Darwin backpacker hostels, accommodation, tours and budget travel information

If you are planning to backpack Darwin, then this page provides information on what backpacker hostels and backpacker tours and attractions are available here. The page also provides a description of Darwin, information on how to get here and contact details of the local visitor information centre.

The city of Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and has a population around 105,000. It is a lively, modern city with a young population, an easy going lifestyle and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city’s location at the “Top End” of Australia allows for a blend of traditional and modern Australia and a strong cultural influence from our Asian neighbours to the north. Because of Darwin’s huge attraction for tourists and backpackers in particular, the city has a very transient population.

Aerial view of Darwin
Courtesy Tourism NT

Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park
Courtesy Tourism NT

Darwin’s climate is vastly different to the central and southern part of the Northern Territory. In summer, the temperature reaches into the mid 30 Degrees Celsius and is very tropical and humid. This is the wet season and tourism slows down during this part of the year. The winter months are the tourism draw card. Temperatures sit in the mid to high 20 Degrees Celsius and there is much less humidity. This is the best time of the year to visit the amazing Kakadu and Litchfield National Park's, which are relatively close to the city.

Darwin is also very popular with fisherman from around the country and around the world because of the great fishing areas that surround the city. On Christmas day 1974, Cyclone Tracy swept through Darwin and completely flattened the town. As a result, the new city, which has been built in its place, is modern and well planned and offers plenty of attractions, including a casino, restaurants, nightclubs and bars, theatres, museums, great multicultural markets and sporting facilities.

Mindil Beach Markets
Courtesy Tourism NT

Chilli's Backpackers 69a Mitchell St Darwin, NT, 0800 Phone 1800 351 313	Frogshollow Backpackers 27 Lindsay St Darwin, NT 800 Phone 1800 068 686
Gecko Lodge 146 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone (08) 8981 5569	Globetrotters Lodge 97 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone 1800 800 798
Wilderness Lodge Backpackers 88 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone 1800 068 886	Value Inn 50 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 0800 Phone (08) 8981 4733
Melaleuca on Mitchell 52 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone 1300 723 437	Darwin International YHA 69 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone (08) 8981 3995
YMCA Of Darwin Doctors Gully Rd Darwin, NT 800 Phone (08) 8981 8377	Darwin City Lodge 144 Mitchell St Darwin, NT 800 Phone (08) 8941 1295
Air Raid City Lodge 35 Cavenagh St Darwin, NT 0870 Phone (08) 8981 914

4 Day Kakadu Experience With Wilderness 4wd Adventures	5 Day Top End Explorer With Wilderness 4wd Adventures
4 Day Top End Blitz With Wilderness 4WD Adventures	3 Kakadu Adventure With Wilderness 4WD Adventures
13 Day Kimberley Discovery With Australian Adventure Travel	5 Day Kakadu Expedition With Wilderness 4wd Adventures
Over the Top- Perth to Darwin Easyrider Backpackers With Easyrider Backpackers	9 Day Kimberley Challenge With Wilderness 4wd Adventures
Indo-Pacific Marine & Australian Pearling Exhibition There is an excellent aquarium and pearling exhibition Stokes Hill Wharf Darwin, NT 0800 Phone (08) 8981 1294	Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Great display of Northern Territory Aboriginal art and also art from nearby Asian and Pacific countries. The museum shows some stuffed native animals as well as an excellent maritime display. 19 Conacher Street, Bullocky Point Darwin, NT Phone (08) 8999 8201
Aviation Heritage Centre Houses an American B52 Bomber and some other types of aircraft 557 Stuart Hwy Winnellie, NT 0820 Phone (08) 8947 2145	Crocodylus Park Showcases all things crocodilian Lot 3439 McMillans Rd Berrimah, NT 0828 Phone (08) 8947 2510