Australia`s Northern Territory is two holiday destinations wrapped into one, from the tropical paradise of the Top End to the authentic outback of the Red Centre.
The lure of the Top End has always been its relaxed tropical lifestyle.
Darwin, the Northern Territory`s capital, is a modern vibrant city fringed by the Arafura Sea. It boasts a harbour twice the size of Sydney`s and is encompassed by coastal reserves with extensive walking and cycling trails.
Restaurants and sophisticated accommodation houses, many with sea views, are located in and around the city centre and dining is recommended at Cullen Bay Marina or the Darwin waterfront area at Stokes Hill Wharf.
Darwin is also a getaway to some of the world`s most renowned national parks. Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park are easily accessible from Darwin.
Spectacular waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes ensure their popularity among locals and visitors. Fishing is great in the Top End and if you are ever going to land a `Barra` this is the place to do it.
The mystique of Aboriginal culture is revealed through many tours in the Top End across the water to the Tiwi Islands and in central Australia.
Daily flights connect Darwin to the centre of the Northern Territory or you can experience the centre of Australia at Uluru, just a short flight from Alice Springs. There are also direct flights from Darwin to Uluru.
Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)
- Visit Darwin’s History and Heritage attractions (Darwin Military Museum, RFDS and the Bombing of Darwin Experience, Aviation Heritage Museum, WWII Tunnels or join a Walk Darwin tour visiting sites and buildings around Darwin City;
- Darwin Harbour Cruises: Explore the sandy beaches, mangroves and isolated reefs on one of the many cruises;
- Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise;
- Crocosaurus Cove: 360 degree viewing of some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in captivity.
Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day / Overnight)
- Litchfield National Park: this park has spectacular falls within its 143 square kilometre area such as Florence Falls, The Lost City, Tjaynera, Tolmer, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole. These falls are spectacular and set amid the monsoon forests of the park;
- Tiwi Islands (accessible by air or ferry) - Aboriginal Culture -): These islands are part of the Territoryメs tropical coastline and only 20 minutes by air. The islands are rich in history and Aboriginal culture and are populated by indigenous Tiwi people. Local traditional arts and crafts for sale;
- Kakadu National Park (coach and air tour): Kakadu hosts a breathtaking expanse of lush tropical landscape, Aboriginal rock art and flora and fauna typical of the Northern Territory;
- Territory Wildlife Park: a 400 hectare nature attraction presenting native Territory animals in their natural habitat;
- Australia's best-known icon, Uluru: located in Central Australia and best visited by staying overnight at the Ayers Rock Resort. Tours in Aboriginal history, including the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and Kings Canyon are available.
Dining (Best Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner)
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct - Alfresco waterfront dining (Snapper Rocks, Wharf One, Oyster Bar);
- Darwin City Centre (Hanuman, PM Eat & Drink, Char)
- Cullen Bay Marina : enjoy alfresco dining all year around and choose from seafood, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and many other cuisines;
- Pee Wee’s at the Point, offering a stunning waterfront location at East Point. Menus aim to reflect the local produce, climate and multiculturalism of the Territory;
- Outdoor Mindil Beach Sunset Markets operate every Thursday and Sunday from 4pm to 9pm from April to October and are a culinary delight;
- Darwin City Boutique Markets, Smith Street Mall, May-October, every first Friday of the month.
For more information please visit https://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/food-and-drink
Evening Entertainment
- Visit one of the many pubs, clubs and theme bars in the city and the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
Best Hotels
- Adina Vibe Darwin Waterfront;
- Mindil Beach Casino Darwin;
- Hilton Darwin;
- Rydges Darwin Central Hotel;
- DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin;
- Novotel Atrium Darwin;
- H on Smith Hotel;
- Palms City Resort;
- Mantra Pandanas.
Best Beaches
- Mindil Beach;
- Casuarina Beach;
- Nightcliff Beach.
(Please note that it is not advisable to swim between October and May. Be crocwise at all times.)
Golf Courses
- Darwin Golf Club, Marrara;
- Palmerston Golf and Country Club;
- Gardens Golf Course (opp. Casino);
- Humpty Doo Golf Club, Humpty Doo.
