Victoria Lupascu 
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia and it’s considered the smallest city in the country, but don’t make the mistake of underestimating it because of that! As you’ll discover, it’s filled with stunning places not only inside the town but also in the areas nearby!
As you’ve noticed, the city’s name belongs to the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, and although he never visited the place, he sailed on the same ship that discovered the area later. The ship’s captain was impressed by Darwin’s accomplishments, so he named the city in his honor!
Now let’s switch to present times and find out all the fantastic things about Darwin. There are many, so bear with me! What I like most about this location it’s that even if it gives off that urban atmosphere, you only need to walk a bit further away from the city center area and you’ve arrived in a tropical setting including spots where you can swim with crocodiles!
But to see all of that, you’ll need to find a place where to stay in Darwin. Don’t worry, I’ve covered that too. This post contains a detailed guide on the best hotels in the city, but I highly recommend booking in advance because they sell out super fast. Darwin, it’s small after all but highly appreciated by tourists!
Let’s hit the road!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. CBD – where to stay in Darwin for the first time
- 2. The Gardens & Mindil Beach – best placein Darwin for beach lovers
- 3. Parap – where to stay in Darwin for foodies
- 4. Nightcliff & Coconut Grove – best place to stay near Darwin airport
- BONUS: Best holiday parks for campervans & caravans
- Frequently asked questions about Darwin
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book your hotels now, then quickly browse this list of the best places where to stay in Darwin city, all located in the CBD
To help you visualize better the areas where to stay in Darwin, here’s a map of all the places that I will be talking about in this post:
- CBD: for first-timers
- The Gardens & Mindil Beach: for beach lovers
- Parap: for foodies
- Nightcliff : near the airport
1. CBD – where to stay in Darwin for the first time
Getting ready to head for a fun trip to Darwin city? Then come along because I’m about to dive in and explore the best places where to stay in the capital Northern Territory, Australia! Featuring some pretty iconic landscapes for a city of its size, Darwin CBD (Central Business district) is certainly the best place to stay for those visiting for the first time!
You shouldn’t let the fact that the city is considered the smallest one in the country fool ya! There are so many things to try here, plus Darwin serves as the gateway to Kakadu National Park, a unique place that you should visit!
But before we get all excited about day trips, let’s see what the famous Central Business District is all about! The city’s heart will naturally host some of the best restaurants, shops, and museums, and given that it’s located waterfront, the views and beaches just make Darwin CBD one of the best places to stay during your holiday.
But if you’ve got your heart set on a hotel in the Central Business District, you should make sure you book it in advance. The city center is every tourist’s first choice for accommodations, and the good ones will sell out! If you’ve already left it to the last minute, don’t stress too much as I’m giving you many extra options to choose from in the CBD due to its popularity!
This fabulous waterfront apartment where to stay in Darwin, CBD is perfect for your trip! Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the views! Later you can relax in the spa, or by the swimming pool.
Other accommodation options in the CBD
These city center apartments have tropical gardens where the kids can play, a pool, and a kitchen
Order some room service and enjoy a quiet morning with your family at this hotel that a great location and a pool
A comfortable Darwin accommodation that has 3 rooms, a kitchen, and which offers beach access
1.1 Waterfront hotels in the CBD
The Darwin waterfront area offers an incredible view, and what better way to enjoy that than to wake up to it every day during your trip to the Northern Territory! So if you look below, you’ll find a list of the best waterfront hotels in the city for those of you who can’t say no to a room with a view!
Located less than a mile from the waterfront lagoon in Darwin City, this luxury hotel offers modern apartments equipped with a kitchen and family rooms. Guests will also have access to a private pool!
Other waterfront hotels in the CBD
This city center hotel has a great location, a wave pool, family rooms, and a stunning sea view
I love the tropical design of this hotel that’s located on Esplanade street with a pool and free wifi
Drink your coffee on the balcony of this apartment that offers lake access, 2 rooms, and a kitchen
1.2 Family hotels in the CBD
Are you heading with the whole crew to Darwin in the Northern Territory? Well, you’ll have many things to do and see, but for that, you’ll need super comfortable accommodation that will have all the facilities you need.
It’s pretty hard to find the perfect place where to stay in Darwin with the family, especially in the city center, but I’m here to help you and offer you a carefully curated list of the best hotels.
Not only does this accommodation have super modern rooms and a pool, but it also has a central location, right near the best restaurants in the Central Business District! The Mindil Beach Market is also a 5-minute walk away, and guests can ask for a child-friendly room.
