Accommodation in Darwin offers a mix of tropical charm, rich culture, and adventure around every corner. As the Northern Territory’s largest city, Darwin is a great place to begin your exploration of the rugged NT or to experience the multicultural capital city. Finding the right place to stay is key to making the most of your trip, and the wide range of accommodation in Darwin includes modern hotels, laid-back resorts, and boutique stays. Darwin has something for everyone.
Here at Norther, we’ve had the privilege of experiencing this beautiful city firsthand and have seen it evolve into a thriving destination for both tourists and residents. From the waterfront views to the lively markets, Darwin is a city that always has something new to discover, and where you stay can shape how you experience all that it offers. So, we wanted to show you options for the best accommodation in Darwin so you can find the perfect spot to call home while you explore.
What to know all about planning your trip to Darwin? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
📍Mindil Beach, Gilruth Ave, Darwin City NT
Mindil Beach Casino Resort is one of Darwin’s premier luxury destinations, offering guests an amazing stay with sweeping views of the Timor Sea.
Located just a short distance from the city centre, this resort combines modern comfort with the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline. Whether you’re looking to visit Darwin for a relaxing getaway, an exciting gaming experience, or a special event, Mindil Beach Casino Resort provides a unique blend of entertainment, relaxation, and sophistication, making it a standout option for accommodation in Darwin.
The resort boasts a range of luxurious rooms and suites with incredible views of the ocean or lush tropical gardens. With world-class amenities and services, guests can indulge in a range of activities.
Mindil Beach Casino Resort is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The casino is a major draw for visitors looking for excitement, featuring a variety of gaming tables and slot machines.
If you’re seeking relaxation, the resort’s peaceful beachside location with a private beach and infinity pool overlooking the sea provides the perfect setting for unwinding at the end of a day, with the beautiful beach right on your doorstep.
Included amenities:
- On-site casino
- Outdoor pool
- On-site dining
- Swim-up Bar
- Private beach
- Day spa
- Beach access
For a more in-depth review, check out our post on the resort.
Villa Marina Darwin
📍66 Cullen Bay Cres, Larrakeyah NT
Villa Marina Darwin is a stylish boutique accommodation option that offers guests a tranquil and luxurious escape in the heart of the city.
Nestled along the lovely Cullen Bay waterfront, this modern resort combines sophistication with natural beauty, making it ideal for both short stays and longer visits for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a beautiful home to spend time together.
With a movie theatre, private swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, and four spacious and comfortable bedrooms, Villa Marina is truly one of the best places to stay in Darwin.
Included Amenities:
- Spacious private home
- Full kitchen
- Private outdoor pool
- Direct marina access
- Free on-site parking
Darwin City Hotel
📍59 Smith St, Darwin City NT
Darwin City Hotel is a modern, centrally located accommodation option that offers both comfort and convenience for travellers seeking a relaxed stay in the heart of Darwin.
Situated just minutes from the city’s top attractions, shops, and dining hotspots, this hotel is perfect for those who want easy access to everything the Top End has to offer while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
Included amenities:
- Outdoor pool
- Central location
- Spa
- Private parking
Hilton Darwin
📍32 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT
Hilton Darwin is a contemporary, upscale hotel offering a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and convenience in the heart of the city. Located along the Darwin waterfront, this iconic hotel provides guests with easy access to the city’s key attractions, dining options, and vibrant cultural sites, making it an excellent choice for accommodation in Darwin.
The hotel’s modern design and well-appointed rooms and suites come with plush bedding, stylish décor, and expansive windows that offer sweeping views of the harbour or the city skyline.
Included amenities:
- On-site dining
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness centre
- Close to major attractions
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Mercure Darwin Airport Resort
📍2 Henry Wrigley Dr, Eaton NT
Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is a convenient and comfortable retreat just minutes from Darwin International Airport, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking easy access to both the city and the surrounding natural beauty of the Northern Territory.
While an airport hotel might make you think of tiny box rooms with almost no amenities, Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is beautiful. The resort provides a tranquil, tropical setting with lush gardens, a large outdoor pool, and spacious accommodations catering to business and leisure guests (the one-bedroom bungalows are gorgeous and fabulous for a private retreat).
