Good things come in small packages, and that rings true for the city of Darwin. With a population of just over 130,000, it’s small compared to other Australian capital cities. However, if you’re looking to move for a quieter life, natural beauty, and gorgeous landscapes, it’s the perfect location.
If you’re considering moving to Darwin, we’ve got a guide for you, from popular areas to live in, interesting facts, and what you can expect. At Ready Movers, not only do we pride ourselves on offering a stress-free moving experience, but also on getting you prepared for your new home, whether it’s a few neighbourhoods over or in a completely new state.
Like most Australian cities and towns, Darwin is home to a range of different cultures, which are present in both the lifestyle and the food there. You won’t regret moving to the unique, cultural melting pot that is Darwin, and we can help you every step of the way.
Popular Areas To Live in Darwin
If you’re looking to relocate home to Darwin, it’s important to understand the different suburbs and popular areas in the city. The most famous and popular places to check out when moving to Darwin are:
Wulagi
Known for its family-friendly environment, Wulagi boasts a variety of parks, playgrounds, and a close-knit community feel. The suburb also features diverse architecture, primarily from the 1970s and 1980s, adding a unique charm to its quiet, tree-lined streets.
Rapid Creek
Rapid Creek is a coastal suburb known for its vibrant multicultural community and scenic views of the Timor Sea. It’s famous for the Rapid Creek Market, a popular weekend destination offering a diverse range of fresh produce, international foods, and unique crafts. With numerous cycling paths and green spaces, Rapid Creek appeals to those who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of central Darwin.
NightCliff
A picturesque suburb known for its stunning coastal walks, vibrant community markets, and popular jetty, which draws both locals and tourists for fishing and sunset views. Residents of Nightcliff enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with ample access to cafes, shops, and recreational areas. The suburb’s diverse community and beachfront living make it one of Darwin’s most sought-after locations for those seeking a blend of relaxation and urban convenience.
Fannie Bay
A prestigious suburb celebrated for its historic charm and scenic coastal views. The area is known for its beautiful heritage homes, expansive properties, and proximity to popular attractions like the Fannie Bay Racecourse and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Residents enjoy an affluent, relaxed lifestyle with easy access to well-maintained beaches, lush parklands, and a variety of dining options, making Fannie Bay a highly desirable place to live.
Each of these suburbs is also well known for being convenient for travel, amazing for families, and having a high safety rating.
How To Get Around Darwin
Darwin might not be as big as the other cities in Australia, but this makes travelling around it easier—especially if you love a good walk. It’s also got a great and extensive bus system if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option or don’t have a license.
Tap & Ride Card
If you want to use public transport around Darwin, you’ll need to purchase yourself a Tap & Ride card. These cards are available when you board a bus (cash only) or at bus interchanges.
Tap & Ride Cards work similarly to other public transport cards in other Australian states. When you board the bus, tap the card on the card reader and again when you get off, and the fare will be automatically deducted. The cards are also rechargeable.
There are also two Tap & Ride Card options available. The green variant is known as a ‘Full Card’ and the ‘Concession Card’ is orange. It’s also possible to purchase paper tickets for transport around Darwin. There are options for a three-hour ticket and a full unlimited bus travel ticket for a day.
E-Scooters
Beam E-Scooters are available across Darwin and require the mobile app on your phone. The app is available for Android and Apple devices and allows you to use the E-Scooter. Once you download the app, you’ll have to create an account, and then you can start using an E-Scooter. It’s a cost-effective and safe way to easily traverse the city.
Driving
If you’ve got your license, driving is also an effective way to get around the city. If you’re moving from somewhere like Melbourne or Sydney, you’ll find the traffic and roads in Darwin much more relaxed and easy to navigate.
There are also plenty of parking options available, and you can use the City of Darwin’s PayStap App to check out the locations. Darwin’s off-street car parks provide over 2000 spaces around the city, all with reasonable prices.
What Climate to Expect in Darwin
If you’re not quite a fan of the Australian winter months of June to July, the climate in Darwin and the Northern Territory is ideal. Even while the other capital cities face colder weather, the sun is usually still shining bright in Darwin.
Darwin features a tropical savanna-like climate, which is defined by distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season occurs from May until October and has warm, sunny days with cool nights.
Temperatures during the dry season typically range from 21.6 to 31.8°C. The weather is nice during this period, with dry heat and low humidity. If you’re a huge explorer and want to venture beyond the city, it’s also perfect for exploring more remote areas of the Northern Territory that would otherwise be blocked off during the wet season.
The wet season in Darwin starts in November and ends in April. Don’t be fooled by the name. While it’s called the ‘wet’ season, temperatures still average 24.7 to 32 °C. However, instead of the dry heat in the other season, you can expect strong humidity and plenty of rainfall.
There’s no reason to let a little rain ruin your day when you move to Darwin. The lightning storms are treated as a spectacular event, with plenty of locals watching from beachside restaurants or in their own homes.
So, are you still wondering if you need to pack your winter clothes? We recommend against it. Even at its coldest, Darwin’s climate is still warmer than the other states. It’s very much a pack-your-thongs, shorts, and shirt weather.
Interesting Facts About Darwin
Nothing helps a good move, like interesting facts about the place, to get you excited. So, here are our top fun and interesting facts about Darwin and the Northern Territory.
- Darwin is the main service centre for a wide range of industries. This includes mining, offshore oil and gas production, and tropical horticulture.
- The traditional owners of Darwin, the Larrakia people, are still active and prominent members of the local community.
- The city was named in 1839 after Charles Darwin, the British naturalist.
- During World War II, Darwin was a major military base for Allied troops that were located in the Pacific. It was bombed twice on the 19th of February, 1942, by the same fleet that bombed Pearl Harbour.
- Darwin is the perfect city for those who want a tropical climate year-round. The city averages a temperature of 30 °C. Winter who?
- Did you know the indigenous instrument, the didgeridoo, originally came from Anthem Land? It’s just east of Darwin.
- If you love trains, you’ll love The Ghan. It’s the famous outback train that regularly runs between Adelaide and Darwin, making several gorgeous, scenic stops along the way.
Hassle-Free Moves to Darwin with Ready Movers
If you’re moving house to Darwin, make it a hassle and stress-free experience with the team here at Ready Movers. We offer end-to-end moving services, including interstate moves and packing services.
Contact us today for a quote on all of our removalist services.