Other family accommodation in the CBD
These city center apartments have tropical gardens where the kids can play, a pool, and a kitchen
Order some room service and enjoy a quiet morning with your family at this hotel that a great location and a pool
A comfortable Darwin accommodation that has 3 rooms, a kitchen, and which offers beach access
Things to do in the CBD
- Swim with the crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove
- Enjoy the restaurants near Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct
- Grab some fish & chips from Stokes Hill Wharf
- Enjoy the nice weather at Darwin Wave Pool
- Take a walk around Bicentennial Park
- Relax on Lameroo Beach at night
- Head to Cullen Bay, the posh area in Darwin
- Visit the House of Government in the city center
2. The Gardens & Mindil Beach – best placein Darwin for beach lovers
Located 2 miles (3 km) northwest of the Central Business District, this area is a suburb of Darwin, and it was named after the Botanical Gardens, which are located here.
If you love sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, and chilling on the sand, I recommend finding a place to stay in The Gardens neighborhood, as the city’s most famous and visited beach is also located here.
Mindil Beach hosts the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which take place during the dry season between May and October, so you’re super lucky if you’re planning a visit to Darwin, Australia, during those months! There’s nothing like a bit of time by the ocean to make you feel like you’re on holiday, and I love night markets. I think they’re a super fun place where you can eat, drink, and buy some cool souvenirs.
If this area sounds like your kind of place, then I highly recommend booking your Darwin hotels in The Gardens & Mindil Beach! And if you’re looking for some cool day trips that you can take from Darwin, check our post, there are many interesting spots, including national parks and islands!
This luxury resort Darwin offers rooms with sea views and balconies! Get a cocktail from the bar and chill by the swimming pool on one of the sun loungers. You can also hit the spa if you wish and have dinner at the restaurants on-site.
Other options in The Gardens & Mindil Beach
Enjoy your stay in Darwin city in this accommodation that offers a sun terrace, a pool, and table tennis
A budget accommodation in The Gardens that has a great location, a pool, and free parking spots
Feel at home in this comfortable apartment that has 2 rooms, a kitchen, and a tv
Things to do in The Gardens & Mindil Beach
- Swim and sunbathe at Mindil Beach
- Visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Explore the Cullen Bay area nearby
- Search for souvenirs at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
- Check out the historical Burnett House
- Have some cake at Eva’s Cafe in The Gardens
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Parap – where to stay in Darwin for foodies
Located 3 miles (4 km) northwest of Darwin city center, Parap is also a suburb and a great spot to look for accommodations during your holiday, especially if you love food as much as I do!
Known for its local market, one of the oldest ones in Darwin, Australia, this neighborhood has a laid-back atmosphere, which maybe because it’s a bit further away from the city center. So if you’re looking for an area where you can chill, eat and just enjoy the city’s charm, you’ve come to the right place.
Parap village market is considered the perfect spot to have a breakfast get-together by the locals! So if you’re an early bird, get ready and hit the market stalls as early as you can. It’s not only food that you’ll find there but also arts and crafts, which will make great souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
As you explore around you’ll also find an interesting art center and a really cool car museum which is located in an old hangar (it’s definitely a great place to take some pictures)!
This Darwin accommodation is located less than a mile away from the village market and is one of the best places to stay if you are searching for some great apartments that are fully equipped. You will have a kitchen and access to an outdoor pool!
Other accommodation options in Parap
Chill on the balcony that overlooks the pool, at this fantastic hotel that has family rooms and a garden
A budget Darwin accommodation which offers a pool, a fitness center, and BBQ facilities
I like the design of this apartment has 2 rooms, a private hot tub, and a balcony
Things to do in Parap
- Search for goodies at the local village market
- Check out the vintage cars at 1934 Qantas Hangar
- Chill on Vesteys Beach
- Go on a tour of Litchfield National Park from Darwin
- See the cool art at Outstation Gallery
- Take a trip to Cullen Bay
- Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
4. Nightcliff & Coconut Grove – best place to stay near Darwin airport
Located 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Darwin city center, these 2 suburbs are great places to find hotels if you want to stay near the airport.
Maybe you’re in Darwin for a layover, or just a short time before you head to some other cool destination in Australia, either way, booking accommodation near the airport will save you a lot of time.
Both areas are located just 3 miles (5 km) away from the airport and offer a great variety of hotels. I think you should also take some time to explore the neighborhoods even if you’re in town only for a short while! I mean, Nightcliff has a beach!
