A Guide to Darwin, the Gateway to Adventure in Australia's Top End

Even if you've thought about a visit to Australia, you may not have heard about Darwin. This small port town is perched near the top of the Northern Territory, far away from the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Though it's probably not first into your mind when you think of Australia, it should be on your list of places to visit. The wild life and scenery nearby are nothing less than spectacular. Here is what you need to know, do and see when you head to the Top End. Be aware that Darwin is pretty isolated, meaning prices are considerably higher there than in the major cities. And try to hit it during the winter - the drier season means fewer salt-water crocodiles lurking in uncomfortable places.

Why Go?

Darwin is the gateway to some of the finest adventures and sights you can sample in Australia. There's Litchfield National Park (not be mixed up with ho-hum community near Phoenix) and the vast, sprawling Kakadu National Park - if you've seen Crocodile Dundee, you've gotten a glimpse of the mighty Kakadu.

There are more than a few tour companies willing to cart you into the Bush for expeditions from a few hours to several days. And you'll find few better places to get started.

The Darwin Vibe

It's far from civilization, so the town has a bit of a "what happens in Darwin stays in Darwin" air to it. There's just as much carousing as adventuring, though there's still some finer establishments that might require you to wear long pants.

Overall, it's casual and laid-back, but determined to have fun.

Places to Eat, Sleep, Drink and Shop

There's something really entrancing about the drone of a didgeridoo. I absolutely had to have my own. And I found the best deal at the Didgeridoo Hut. If you're shopping more for trinkets and some awesome, exotic Asian snacks, check out the Parap Village market.

Spectacular dining is hard to come by in Darwin, but Hanuman is a local favorite. Most of the selections are heavily influenced by nearby India (relatively), with some local ingredients like fresh barramundi. You can also find some good bites in a neat atmosphere at the Darwin Wharf Precinct. The night I was there, a basketball-sized box jellyfish caused a stir by swimming into a light pointed at the water. Cool!

Even if you're not a wine person, be sure to stroll a few doors down to Lewinsky's. This friendly tasting room has a neat concept that really needs to come to the United States: Rather than buying samples from a server, you get a debit card, which you load with the amount of your choice. The walls feature a number of different fountains that vend various amounts and deduct from your card. You also get a nice description of the contents. If you want something that's not in the fountains, you can also order from the bar. They have a few beers to offer, too.

When you've had your fill of wine and need to crash out, there are all sorts of hotels and hostels. Looking to save a few bucks, we chose the Malalueca on Mitchell. It's a friendly backpackers hostel that never seems to sleep. There's always something going on. It can get kind of loud, so see if you can grab a room as far from the reception area as possible. Our room was about $110 U.S., which was a bit stiff for bunk beds and a fairly industrial vibe. It's not cozy, but it does the job. The staff is also great for helping book trips.