Australia's most northern city and the Northern Territory capital, Darwin is, and always has been a city of extremes. It's location as the country's furthest outpost combined with the areas hot climate, has presented challenges ever since early European settlement. Twice rebuilt, Darwin has been the victim of Australia's worst wartime disaster as well as it's worst natural disaster, after being completely devastated by Japanese bombers in 1942-43 and Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Today, the city has no resemblance to the hard-edged and unsophisticated image it seems to conjure in many people's minds. It's is a modern and thriving metropolis, boasting all the facilities you would expect of any capital city including several major cultural and social institutions, abundant accommodation and a host of leisure activities. Thanks to it's diverse multicultural mix, Darwin is also home to a number of excellent dining precincts, where the variety and quality of ethnic cuisine on offer is mouth-watering.

Complimenting the vibrant restaurant scene, the capital's extensive nightlife activities live up their reputation. Darwin's long been considered as a fun and live-it-up kind of place, and the array of clubs, bars, pubs, and theatres combined with the city's young population and continual influx of backpackers, has ensured this distinction will be sustained. Community events held throughout the year such as the crazy Darwin Beer Can Regatta, also aid in the perpetuation of Darwin's lively image.

Darwin's not only a great city to visit, but the ideal place to base explorations or jump on a tour into the spectacular and wild wilderness of the Top End. The Top End encompasses some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia including Litchfield, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), and the wondrous Kakadu. Easily accessible, all parks are no further than 250 kilometres from the city centre and should not be missed.