Tennis Courts
- Gilruth Tennis Centre;
- Darwin Tennis Centre.
Other Sporting Activities
- Game and fly fishing;
- Horse racing;
- Squash;
- Ten pin bowling;
- Fitness centres;
- Sailing;
- Swimming;
- Jogging/Bicycle tracks that surround the city centre.
Best Shopping Areas
- Darwin Smith Street Mall: local pottery and art including Aboriginal art in all forms are strongly featured in many of the city's arts and craft shops;
- Airconditioned shopping centres at Casuarina, Palmerston Gateway and Coolalinga.
Specialty Products
- Unique to the region are the South Sea Island pearls, crocodile skin products and authentic Aboriginal products.
Normal Retail Trading Hours
- Darwin City Monday - Saturday 9.00am : 5.00pm;
- Casuarina Monday - Saturday 9.00am : 5.00pm;
Late night shopping Friday 9.00am : 9.00pm.
Working hours |
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Customs Officers | 24 hours |
Quarantine Officials | 24 hours |
Immigration Officials | As for Customs |
Customs and Immigration |
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Passenger Manifest | Three copies at the first port of call with one copy to Immigration with the passengers card one copy to Customs and the third copy to remain on board the ship. |
Embarking Passenger Manifest | 3 copies - 1 to Customs 1 to Port 1 stays |
Crew Manifest | 2 - 1 at first port to Immigration 2nd stays. |
Stores List | 2 (Aust. Customs Service and Sydney Ports Corporation |
Customs Declaration (Ship) | 1 (Australian Customs Service) |
Customs Declaration (Crew) | 2 (Australian Customs Service) |
Forms Comments | All forms listed above are produced at the first Australian port of call and then one copy of each form travels on board the ship to be produced at subsequent ports. |
Customs Declaration (Passengers) | One at first Australian port of call only. |
Port health |
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Health Declaration | One (pratique) at first Australian port of call only |
The following Ground Handlers are CDU members and supply superior ground handling services throughout Australia.
Approach |
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Arrival Departure Restrictions | No |
Tidal Variation | 7.8 metres |
Prevailing Currents | up to 4 knots |
Prevailing Winds | |
Length of Channel | Not applicable |
Depth of Channel | Least depth 14 metres |
Comments | N/A |
Depth and breadth of turning basin |
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Location of Turning Basin | N/A |
Diameter | 0.5 mile |
Depth | 20 metres |
Other points | Large open bay (estuary of 3 rivers). Unrestricted access for ships less than 9 metre draught - any length or beam. Largest recent vessel 'Ovation of the Seas' |
Pilotage |
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Pilotage Name | Darwin Port Pilotage |
Pilotage Address | GPO Box 390 Darwin NT 0801 |
Pilotage Phone No | 61 8 8919 0887 |
Is Pilotage Compulsory | Yes |
Position of Pilot Pickup | Channel 6 buoy or Channel 5 buoy |
Distance from Berth | 6 nautical miles or 14 nautical miles |
Pilot VHF Channel | 10 |
Description of Pilot Boat | Orange hull, white upperworks |
Pilot Hours | 24 hours |
Pilotage Fees | n/a |
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The following CDU members offer superior service throughout the region. | |
Port Operations/Services |
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Wilhelmsen Shipping Services | |
Address | 9/189 Kent Street |
SYDNEY NSW 2000 | |
Telephone | +61 2 9439 7223 |
24 hour contact | +61 416 189 760 |
Fax | +61 2 9439 8587 |
Website | www.barwil.com |
sydney@barwil.com.au | |
Services | Contact: Greg Coopman. |
For details of services see the Barwil entry under Members and Contacts- then scroll down to Shipping Agents. | |
Inchcape Shipping Services | |
Address | Level 8, 120 Sussex Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000 |
GPO Box 3988 | |
SYDNEY NSW 2001 | |
Telephone | 61 2 9364 8960 |
24 hour contact | +61 411 123 013 |
Fax | +61 2 9364 8999 |
Website | N/A |
operations@beaufortshipping.com | |
Services | Contact Ian McAllister |
For details of services see the ISS entry under Members and Contacts- then scroll down to Shipping Agents. | |
Information on other Shipping Agents can be obtained from the Port Authority (see Port Operator). | |
Towage |
