With all the adventure that Darwin has to offer, you’ll want a comfy spot for when it's time to hit the hay
So, you’ve decided you’re ready to explore Australia’s natural playground. You couldn’t resist the call of Darwin’s world-class hiking trails or the allure of its Indigenous stories, artworks and history. There’s no doubt that a trip to the Top End is bound to be fun, but amongst all the waterhole swimming, barramundi fishing and market stall perusing, you’ll need some good rest to do it all over again the next day.
With so many natural wonders, the Northern Territory can sometimes be a little difficult (and remote) to tour. It’s lucky then that the state’s capital acts as the ideal landing pad for day trips to all the national parks. In between your expeditions, these are the best hotels to stay at in Darwin.
The Hilton Darwin is (like Hiltons everywhere) a bougie white space full of luxe hotel finishes that will work for you if you like luxury living. In primo location smack-bang in the middle of Darwin city, the Hilton offers an open-air pool, 233 spacious rooms and suites, silky robes and stretching ocean views across Darwin's azure harbour. For all those who like the bougie side, this one's for you.
Just 300 metres from Darwin Airport, the Mercure is an ideal start- or endpoint for your Northern Territory adventure. Set in lush tropical surroundings, the hotel’s 414 rooms offer a cool and comfortable abode with air conditioning, breezy windows and all the amenities required for a short stay. Thanks to the 24-hour airport shuttle service, you could find yourself swimming in the lagoon style pool or relaxing on a sunlounger within just half an hour of stepping off the plane. Guests also benefit from a newly refurbished gym, a tropical garden for exploring, a casual café and Cossie’s Poolside Bar and Bistro, which Asian flavours meet the finest NT produce.
In our experience, the Adina Apartment Hotel on Darwin's waterfront is probably the best value hotel-esque accomodation in Darwin. The 114 rooms are clean and classicly hotel-y, the location is excellent (it's right on the water and a 15 minute scenic walk into the centre of town), and you even get your own private mini beach. In a town where it's so hot, and where the ocean is so very un-swimmable (crocs, etc), this tiny beach can't be dismissed.
Okay, so it's part of a casino which isn't everyone's thing – but Mindil Beach makes up for it in other ways. This four-star resort comes with its own turquoise infinity pool and private white sand beach. Spacious rooms, private balconies and a secluded, tropical feel are the MO at Mindil. Plus, you're just a stone's throw from the Mindil Sunset Markets. Love it.
If it’s action you’re after, Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct is the place to be. The Vibe Hotel is located right in the heart of it, giving you a front-row seat to the wave and recreation lagoons, giant inflatable aqua park, harbour cruises and fishing charters. The hotel itself has a pretty mean wave pool, and if you feel like treating yourself, you can book one of the guest or twin rooms overlooking the waterfront. The hotel’s Curve Cafe serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner – think ribs, sandwiches, burgers and steak – but the hotel is also only a couple of paces away from some relaxed pubs and waterfront eateries.
For your home away from home, you can look to Argus Apartments. The specialists in luxury serviced apartments have a massive range of king, double king, double queen and deluxe family rooms to fit all shapes and sizes. All the Argus’ rooms have balconies for that little bit of extra breathing room, along with a kitchenette and complimentary continental buffet breakfast for all guests. You can cool off in the plunge and spa pools and take a short stroll over to Darwin’s city centre for eateries, groceries and shopping.
A whole big tower of apartments means you can expect pretty phenomenal views from the Ramada Suites. The cafè-bar at the top of the building dishes up complimentary hot breakfasts for all guests and hosts some of the most impressive views of all, but the pool follows close behind. If it’s a nice cooked meal that you’re homesick for, the rooms all have fully equipped kitchens, plus sitting areas for that little bit of extra moving space. There’s also free parking on site for cars and larger vehicles if you’re using Darwin as a pitstop on your great outback road trip.
Right in the thick of Darwin’s CBD, this modern hotel offers both regular hotel rooms and self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments. The O.A.K. Restaurant serves hearty feeds to satisfy all travellers, like pork belly, beef cheeks and barramundi. There’s also an extensive breakfast menu to fuel you up for a big day of travel ahead. All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities, while the larger apartments include fully equipped kitchenettes and balconies with awesome views of Darwin Harbour and the city.
Located quite conveniently in the CBD, the Mantra Pandanas Darwin is only a stone’s throw from Smith Street Mall and the Mitchell Street Restaurant Precinct. There are studio and hotel rooms, plus one and two-bedroom apartments up for grabs. It’s the tallest hotel in Darwin’s CBD with sweeping views of the city and harbour. Meanwhile, on the bottom floor, Table Forty Three dishes up a little bit of a mix of everything for breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you nice and full during your Darwin stay.
The H on Smith is in a less scenic part of Darwin, but it gets the job done. It’s a great place for those who care more about convienent location than a luxe hotel room. Across the road from Woolies, and just a few minutes walk from pretty much everywhere in Darwin's city centre, the H is good for the budget-conscious Darwin explorer. Read: Rooms are generally less than $300 a night. You can't beat that.
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