Included amenities:
- Outdoor pool
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Free airport shuttle
- Fitness centre
Club Tropical Resort Darwin
📍622 Lee Point Rd, Lee Point NT
Club Tropical Resort Darwin offers a tropical oasis in the city centre, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful yet conveniently located escape. Situated in the vibrant Cullen Bay area, the resort is just a short walk away from the waterfront, local cafés, bars, and restaurants, offering guests a relaxed stay with easy access to Darwin’s key attractions.
The resort features spacious, self-contained apartments that are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Each apartment has a full kitchen, air conditioning, and modern furnishings, making it perfect for short stays and longer visits, and a great option for accommodation in Darwin.
Included amenities:
- Self-contained apartments
- Outdoor pool
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
📍7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is a chic and modern retreat in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. The hotel is the perfect choice for those who want to be close to everything — from world-class dining and shopping to popular attractions.
The hotel features a selection of contemporary rooms and suites designed with modern furnishings and sleek decor. Many rooms also come with private balconies, some of which overlook the exquisite Darwin Harbour or the lush surrounding gardens, providing guests with beautiful views to enjoy, making it a strong choice for accommodation in Darwin.
Included amenities:
- Modern rooms
- Outdoor pool
- Rooftop bar
- Fitness centre
Argus Apartments Darwin
📍6 Cardona Ct, Darwin City NT
Located within the CBD, Argus Apartments Darwin has convenient access to local restaurants and attractions. With a variety of spacious apartments, ranging from one to two-bedroom units, all cater to the needs of modern travellers.
The apartments at Argus Apartments Darwin are thoughtfully designed with modern interiors and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
Included amenities:
- Private apartments
- Private balconies
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Fitness centre
- Outdoor pool
Even More Hotels in Darwin
Our list of the top places to stay in Darwin doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the amazing accommodation options in the Top End. To give you a few more options, here is our list of other amazing hotels, apartments, and backpackers in Darwin.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Darwin
Darwin is a diverse city with varied neighbourhoods that offer unique options. Now that you’ve seen our top hotels in Darwin, we wanted to talk about each unique neighbourhood to give you a better idea of which location is best suited for you.
From the bustling waterfront precinct to the more local suburb of Parap, Darwin has something to suit every type of traveller. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Darwin, each offering its own distinct vibe and convenient access to the city’s top attractions.
For an idea of things to do to help decide where you might want to stay, see our list of Top Things to do in Darwin.
Darwin City (CBD)
Darwin City, sometimes called Darwin City Centre or Central Business District CBD), is the heart of the city, where modern urban life blends effortlessly with the laid-back charm of the Northern Territory. As the central hub, the CBD is packed with a variety of dining options, shopping centres, and cultural experiences, making it the ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of Darwin.
The area is bustling with a mix of locals and tourists, with a range of hotels, bars, and cafes to suit any budget. Its central location also provides easy access to the city’s beautiful waterfront, parks, and markets, offering visitors a complete Darwin experience.
Attractions in this area:
- Crocosaurus Cove
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Wave Lagoon (wave pool)
- Darwin Esplanade
Cullen Bay
Cullen Bay is a quaint waterfront suburb in Darwin, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The neighbourhood is particularly famous for its luxurious waterfront homes, relaxed vibe, and close proximity to the city centre, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy both serenity and convenience.
One of the best things to do in Cullen Bay is to explore the marina, which is home to various restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can enjoy a leisurely meal or drink while watching boats dock and set sail in the harbour.
The area is also perfect for a sunset stroll along the water, as the views over the Timor Sea are absolutely gorgeous, especially in the evening when the sky is painted in hues of pink and orange.
Attractions in this area:
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Cullen Bay Fishing Charters
- Kahlin Beach
Parap
Parap is a charming and well-established suburb in Darwin, located just a few kilometres from the city centre. Known for its laid-back, suburban atmosphere, Parap offers a blend of residential appeal and proximity to some of Darwin’s best attractions.
It’s a favourite among locals for its peaceful vibe, tree-lined streets, and convenient location, making it an ideal base for those looking to experience both the tranquillity of the suburbs and the energy of Darwin’s bustling heart.
