Northern Territory

Darwin and nearby - Introduction

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, south of Darwin © Tourism NT Until 1911, when the Federal Government took over control of the Northern Territory from South Australia, Darwin was called Palmerston. There were several unsuccessful attempts to found the city in the 1800s on various sites on the northern coast before arriving at Darwin’s present position. The Northern Territory only achieved autonomous self government as a state in 1978.

The original town was badly damaged by a cyclone in 1897. The rebuilt frontier town was then largely destroyed by Japanese air raids during World War 2. Darwin suffered major devestation again on Christmas Day 1974 when Cyclone Tracy hit. Since then Darwin has been emerging as a significant tourism gateway and centre, capped by the completion of the Ghan rail link in 2004.

We have split 'Darwin and nearby' into three sub regions - Darwin, Litchfield National Park and Tiwi Islands.

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Alice Springs Desert Park An essential introduction to Central Australia located in the foothills of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges near Alic Springs. The park has captured world attention	Abu Air Tours The most outstanding air safari tours in Australia. Abu Air has perfected outback touring with a range of tours taking you to off the beaten track locations in luxury
Gunya Tourism Be a guest within a remote desert Aboriginal community, 120 km south of Alice Springs. Stay in a deluxe safari tent with en suite and interact with local Aboriginals	Travel North Tour specialists - light adventure, ecotourism, Aboriginal culture, wilderness and much more - all in the Top End of the Northern Territory
Mainstay Hotels A network of over 90 leading independently owned and operated hotels and apartments throughout Australia and New Zealand, all part of the Go Koala Pass scheme	Rydges Hotels & Resorts Affordable, well appointed hotels in a wide variety of locations across Australia - our objective is to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible
Mirvac Hotels & Resorts Outstanding hotels and resorts with unsurpassed dining with an ever expanding range of diverse properties throughout Australasia	Odyssey Tours and Safaris A choice of scheduled safari tours in the Top End of Australia with a minimum of just 2 passengers - you are assured of a hassle free, memorable experience.
Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge Spanning 1,000 hectares in a flora and fauna reserve, this unique property is secluded within national parklands in Arnhem Land and surrounded by marine park waters	Skycity Darwin An international 5 star hotel casino spectacularly set amongst tropical beachside gardens, located only moments from the central Darwin