Darwin is a local town known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Darwin?
You should plan to spend around $133 (AU$212) per day on your vacation in Darwin. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (AU$99) on meals
- $11 (AU$18) on local transportation
- $119 (AU$190) on hotels
A one week trip to Darwin for two people costs, on average, $1,865 (AU$2,968). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$932
AU$1,484
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,865
AU$2,968
-
One Month
Per person
$3,996
AU$6,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,865
AU$2,968
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,730
AU$5,936
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,992
AU$12,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Darwin cost?
A one week trip to Darwin usually costs around $932 (AU$1,484) for one person and $1,865 (AU$2,968) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Darwin on average costs around $1,865 (AU$2,968) for one person and $3,730 (AU$5,936) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Darwin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Darwin on average costs around $3,996 (AU$6,360) for one person and $7,992 (AU$12,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Darwin expensive to visit?
Darwin is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Darwin to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $57 (AU$92) per day, mid-range travelers spend $132 (AU$212) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (AU$433) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Darwin.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Darwin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Arrowtown or Wollongong.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Darwin Expensive?
Darwin, Northern Territory (Tourism Australia)
How much money do I need for a trip to Darwin?
The average Darwin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Darwin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Darwin cost?
Darwin on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
(AU$42)
|
$60
(AU$95)
|
$108
(AU$173)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(AU$7.97)
|
$11
(AU$18)
|
$22
(AU$34)
|
Food 2
|
$25
(AU$41)
|
$62
(AU$99)
|
$143
(AU$228)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(AU$10)
|
$15
(AU$24)
|
$28
(AU$45)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(AU$4-13)
|
$6-19
(AU$10-29)
|
$12-36
(AU$19-58)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Darwin, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $57 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
So, are you average?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Darwin typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $132 per person, per day.
Darwin offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Palms City Resort is an excellent option for kids, and DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Darwin here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $268 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the town, a luxury budget will be necessary. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Kakadu Wilderness Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise - Day Trip from Darwin - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Darwin
Darwin has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $144 in the off-season and averages $269 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $69 to $767. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Darwin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $119 (AU$190). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $60 (AU$95) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Darwin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Darwin include:
- Argus Hotel Darwin starting at $77
- Palms City Resort starting at $79
Staying further from the town in Darwin could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
If you're headed to Darwin with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Darwin
The public transit in Darwin is quite good and serves many major spots. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.
You'll find that Darwin is quite walkable in specific locations, making it easier to visit the sights. There are biking and walking paths around town.
Public Transit: 



(good)
Walkability: 



(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (AU$18) per person, per day, on local transportation in Darwin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Darwin is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
AU$18
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin for $81 details
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer for $88 details
- Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port for $108 details
How much does it cost to go to Darwin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Darwin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Darwin, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
-
Shuttle to Train Station
AU$15
Food Budget in Darwin
The food in Darwin is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the town worth checking out. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Darwin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Darwin is $62 (AU$99) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
AU$99
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Darwin is around $61 (AU$99) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $141. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Darwin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
There are a range of restaurants in Darwin's downtown area. Many of the more popular places to eat are located around Mitchell and Knuckey Streets where you'll find cafes, pubs, and fine dining. Lunch is a great time to eat out as options are plentiful and prices are cheaper. You can enjoy everything from sushi to tapas at a discount during lunch hours. If you're on a tight budget then your best options are pubs, Indian, Asian, and fast food restaurants. It's also possible to pick up some ingredients and prepare your own meals.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Darwin. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine for $108 details
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise for $108 details
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise for $99 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Darwin
Visitors find Darwin irresistible, especially for its hiking, family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Darwin typically cost an average of $15 (AU$24) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
AU$24
Darwin has many sights for visitors including cultural sights, historical landmarks, and natural settings. There are many parks both in and near the city. There are also several great museums and several historical attractions. Check out the suggestions below, or see this 3-day Darwin itinerary for more ideas.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Darwin include the Darwin Wharf Precinct, Fannie Bay Gaol, Burnett House at Myilly Point, and Adelaide River War Cemetery. Also be sure and visit Bicentennial Park, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Lake Alexander, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and Northern Territory Parliament House. There are some truly fascinating natural settings around the city and it's recommended, if you have access to a car, to take some day trips from town and explore the nearby parks and reserves. After all, much of the appeal of Australia is the country's unique environment and nature.
Popular parks and nature areas near Darwin include Berry Springs Nature Park, Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Aquascene, Crocodylus Park, and the Territory Wildlife Park. Because Darwin is a gateway to the Northern Territory, many people also use it as a base to explore Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Litchfield National Park, and Tiwi Islands. In fact, all of these nearby destinations are on the list of the top 5 must do attractions in Darwin.
Because of the area's great multicultural heritage, there are some really wonderful markets where you can buy some locally made handicrafts. This is a great city to pick up some aboriginal souvenirs or one-of-a-kind works of art. Even if you're not shopping for something to buy, many of the markets are worth taking a stroll through just to look. Some of the more popular markets include the Tiwi Art Network, Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, and Casuarina Square.
Hiking:
Exploring the hiking trails near Darwin is a wonderful experience. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Darwin. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour + Yellow Water River Cruise for $255 details
- Darwin City & Mindil Beach Sunset Market experience for $86 details
- 1 Day Katherine Guided Tour From Darwin for $256 details
Nightlife Budget in Darwin
While Darwin offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (AU$20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Darwin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
AU$20
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Darwin. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
-
Evening at a Bar
AU$24
-
Glass of Wine
AU$7.00
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 25, 2024
Traveling in Darwin
The Ghan, near Darwin (Great Southern Rail)
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
Darwin serves as a hub for trips to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge. Tourism is the largest industry in the city and amenities for tourists are plentiful.
Because Darwin is set in a tropical climate, you'll find it has two seasons, a dry season between May and October, and a wet season between November and April. While rare, the city is occasionally struck by cyclones. Most visitors go to Darwin during the cooler dry season between the months of April and September. Temperatures are typically in the high 80s Fahrenheit and nights are cooler.
Neighborhoods & Around
Darwin can be separated into the central business district and the newer northern suburbs. The central business district is bounded by Daly Street to the northwest, McMinn Street to the northeast, Mitchell Street to the southwest and Bennett Street to the southeast. Within the central business district, Stokes Hill wharf waterfront area has been the focus of much redevelopment. The city's industrial areas are along Stuart Highway toward Palmerston. Casuarina Square is the shopping precinct. Expensive residential areas are along the coast and include Larrakeyah and Brinkin.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.