill.

Australians usually arrive punctually for dinner, although if the party is a large one, arriving a few minutes late is acceptable. If no one has mentioned what you should bring to the barbecue, you might want to phone your host to ask. When you arrive at the event, it’s also polite to ask if there’s anything you can do to help out such as set up, or help with the clean up afterward.

Table manners in Australia are similar to in Europe: the fork is held in the left hand, and the knife in the right. Your hands should be kept at table level or above when you’re eating and elbows below. After you’ve finished eating, you should place your knife and fork across your plate, parallel and pointing to the left.

Anyone visiting Australia is required to have both a valid passport and the appropriate visa before boarding a flight to Australia. New Zealand nationals are the exception, as they don’t require a visit for entry. Also, passengers in transit who are ticketed on a flight departing within eight hours of their arrival do not require a visa. You are advised that visas are not issued on arrival for nationals of any country and that you will not be allowed to board a flight bound for Australia without the proper entry documents.

There are a number of visas available, and it’s important that you apply for the visa related to the purpose of your visit and proposed length of stay. You can apply for a visa at any Australian embassy or consulate, with the application processing taking from a couple of days to a week. Short and long-stay tourist visas and working holiday visas are the types most applicable to visitors. Applications can also now be made online, for added convenience.

The main tourist information office for the Darwin area is the Darwin Government Tourist Bureau, located at the Smith Street Mall. The staff will be able to provide information on accommodation, car hire, tours, and yachting and fishing excursions. There are also maps available, as well as listings of events. An information counter is also located at the airport. Phone: +61 8 8981 6611.