Living in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is Australia's outback state, home to the Simpson desert, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu, Australia's largest national park. The territory combines a rich cultural history from over 70 different cultures with the youthful energy of Australia's youngest population. Its outdoor lifestyle, education system and strong economy make places like Darwin and Alice Springs ideal for families. For more information, visit www.travelnt.com or www.tourismtopend.com.au.

Darwin

Located at the top of Australia is Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a modern, safe and friendly city with a tropical climate and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. As a major landing point for visitors to Australia, Darwin attracts people from around the world and offers a wide range of restaurants, street cafes, nightclubs and open air markets. 

Cost of living

The cost of living in Darwin can be quite high but is still comparable to other Australian states. Rental accommodation can be expensive due to the high growth in property prices in recent years and tends to increase as you move towards more remote and rural areas. Day-to-day living expenses are slightly higher than Australia’s east coast but are still reasonable and affordable.

Getting around

Darwin is serviced by a modern bus network with low fares regular services. If cycling is your preferred mode of transport, you will also find bicycle enclosures located around the city to support Darwin’s large number of cyclists. For more details on public transport, including timetables and fares, visit the Northern Territory’s public transport page at www.nt.gov.au.

Climate

Darwin has a warm, tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from November through to April; during this time you can expect heavy rainfall and high humidity. In the dry season which runs from May to October, days are hot and sunny and nights are cool. For up-to-date information on Darwin’s weather, head to www.bom.gov.au.