What better way to kick off your Australian trip than with a few hours spent on one of the country’s beaches. The surroundings there are stunning, especially in the morning and at night. There are also a few parks in Nightcliff that are great spots for people who just want to spend some time in nature, exploring and getting to know the Northern Territory and its unique places.
Let’s search for the best hotels in these areas!
I love how cozy and comfortable this Darwin accommodation looks! It’s located only a 10-minute drive away from the airport and it offers a restaurant, a tennis court, and private parking. You will also have access to an outdoor dining area.
Other accommodation in Nightcliff & Coconut Grove
Great accommodation near the beach that offers free private parking, an outdoor dining area, and a pool
Chill by the pool and relax during your holiday at this pet-friendly budget hotel that has family rooms
Start your day with a coffee on the patio at this location that has 2 rooms and a backyard
Things to do in Nightcliff & Coconut Grove
- Go for a swim at Nightcliff Beach
- Explore the Foreshore Park
- Catch a sunset at Nightcliff Jetty
- Check out the Nightcliff local markets
- Walk around Easther Park in Coconut Grove
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $100 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $160 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | CBD |
| 👪 Best area for families: | CBD |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Adina Apartment Hotel |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Argus Hotel Darwin |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Metro Advance Apartments |
BONUS: Best holiday parks for campervans & caravans
Heading on an Australian road trip and looking for somewhere to stay with your camper? Well, then I recommend you search for accommodation in one of the many caravan parks in the city!
Whether you’re looking for campsites, cabins, or caravan, and RV parking, holiday parks are a great option, especially for a family vacation as they often have lots of fun extra facilities like epic playgrounds, pools, shared kitchens, and maybe even a games room!
Below you’ll find a list of the best holiday parks for campervans and caravans where to stay in Darwin!
- Darwin FreeSpirit Resort – Plan your holiday to Darwin in style! This holiday park is equipped with all the amenities you’ll need for your stay, and it has a great location, only a 15-minute drive away from the city centre. You will be able to book a cabin, a camping site, a spot for your caravan, or a marquee tent! Mingle with the other travelers at the bar, swim in the pool, and enjoy having access to some excellent facilities such as a restaurant, a camp kitchen, and a gaming room!
- Hidden Valley Holiday Park – Offering different types of places to stay like small villas, cabins, lodge-style accommodations, and camping sites, this holiday park is located a 10-minute drive south of Darwin’s city center. Guests will have access to a picnic area, a cafe, a camp kitchen, a swimming pool, and a playground where the kids can play!
- Oasis Tourist Park – I love the whole tropical theme at this holiday park that’s a 20-minute drive south of Darwin. You can rent a cabin or a site for your caravan, motorhome, or camper at this location. The holiday park offers plenty of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi, campers kitchen, and shops.
- Discovery Parks – This caravan park is also super close to Darwin city centre, just a 10-minute drive away. Enjoy your stay here and relax on the balcony of your cabin at the end of the day! The park features a camp kitchen, a shop, and a swimming pool.
Frequently asked questions about Darwin
🇦🇺 What is the best location to stay in Darwin?
CBD (Central Business District) is the best area where to stay in Darwin, Australia as it hosts some of the most famous attractions in the city, great bars and restaurants, and unique hotels such as Adina Apartment Hotel.
🏖️ Does Darwin have nice beaches?
Yes, Darwin, Australia has some nice beaches that you should check out, like Mindil Beach, Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Cullen Bay Beach, and Nightcliff Beach.
❓ What is the main street in Darwin called?
Smith Street is the main street in Darwin’s city center and it’s a place where you’ll find many shopping stores and some tourists attractions.
🌅 Is Darwin a good place for a holiday?
Yes, Darwin, Australia is an excellent location for a holiday as it offers many attractions and markets within the city and a high number of national parks, like Litchfield National Park, that you can visit during a day trip from the city.
Conclusion
What an incredible adventure! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Darwin Australia and which hotels to pick.
It might be hard to make a decision with such a long list of hotels at your disposal but to give you some extra help, here are my top 2 favorite spots both located in Darwin’s CBD:
- Adina Apartment Hotel – A waterfront hotel that has a pool
- Argus Hotel Darwin – A hotel with family rooms and many restaurants nearby
As I said earlier, Darwin city is a super famous location, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance if you want to get your hand on the best deals and prices.
Have a fantastic trip to this stunning city! Visit all the markets, national parks, and beaches! I’m sure you’ll love it! If you have any questions about Darwin, Australia, leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer it as quickly as I can!
Enjoy your adventure,
Victoria