One of the standout features of Parap is its vibrant and diverse food scene, particularly the popular Saturday Morning Parap Village Markets. Held each Saturday, the Parap markets are a must-visit for both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food.
Attractions in this area:
- Parap Village Markets
Fannie Bay
Fannie Bay is a scenic and upmarket suburb with a peaceful, coastal charm. Nestled along Darwin Harbour, it offers gorgeous sea views, leafy streets, and a sense of tranquillity that feels far removed from the bustle of the city, even though it’s only a short drive away.
It’s a favourite among those seeking a quieter stay with access to nature and outdoor activities. The area is home to the East Point Reserve, which features walking and cycling trails, a military museum, and plenty of spots for a picnic or sunset view.
You can also visit the nearby Fannie Bay Gaol for a look at local history or take a dip in the Lake Alexander swimming area. It’s a great choice for families or travellers looking to combine leisure and nature.
Attractions in this area:
- East Point Reserve
- Fannie Bay Gaol
- Lake Alexander
Nightcliff
Nightcliff is a laid-back coastal suburb known for its community feel, beautiful foreshore, and scenic coastal walks.
Located north of the CBD, it’s a favourite with locals for its relaxed vibe and outdoor lifestyle. The suburb boasts a mix of older-style homes and modern renovations, giving it a unique charm.
One of the highlights of staying in Nightcliff is the foreshore walk, which offers panoramic ocean views, ideal for morning jogs or sunset strolls.
The Nightcliff Jetty is a popular fishing and sunset-spotting location, and the Nightcliff Markets on Sundays offer local produce, food stalls, and handmade goods. There’s also a public swimming pool and several cafes and eateries nearby.
Attractions in this area:
- Nightcliff Jetty
- Nightcliff Markets
- Nightcliff Foreshore
Darwin Waterfront
The Darwin Waterfront precinct is one of the city’s premier destinations for visitors, combining contemporary living, leisure, and entertainment in a stunning harbourside setting.
Located just a short stroll from the city centre, the Waterfront offers a resort-like atmosphere with modern apartments, landscaped parks, and sweeping views over the Arafura Sea.
This area is ideal for those wanting to be at the heart of the action, with plenty of dining, swimming, and recreational options all within walking distance. The man-made Wave Lagoon and saltwater Recreation Lagoon are family-friendly favourites, perfect for cooling off in Darwin’s tropical climate.
The precinct also hosts regular events, festivals, and night markets, and it’s a great jumping-off point for harbour cruises or waterfront dining with a sunset backdrop.
Attractions in this area:
- Wave Lagoon
- Darwin Convention Centre
- Waterfront restaurants and cafes
- Recreation Lagoon
The Gardens
The Gardens is a leafy inner-city suburb located just west of the Darwin CBD, best known for being home to the lush George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
With its tropical vegetation and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a peaceful escape while still being within easy reach of the city’s attractions and Mindil Beach. It’s a convenient location for travellers wanting a balance between nature and nightlife.
Staying in The Gardens means you’re steps away from one of Darwin’s most iconic green spaces, where you can wander among tropical plants, birdlife, and walking trails.
It’s also an easy walk to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which comes alive during the dry season with food stalls, music, and a festive atmosphere. The Darwin Amphitheatre and SKYCITY Casino are nearby, making this area perfect for a well-rounded stay.
Attractions in this area:
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Darwin Amphitheatre
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Darwin offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all types of travellers looking to explore Australia’s most northern capital. From those seeking luxury waterfront resorts to more affordable, charming guesthouses tucked in quieter neighbourhoods, there’s nothing quite like Darwin. Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of the Darwin city centre, the serene beauty of Cullen Bay, or the local charm of Parap, there’s something for everyone.
The city’s proximity to phenomenal natural attractions like the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, cultural landmarks, and vibrant dining scenes ensures that wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the unique beauty and energy of the Top End. So, whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, our list of the best hotels in Darwin can help you find the perfect place to rest your head.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Darwin here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Darwin City daily fix by joining our FB group Darwin We 💙 Love You by Norther®
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
