Best Darwin Hotels For Your Next Top End Stay

Heading to Darwin and not sure where to stay? Whether you want to be in the heart of downtown, by the waterfront, or in one of the city’s coolest suburbs, we’ve lined up the best Darwin hotels for every budget.

Hotels in Darwin are plentiful, so figuring out which is right for your visit can be overwhelming. Maybe you want to be right in the thick of the city’s nightlife or would prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle in favour of the cafe culture and quirks of its coolest suburbs. Perhaps you want the best views of Darwin’s waterfront or just a place to rest your head at the best Darwin airport accommodation before catching your flight home.

Whatever you need, here are 13 of the best Darwin hotels to book for your next stay.

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

A visit to the Waterfront Precinct is definitely one of the top things to do in Darwin, so why not stay within a stone’s throw? Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is minutes from the area’s top restaurants, bars, and kid-friendly lagoon (one of the few places to swim in Darwin!). With rooms offering one or two-bedroom layouts, and most with kitchenettes, it’s also a great choice for families looking for a bit of space from their accommodation – and the outdoor pool will be a hit with the little ones! Relax on your private balcony with city or harbour views, and enjoy a daily continental breakfast that’s complementary with your booking.

Address: 31-33 Woods St, Darwin

Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites

Visiting with a large group? The Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites is one of the best hotels in Darwin city. Situated within the Waterfront Precinct, you’ll find options like three-bedroom penthouse suites that can accommodate up to seven people. Your room will feel like a home away from home with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and living space, plus an outdoor entertaining area complete with BBQ. Eat out at some of Darwin’s best restaurants, or stay in and enjoy those harbour views.

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

If there is a hotel chain that consistently provides affordable accommodation with style, it’s Vibe Hotels. Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront is no exception. Positioned right on the Waterfront Precinct, it is an excellent jumping-off point for travelling around the city and exploring the best things to do in Darwin.

Steps from your accommodation is the ever-popular public Wave Pool, plus plenty of restaurants for the romantically inclined and family-friendly. Rooms are spacious and have a fresh, modern design with crisp hotel bedding. The downstairs Curve Cafe and Bar —decorated with colourful Aboriginal art and traditional fishing nets—is an ideal spot to relax and re-energise.

Address: 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Zen Quarter

The Ramada Suites By Wyndham Zen Quarter are fully self-contained apartments perfectly positioned near The Mall, so they’re great for shopaholics. You’ll also be walking distance from Darwin’s nightlife and some of its best restaurants and cafes. One excellent perk is the Zen Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy Darwin’s famous sunsets from the 16th floor accompanied by complimentary snacks. You’ll find yourself a regular at the infinity pool, too, with its views over Darwin Harbour and sun-soaked lounges.

Address: 6 Carey St, Darwin

Courtyard By Marriott Darwin

Situated on Smith Street just behind the nightlife of Mitchell Street, Courtyard By Marriott will have you within walking distance to plenty of Darwin’s best things to do, like Crocosaurus Cove and The Esplanade’s ocean views. Cool off in the on-site pool, squeeze in a workout at the fitness centre or simply relax after a long day of sightseeing in your comfortable, modern hotel room. Darwin hotels don’t get much better than this.

Address: 81 Smith St, Darwin

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

On a budget? Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments is one of the most affordable Darwin city hotels and places you within walking distance of one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, Nightcliff. Surrounded by tropical palms, the hotel itself is a little retro, but with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and a great price point, there’s plenty to love. Bringing your dog along? The hotel is pet-friendly for an extra fee.

Address: 146 Dick Ward Drive, Coconut Grove

Hilton Darwin

Hilton Darwin is one of several Darwin hotels perched a block back from the famous Bicentennial Park, a must-visit when in town. With sleek, modern decor and a Mitchell Street position that puts you close to Darwin’s best attractions while remaining on the quieter side of town, it’s on the more luxury end of Darwin accommodation. One of the city’s best restaurants, Ella by Minoli, is right next door, too.

Address: 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin

Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

If you’re in town for one of the many stellar performances held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, the Hilton Garden Inn will save you a walk – it’s right next door! Positioned on The Esplanade, you’ll also be able to enjoy the ocean views of Bicentennial Park each morning or hit the on-site pool under shady palms for a respite after exploring Darwin.

Address: 122 The Esplanade, Darwin

Argus Hotel Darwin

One of the best budget hotels in Darwin, the Argus Hotel is contemporary and conveniently situated on the edge of the city. It has rooms that can be connected for families travelling together. The outdoor plunge pool and spa are not to be missed, and if you’ve come with a car, parking is an affordable $9 per night.

Address: 13 Shepherd St, Darwin

Novotel Darwin Airport

In need of airport accommodation in Darwin? The Novotel Darwin Airport is within walking distance from Darwin International Airport and also provides a 24-hour, on-demand shuttle service for those red-eye flights. Take the short drive to Darwin City and explore, or just pull up a sun lounge by the luxurious lap pool and order a cocktail or two.

Address: 2 Henry Wrigley Drive, Eaton

Mantra Pandanas Darwin

The Mantra Pandanas is known for its helpful, friendly service and spacious rooms. It is the tallest hotel in Darwin City, and rooms offer kitchenettes, laundries, and private balconies – some with sunset views! Choose from studios or one/two-bedroom apartments for larger groups or those wanting a little more space, and definitely take advantage of the hotel’s infinity pool and spa.

Address: 43 Knuckey St, Darwin

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

a suite with a view of Darwin Waterfront at Adina Apartment Hotel — Stay in a luxury suite with a view of the Darwin Waterfront.

One of the most popular Darwin hotels, Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable, home-away-from-home stay in the Top End. Enjoy Darwin’s famous Waterfront Precinct at your doorstep, or stay in with all the conveniences of home, like a full kitchen, in-room laundry and separate living space. The outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre will please those staying for longer periods, too. Check out our review of the Adina Apartment Darwin Waterfront Hotel.

Address: 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin

H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel

One of the best budget-friendly Darwin hotels is the H on Mitchell Hotel , which is within walking distance from the city centre. Choose between studio rooms or one/two-bedroom balcony apartments, then explore everything Darwin City has to offer – it’s all within walking distance! Back at the hotel, enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site gym and spacious BBQ area.

Address: 105 Mitchell St, Darwin

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

13 of the best Darwin hotels for your next Top End stay