Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin is Australia’s most northerly capital city. This multi-cultural city is known as the gateway to Asia. It had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice, once after the Japanese bombing raids in World War Two and the second time after Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day in 1974, which destroyed 70 percent of the town’s buildings and killed 71 people. As a consequence, Darwin is a very modern city.
This article will look at life in Darwin and what it is like to live, work and relax here.
Living in Darwin
Darwin has a superb mix of nightlife, attractions, national parks and gardens, blue waters and stunning beaches. It has similar temperatures all year round, although it does have distinct wet and dry seasons with tropical cyclones and monsoon rains during the wet season which lasts from November through to March.
The city has the highest number of Aborigines than in any other city in Australia, with nearly 10 per cent Aboriginals living here. More than 50 countries are represented here, although well over a third of the population see themselves as having Australian ancestry and over a quarter have English ancestry. Darwin is separated from the older part and the newer northern suburbs by Darwin International Airport which also shares a runway with the Royal Australian Air Force. Palmerston is a satellite city near Darwin Harbour which is mainly residential.
Among the wealthiest districts in Darwin are Larrakeyah and Brinkin. The popular suburb of Larrakeyah borders the central business district and is close to attractions such as Mindil Beach and George Brown Botanical Gardens. It enjoys superb views over the surrounding harbour and Larrakeyah Terrace is a pretty harbour front street with an open park. Brinkin is a northern suburb of Darwin situated on the southern end of Casuarina beach.
The central business district has seen extensive billion dollar redevelopment in the Stokes Hill Wharf waterfront area, including a convention centre with seating for 1,500 people and a massive exhibition area, as well as apartments, hotels and public space. The main industrial area is centred around Winnellie, which can be found south of the airport. The largest shopping precinct which can be found in the area is Casuarina Square. Built in 1973, it can be found in the suburb of Casuarina and has major stores represented here as well as 200 specialist shops.
Rural areas include Humpty Doo, Berry Springs and Howard Springs, which have all seen recent population growth. Humpty Doo is a small town south of the Arnhem Highway with a population of 5,500. New developments in recent years include a new shopping centre, new schools, housing and a fire and emergency services station. Berry Springs is an outer suburban area in Darwin with a low weir across the creek which was originally built as a recreational swimming area for troops in the Second World War and is still used for swimming today. Howard Springs, which is 29 km south east of Darwin’s Central Business District, is mainly rural but has recently undergone a population growth and redevelopment.
Working in Darwin
Australia has good job prospects and is mainly on the look-out for English speaking people who have particular skills. It is currently undergoing a big recruitment drive and if you are on the skills shortage list, if you are of the right age and have the necessary experience, you can stand a good chance of being awarded a visa. Among the trades on the skills shortages list include plumbers, builders, engineers, miners, painters, decorators, mechanics, as well as those in IT trade and medical professions.
Darwin is an important port town and is continuing to grow due to the exploitation of oil and natural gas from the Timor Sea and ongoing trade with Asia. The United Nations have a big presence here and there is also a large military population in Darwin. Mining and tourism are big industries in Darwin and important mineral resources are gold, zinc and bauxite. Darwin enjoys year round tourism, which is also a major source of employment, even during the wet season and attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors a year.
By and large Australia has a shorter working week and also enjoys a lower cost of living than the UK so offers workers a better quality of life here with more time to relax...
Relaxing in Darwin
Darwin has a relaxed lifestyle and enjoys a great mix of entertainment, beach life and tranquil beauty spots. Warm all year round, it has many extensive unspoilt beaches including Casuarina beach and Mindil Beach to relax and unwind on. In Darwin you can also take a visit to one of the many parks and gardens which include East Point Reserve, Casuarina Coastal Reserve and the George Brown Botanical Gardens.
The weekly open air markets have a great vibe. They are well worth a visit including the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which is open during the dry season and has international cuisine, entertainment, local arts and crafts and is popular with performing artists. Other markets include the Parap Market , Rapid Creek Market and Nightcliff Market. Mindil Beach, near Darwin’s Central Business District, is also host to the main celebrations during Territory Day – this is the only day the government allows fireworks with the exception of Chinese New Year.
The Darwin Cup is a popular horse race event at Fannie Bay Racecourse and among the unusual celebrations to see is the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, where locals race boats made of beer cans. Darwin also has a thriving nightlife including music and pub scene. Darwin Entertainment Centre is the principle concert venue.
Moving Partnership Limited offers international removals to and from all parts of Australia, including Darwin. So if you are looking to emigrate or relocate your business, we can help with all aspects of your move.
International Removals to Australia – click here for full information on our overseas moving service
