Situated on the northern coast of Australia, Darwin – named after the famous naturalist – has developed from a small coastal outpost to become one of the key trading ports in country.
The capital of the Northern Territory has also become increasingly popular with tourists, which includes those people who are travelling around the coast on a cruise holiday.
The city is one that has a colourful history having had a key role to play in World War II. Used as a base for troops defending the coast, Darwin came under attack from the Japanese multiple times.
A number of companies now offer guided tours around the city where you can learn more about the impact that the war had on the city, with the Darwin Military Museum and the Defence of Darwin Experience being one of the major attractions.
The war is also covered in the Aviation Museum, where you’ll also be able to learn more about the early pioneers of aviation who landed in Darwin on their travels.
Other attractions within Darwin include the Botanical Gardens, Parliament House and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where you can examine aboriginal arts and local crafts whilst also learning more about Cyclone Tracy; which hit the city with devastating effect in the 1970s.
Visiting Darwin isn’t all about the city however, with the Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks both accessible within a matter of hours.
Here, you’ll be able to explore the unique landscapes of the area, which includes everything from huge tropical rainforests to sandstone ravines and cascading waterfalls. These parks are also home to a varied collection of native wildlife, including crocodiles and dingoes.