Victoria Lupascu 
Darwin is the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory and one of the smallest cities in the country, but that’s no reason to underestimate it! As you’ll discover, it’s filled with stunning places that’ll pique your interest. If you know anything about the city, you’re probably wondering about where to stay in Darwin.
Well, you’re in luck because I compared all the Darwin neighborhoods and came up with a list of the 5 best places to stay in Darwin.
Based on all my research, I can tell you that the Darwin CBD is the best place to stay in the city. Here, you can enjoy stunning waterfront views, dine in amazing restaurants, and stay in the best hotels in Darwin.
For each of the featured areas, I handpicked the top-rated hotels for each price category, but I also added a bonus with the best holiday parks in Darwin if you want to go camping.
Once you pick an accommodation in Darwin, hurry up and make reservations! Darwin is a popular spot to visit, and there aren’t that many hotels, so you need to book quickly and secure your spot.
Let’s hit the road!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book the best hotel in Darwin, check out these options on the Esplanade in Darwin CBD:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. CBD – where to stay in Darwin for first-time visitors
- 2. The Gardens – best place to stay in Darwin for beach lovers
- 3. Stuart Park & Bayview – best places for a relaxing stay
- 4. Nightcliff & Winnellie – where to stay near the airport
- 5. Parap – where to stay in Darwin for foodies
- BONUS: Best holiday parks for campervans & caravans
- FAQs about where to stay in Darwin
- Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Darwin
To help you visualize the places to stay in Darwin, here’s a map of the 5 areas featured in this post:
- CBD: for first-timers
- The Gardens & Mindil Beach: for beach lovers
- Stuart Park & Bayview: for a relaxing stay
- Nightcliff & Winnellie: near the airport
- Parap: for foodies
1. CBD – where to stay in Darwin for first-time visitors
Getting ready to head for a trip to Darwin City? You’re probably thinking about where to stay in Darwin for the first time, and I have the answer to that – the Darwin CBD. The city’s Central Business District is a lively hub that attracts tourists and locals alike and has plenty to offer in terms of attractions and accommodation.
FUN FACT: The city of Darwin was named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. Although Darwin himself never visited the place, he used to sail with the ship’s captain. So, the captain named the port after his former shipmate, and later, the city started going by the same name, too!
Seeing as the CBD stretches over a larger area and has plenty to offer, I decided to separate my recommendations. First, I’m going to talk about the Esplanade, a notable street in the CBD that’s home to the very best hotels, attractions, and activities. Then, I’ll talk about Darwin Waterfront, the ultimate place to enjoy stunning views of the water.
Both of these areas offer a lot in terms of accommodation and things to do, so you won’t go wrong with either one. Plus, Darwin serves as the gateway to Kakadu National Park, a unique place that you should definitely visit during your stay here!
1.1 Esplanade
The Esplanade is a 3 km (1.8 mile) street in the CBD that starts in the Larrakeyah neighborhood and stretches to the Darwin Waterfront. The street is always bustling with life and attracts many tourists, so be ready to wade through some crowds!
Darwin’s Esplanade runs parallel to Bicentennial Park (map), a large green surface overlooking the water. Within the park, you’ll find many walking paths and war memorials, and you might even catch some live events.
One of the top attractions in the area (and in the city!) is Crocosaurus Cove. At the Cove, you can see various reptiles, turtles, and the highlight, saltwater crocodiles! If you like marine life, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary & Cafe (map), where you can observe and feed a variety of different fish species!
If you’re looking for nighttime activities, I highly recommend catching a movie at the Deckchair Cinema, an outdoor movie theater! Or, you can see what’s on at the nearby Darwin Entertainment Centre – they put on concerts, festivals, and comedy shows!
While you’re staying on the Esplanade, you have to go one street further and explore Mitchell Street! This street runs parallel to the Esplanade and is dotted with bars and restaurants – an amazing spot for a night out!
PRO TIP: When looking to book accommodation in Darwin, be sure to check Wotif, in addition to your trusted booking sites like Booking and Expedia. This is an Australian website, so you might find some of the accommodations at slightly lower prices.
Centrally located on the Esplanade and overlooking Darwin Harbour, this 4-star hotel features a restaurant and an outdoor pool with a bar. All guest rooms are furnished with custom-designed furniture and have floor-to-ceiling windows and a Juliet balcony. Other benefits of staying here include the use of a fitness center and free parking.