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Are tugs available | Yes |
Are tugs compulsory | No |
Tug operator`s name | Coastal Tug & Barge Ltd |
Tug operatore's phone | 08 8941 7102 |
Tug operator`s fax | 61 89 417 647 |
andair.info@svitzer.com.au | |
Ship or tug lines | Either |
Tug working hours | 24 hours |
Linesman |
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Working hours | All hours |
Port officials |
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Working hours | 0700 to 1800 |
Overtime | Yes when required |
Stevedoring |
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For details of suitable stevedores, please contact the Shipping Agent | |
Provedoring |
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For details of several quality, competitively priced provedores please contact the Shipping Agent. | |
Telephones |
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Telephones | Yes |
How many | 6 |
Notice required | Yes |
Bunkering |
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Fuel Grades | Diesel |
Quay or barge | Quay up to 40 cst |
Suppliers | Shello / BP / Mobil / Ampol |
Water |
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Fresh Water | Yes |
Exquay or barge | Quay |
No of hoses | 6 |
Capacity per hose/hour | 100000 litres per hour |
Tonnes per hour guaranteed | 70 |
Type of connect | Male Bayonet |
Connect size in inches | 2.5 inches |
Dry garbage |
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Dry garbage | Yes |
Barge alongside | Yes |
Containers available | Yes |
Size of containers | 3m3 |
Number available | Unlimited |
Incineration or dump | Incinerator |
Facilities to transport | Not accepted |
Wet garbage |
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Wet garbage | Yes |
Ship or shore pump | Ship/Shore |
Sludge disposal | Yes |
Sludge details | Vacuum truck +/- 5000 litres per load |
Charges |
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Port Charges | Refer Darwin Port Operations |
Repair facilities |
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Nearest dry dock | Darwin Ship Repair |
Length | 300 metres |
Maximum Tonnage | 80000 GRT |
Divers Available | Yes |
Engineering facilities | Yes |
Dredging |
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Dredging undertaken | Yes |
Dredging when | Last undertaken January 1992. |
Port operator |
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Name | Darwin Port Operations |
Address | GPO Box 390 Darwin NT 0801 |
Telephone | 61 8 8919 0800 1300 327 946 |
Web Site | www.darwinport.com.au |
Email Address | darwinport@darwinport.com.au |
Berth details |
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Berth | Fort Hill Wharf |
Maximum draft | Fort Hill Wharf - 11.5 metres |
Tidal variation | up to 8 metres |
Berth length | 292 - 300 metres |
Guaranteed berthing for cruise ships | Yes |
Are other ships able to dock | Yes |
Cargo ships at dock | Yes |
Security fences | Yes |
Nearest ports |
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Australia | Cairns/Broome |
Nearest Overseas Port | Bali |
Terminal facilities |
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Terminal Building | Yes, absolutely |
Meet and Greet Facilities | Yes |
Toilet Facilities | Yes |
Telephones | On pier |
Availability of Maps and/or Brochures | Yes |
Souvenir Shopping | Yes |
Money Exchange | Can be arranged |
Is the US Dollar Accepted? | Yes |
Transport |
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Closest Airport to Pier | Darwin |
Distance to Airport | 12.5 km |
Transport to Airport | Yes |
Can Passengers Walk to Town | Yes, approximately 2 km |
Drive Time from Pier to CBD | 3 minutes |
Distance from Pier to Town Centre | 2 km |
Are Shuttle Buses Necessary | Yes but you can walk |
Suggested Shuttle Stop in Town | Smith Street Mall |
Availability of Taxis at Pier | Yes |
Other Forms of Transport at Pier | Taxis, limousines |
Tour buses |
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Distance from Ship to Tour Buses | 50 metres |
What is the Normal Coach Capacity | 45 passengers |
Are Tour Buses Air Conditioned | Yes |
Are Refreshments Provided on Buses | Yes |
Are Cold Towels Provided on Buses | By arrangement |
Are Step Stools Provided on Buses | Yes |
Tourism operators in Northern Territory:
Darwin Port Operations
Tourism Northern Territory