Working in Darwin Australia
Darwin and Northern Territory
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and sits on the coast in the far northern reaches of this vast country. Darwin offers an eclectic mix of culture and history influenced by its proximity to Asia and by its remoteness and distance from other, major Australian cities.
Darwin’s climate is tropical – balmy in the “dry” and sticky, humid and rainy in the “wet”. Darwin Harbour was the site of a number of daring Japanese raids in World War II and the fury and devastation unleashed by Cyclone Tracy’s is an unforgettable moment for all Australians.
When in Darwin, you’re also only a short trip away from the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park with its majestic gorges, wetlands and wildlife. You can take in an authentic outback experience; view rock art that is tens of thousands of years old and swim in the waterfalls at Litchfield National Park.
The city has a vibrant, harbour-front vibe with restaurants, cafes and bars as well as museums, galleries and even the Sunset Markets.
The pace of life in Darwin is slower than in other parts of Australia, but perhaps it is important for us all to slow down a bit – so come to Darwin and embrace a place that is just a little bit different.
- Airport
- Railway station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Darwin International Airport
Darwin international Airport is the only airport serving Darwin and is the busiest airport in the Northern Territory. The airport is about 13 kms from the city centre and in an interesting twist, shares its runways with the Royal Australian Air Force. When you fly into Darwin you’ll have the unusual experience of seeing a number of military-style hangers as you taxi to the terminal.
The airport does have a pleasant air and a number of amenities but being so close to the city, you won’t hang around there for very long. A short 15-minute drive will get you into the heart of the city with your most likely mode of transport being either taxi or bus. There is also an airport shuttle bus service that connects the airport with all city accommodation locations.
Railway station
No trip to Australia is complete without a railway journey through the outback. In the NT there is really only one option – the Ghan. One of the world’s iconic train trips, the Ghan travels from Darwin, through Alice Springs and continues through to Adelaide. If you want a truly memorable experiencing of moving through the red centre of Australia, then there is nothing else but the Ghan for you.
Transportation
The Northern territory Department of Transport offers a public bus service within and around Darwin. You can use the bus service if you need to get out to the suburbs, but Darwin itself is a very walkable city – so there is no real need for an extensive public transport network in the city centre.
There is also a ferry service for those wanting to travel between Cullen Bay and Mandorah.
There are plenty of taxis to catch in Darwin. It is simply a matter of queuing at a taxis stand or hailing one in the street.
Cost of Living
In comparison to other parts of the world, the cost of living in Australia is generally higher. The Australian dollar is relatively strong against other currencies, the Australian economy is also strong and the cost of moving goods into and around Australia is significant. All of these factors combine and put pressure on local costs, but smart travellers can still find plenty of budget-friendly options
According to the online database, Numbeo (www.numbeo.com) prices for typical items in Darwin are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | 25.00 A$ |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | 80.00 A$ |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | 7.00 A$ |
| Coke (330mL) | 3.00 A$ |
| Milk (1 litre) | 2.00 A$ |
| Loaf of bread | 3.00 A$ |
| Eggs | 4.72 A$ |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | 3.00 A$ |
| Monthly pass | 60.00 A$ |
| Petrol (1 litre) | 1.66 A$ |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | 2,072.50 A$ |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | 3,467.00 A$ |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | 25.00 A$ |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | 475.00 A$ |
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Moneyconverter.com is an excellent resource for converting any local currency to that of your home country. This is a great tool for budgeting and stretching your “hard-earned” cash.
Accommodation
Darwin offers a range of accommodation options. The particular type of accommodation that you choose is really a matter of personal preference and budget. Once you have decided what kind of accommodation you are seeking, then it is simply a matter of finding something that suits.
You will have to make some decisions about whether you are seeking short or longer-term options. For short-term accommodation, backpacker hostels and the less expensive hotels are always an excellent option.
Across some different price brackets, options in Darwin include:
Budget
Dingo Moon Lodge
Youth Shack Hostel
Darwin YHA
Mid-range
Darwin Central Hotel
Casa on Gregory
Pams City Resort
High-end
Mantra On the Esplanade
Skycity Darwin
Hilton Darwin
Shopping
Shopping options in Darwin are interesting and varied. In addition to the standard shopping centres, malls, and arcades, Darwin offers a number of markets including the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the Parap Village Market, the Nightcliff Markets and the Rapid Creek Markets. Each market has its own distinct character and flair but each offers a range of local crafts and products as well as ample opportunity to sample some of the local fare.
If you are hoping to take home an authentic reminder of your time in Australia, Darwin is a great place to pick up a piece of quality Aboriginal art. Make sure that you’re thoughtful about what you buy and try to avoid the mass-produced pieces. Find something of higher quality – you won’t regret spending a bit more on a genuine item.
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Darwin is also a cool place to pick up a souvenir made from crocodile, barramundi, kangaroo or even cow – if you’re into that sort of thing.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police, Fire and Ambulance 000
Insurance and Healthcare
A number of countries have signed reciprocal health care agreements with Australia. Check out www.humanservices.gov.au to find out if your home country is one. Regardless of whether you qualify or not, you should still consider taking out some form of additional cover – especially if you are on a working holiday and intend to be in Australia for 12 – 24 months.
Taking out private health cover while in Australia is well worth the investment. Any visitor to Australia can take out Overseas Visitors Health Cover. This type of cover will essentially bring you up to par with the basic coverage that all Australian residents have as part of their Medicare entitlements. Overseas health cover should ensure that you are covered for hospital admissions as well as a portion of any doctor’s fees.
Many Australian doctors will offer a bulk billing service meaning that they only pass on to the patient the costs that are not reimbursed to them by the Australian Government. If you can find a doctor that “bulk bills” you will achieve excellent savings in regards to your basic medical costs.
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Some insurance policies will have waiting periods and exclusions. Make sure you fully understand the limitations of your cover before signing up.
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As with any travel experience, before heading off to Australia for holiday or work, you should confirm the specific health-care services that will be available to you and also consider taking out your own, personal travel insurance.