Other accommodation options on the Esplanade
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this hotel offers air-conditioned villas and rooms, a pool, and a terrace with sun loungers
Just steps away from the Esplanade, this comfortable motel has a pool and offers laundry facilities and luggage storage
Offering a waterfront view, this apartment has a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a living room, and a full kitchen
Things to do on the Esplanade
- Go for a relaxing stroll in Bicentennial Park
- See the saltwater crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove
- Feed the fish at the Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary & Cafe
- Catch a movie at the Deckchair Cinema
- Attend a performance at the Darwin Entertainment Centre
- Grab a drink at one of the bars on Mitchell Street
1.2 Darwin Waterfront
The second CBD area that is a great choice for your first visit to the city is the Darwin Waterfront. Overlooking the Darwin Harbour, this vibrant bayside area offers numerous fun activities and boasts an excellent restaurant scene.
The go-to spot in the neighborhood is the Darwin Waterfront Precinct (map), a large park with a beach, a pool, and many bars and restaurants. The Darwin Wave Lagoon is a public swimming pool within the park and one of the coolest attractions in the city. It’s a pool with artificial waves, and you can expect as many as 10 wave patterns!
Once you’ve had enough fun at the pool or at the beach (if that’s even possible), it’s time to hit the museum! The Darwin Museum Underground WWII Oil Storage Tunnels is a unique underground museum that honors the victims and heroes of the Second World War.
NOTE: Darwin was bombed during WWII by the Japanese Imperial Navy. This 1942 bombing resulted in over 200 casualties, as well as the destruction of many buildings and ships. This event is often referred to as the ‘Australian Pearl Harbour.’
Other things you should check out in the neighborhood include the Government House (map) and the Darwin Convention Centre – even if you’re not attending an event there, stop by to admire the architecture.
Finally, you can’t leave the Waterfront District without exploring the Stokes Hill Wharf (map). This is a working wharf that also boasts a fishing pier and many restaurants – I recommend Crustaceans on the Wharf (map) for both the seafood and the view! And if you decide to do a Darwin Harbour cruise, this will also be your departure point!
During your stay at this upscale hotel, you will enjoy amenities such as room service, a 24/7 front desk, and concierge service. Some of the facilities available to you include a pool, a gym, and a restaurant.
Other accommodation options on the Darwin Waterfront
Darwin Waterfront Short Stay Apartments
Each unit at this aparthotel is air-conditioned and has a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony or a patio
This 1-bedroom apartment boasts a large balcony overlooking the water, new and modern furnishings, and a designated office space
This 2-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 5 guests and has a nice balcony with views of the harbor
Things to do on the Darwin Waterfront
- Explore the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Spend a fun day at the Darwin Wave Lagoon
- Visit the Darwin Museum Underground WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
- Stop by the Government House and the Darwin Convention Centre
- Pay a visit to the Stokes Hill Wharf and dine at Crustaceans on the Wharf
- Embark on a sunset cruise across Darwin Harbour
2. The Gardens – best place to stay in Darwin for beach lovers
Located 4 km (2.5 miles) Northwest of the Central Business District, The Gardens is a suburb of Darwin, named after the Botanical Gardens that are located here. The place has a very lively yet relaxed vibe, and it’s the best area to stay in Darwin if you love the beach!
The first thing you’ll want to do is visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens (map). These sprawling gardens feature many species of native plants, an orchid house, and a cafe. Eva’s Cafe (map) is situated within the botanic gardens, and it’s a great place to rest in between your exploration of the gardens.
Another must-visit spot in The Gardens is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here, you can see many examples of Indigenous art as well as fossils and artifacts dedicated to the city’s seafaring history.
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 this is where you’ll find the city’s most famous and visited beach. Mindil Beach (map) is a sandy stretch of shore beloved by locals and tourists alike!
Mindil Beach also hosts the Mindil Beach Sunset Market (map), which takes place every Thursday and Sunday during the dry season (between May and October). The market is the best place to try some street food and get some souvenirs to remember your trip; if you’re visiting during the dry season, this is one of the must-do things in Darwin!
Still looking for things to do? I suggest you visit the nearby Cullen Bay. Go for a stroll along the Cullen Bay Marina (map) and dine at one of the many great restaurants overlooking the water. This is also the best place to stay in Darwin for couples – here, you’ll find some of the top resorts in Darwin, so if you’re traveling with your significant others, check out Cullen Bay!
This is one of the best luxury resorts in Darwin, offering rooms with sea views and balconies! Get a cocktail from the swim-up bar and relax in the lagoon pool. You can also hit the spa if you want and have dinner at one of the 5 restaurants on-site.
Other accommodation options in The Gardens
An outdoor pool, barbecue facilities, and air conditioning are just some of the perks of staying at these apartments
A budget accommodation in The Gardens that has a great location, a pool, and free parking spots
Overlooking Mindil Beach, this property offers a comfortable bedroom, plus access to shared spaces and free parking
Things to do in The Gardens
- Admire the plants at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Stop for a refreshing drink at Eva’s Cafe
- Explore the collections at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Go swimming on Mindil Beach
- Try street food and get souvenirs from the Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Visit the nearby Cullen Bay neighborhood and walk along the Cullen Bay Marina
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3. Stuart Park & Bayview – best places for a relaxing stay
If you’re seeking a relaxing vacation, the neighborhoods of Stuart Park and Bayview are the perfect fit for you. Situated approximately 5 km (3 miles) North of the CBD, these neighborhoods have a very serene atmosphere, making them the best places to stay in Darwin if you want to relax and unwind.
Both Stuart Park and Bayview are primarily residential neighborhoods, so you won’t find too many tourist attractions. This is great news for all of you who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a vacation in every sense of the word.
Stuart Park is a great place to grab some dinner with a view of the water. The Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association Inc (map) is a yacht club that boasts a very nice restaurant – the terrace is dog-friendly, and there’s live music on select days. Frying Nemo Fish and Chips (map) is a more laid-back eatery where you can enjoy a great selection of local seafood.
The Bayview area is even quieter than Stuart Park, but it’s perfectly situated for exploring the Charles Darwin National Park (map). The park is just a 4-min drive from the neighborhood; driving is the fastest way to get there – everything else takes over an hour! So, if you don’t have your own vehicle, I highly recommend renting a car.
Another great place to explore on a day trip from Darwin is Litchfield National Park (map). This is an excellent place to go for a relaxing hike, admire the stunning waterfalls, and see some wildlife. The drive from Bayview takes a little over an hour, but you can also opt for a guided tour (I really like this one), but keep in mind that most of them start from the CBD.
This luxurious holiday home has an amazing infinity pool and a large balcony with garden views. The home features 5 bedrooms, making it the ideal choice for large groups of friends or families with kids. The home also has a large dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, plus free parking and Wi-Fi.
Other accommodation options in Stuart Park & Bayview
A 3-bedroom residence with 2 bathrooms, a balcony, and access to a shared pool, great for longer stays
This private room is in a shared apartment and has a designated bathroom and a private balcony
Stay in your own room and get access to a shared bathroom and other parts of the home
Things to do in Stuart Park and Bayview
- Grab dinner at The Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association Inc
- Sample local seafood at Frying Nemo Fish and Chips
- Drive out and explore the Charles Darwin National Park
- Plan a day trip to Litchfield National Park
4. Nightcliff & Winnellie – where to stay near the airport
Maybe you’re in Darwin for a layover, or you have just a little time in the city before you head to another cool destination in Australia. Either way, booking accommodation near the airport will save you a lot of time, so you should consider staying either in Nightcliff (12 km/ 7.5 miles North of the CBD) or Winneille (6 km / 3.5 miles Northwest of the CBD).
Winneille is close to the airport – just an 8-min drive away, but it’s a smaller area that doesn’t have as much to offer in terms of attractions. This works in your favor if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, but some cool things you can do include visiting the Darwin Aviation Museum and spending a fun afternoon at the Royal Darwin Show (map).
Nightcliff is a bigger area and also super close to the airport (an 8-min drive). If you have the time, I suggest you go for a swim at Nightcliff Beach (map) and enjoy the views from the Nightcliff Jetty (map).
The Nightcliff Market (map) is a great shopping and THE place to get some souvenirs from your short trip to Darwin. If you’re looking for a place to grab some breakfast, you won’t go wrong by choosing The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe (map). And finally, don’t miss the chance to catch the sunset at Sunset Park (map)!
Another great thing about these areas is that they have a great range of reasonably priced, and even cheap accommodation. So, if you don’t want to break the bank for your Darwin stay, both of these neighborhoods are a good choice.
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 & Winneille
At this resort, you can stay in lovely cabins, swim in the saltwater pool, and use the barbecue facilities
Great accommodation near the beach that offers free private parking, an outdoor dining area, and a pool
This modern studio is very nicely decorated and has a balcony where you can enjoy stunning sunsets
Things to do in Nightcliff & Winneille
- Pay a visit to the Darwin Aviation Museum
- Spend an afternoon at the Royal Darwin Show
- Go swimming at Nightcliff Beach and admire the view from the Nightcliff Jetty
- Do some shopping at the Nightcliff Market
- Grab some breakfast at The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe
- Enjoy the sunset views from Sunset Park
5. Parap – where to stay in Darwin for foodies
Located 4 km (2.5 miles) Northwest of Darwin city center, Parap is a suburb and a great spot to look for accommodations during your holiday, especially if you love food as much as I do! The neighborhood has a very laid-back vibe and an amazing food scene, so if you’re looking for a place to chill, eat, and just enjoy the city’s charm, you’ve come to the right place.
The neighborhood is known for the Parap Village Markets (map), one of the oldest ones in Darwin. Here, you can try amazing street food from one of the many stalls, get some clothes at affordable prices, and enjoy live music performances.
If you’re into vintage cars and motorcycles, you can’t miss the 1934 Qantas Hangar (map). This is a museum located in an old airplane hangar, boasting a great collection of antique vehicles.
The Parap Tavern (map) is another great spot to grab a quick bite to eat, while the Darwin Railway Club (map) is a cool bar perfect for enjoying a drink in the evenings. As I mentioned, Darwin is considered the gateway to Kakadu National Park (map), and Parap is a great starting point for taking a day trip to the park. The drive takes about 1h 30 mins, and you can easily spend the entire day exploring everything the park has to offer!
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
- Enjoy the street food at the Parap Village Markets
- Check out the vintage cars at 1934 Qantas Hangar
- Cool off at the Parap Swimming Pool (map)
- Grab a bit at the Parap Tavern or a drink at the Darwin Railway Club
- Take a day trip to Kakadu National Park
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$80 |
| 📍 Best area: | CBD |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hilton Garden Inn Darwin |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Palms City Resort |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Capitanos |
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. 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 in Darwin!
- Darwin FreeSpirit Resort – 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 center. You can book a cabin, a camping site, a caravan spot, or a marquee tent! Mingle with the other travelers at the bar, swim in the pool, and enjoy access to a restaurant, a camp kitchen, and a gaming room!
- 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 Wi-Fi, a camper kitchen, and shops.
- Discovery Parks – this caravan park is also super close to Darwin city center, 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.
FAQs about where to stay in Darwin
📍 What is the best location to stay in Darwin?
The Darwin CBD, including the Esplanade and the Darwin Waterfront, is the best place to stay in the city. This is where you’ll find the top attractions and the best hotels; stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin on the Esplanade or the Vibe Hotel hotel on the Waterfront.
🏖️ Does Darwin have nice beaches?
Yes, Darwin, Australia, has some nice beaches that you should check out, like Mindil Beach, the beach at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, and Nightcliff Beach.
🌅 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 is close to many national parks, like Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park, that you can visit on a day trip from the city.
⌛ How many days in Darwin is enough?
The ideal amount of time for your Darwin trip is 3 days. This should be enough time to see the city’s top attractions, shop at some of the amazing markets, and even take a day trip to one of the nearby national parks.
🚶 Is Darwin a walkable city?
Yes, Darwin is quite a small city, and it’s very walkable. There are many walking (and bike) paths all throughout the city, so you can easily explore most of the city on foot.
📅 Which month is best for Darwin?
The best months to visit Darwin are May to October, during the dry season. Many events, like the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and the Darwin Festival, take place during this time, and the weather is pleasant for exploring the city.
🚗 Do you need a car when visiting Darwin?
No, you don’t need a car for a Darwin visit unless you’re planning a visit to one of the national parks. The city is very walkable and also has reliable public transportation that’s also free between May and October.
🏝️ What are the best islands off Darwin?
The Tiwi Islands, situated about 80 km (50) North of the coast of Darwin, are the best islands to visit from the city. The Tiwi Islands consist of 2 islands – Bathurst and Melville – and have an amazing Aboriginal arts culture and gorgeous landscapes.
Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Darwin
What an incredible adventure! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Darwin, Australia, and which hotels to choose.
Still, you might be wondering where is the best place to stay in Darwin – and I know it can be hard to make a decision. To give you some extra help, here are my top 2 favorite spots, both located in Darwin CBD, on the Esplanade:
- Hilton Garden Inn Darwin – an upscale hotel with a restaurant, a pool, and a poolside bar
- Palms City Resort – surrounded by tropical gardens, this resort boasts an amazing pool and offers free parking
As I said earlier, Darwin city is a super famous location, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance to get the best deals and prices.
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
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