Essential Information
Climate
Influenced by tropical monsoons, there are two distinct seasons. The wet season runs from November to April and days can be hot and humid with minimum temperatures of 25C and maximums of 32C. The dry season is from May to October and fine and mild weather is the norm. The average minimum temperature is 19C and average maximum is 30C.
Chemists
Barden's Pharmacies
CBD Plaza, next to Woolworths Ph: 8981 8522
Darwin Mall Pharmacy
46 The Mall, Darwin Ph: 8981 9202
Opening hours
Banks: Mon-Thu 9:30am-4pm; Fri 9:30am-5pm
Hotels Pub licensing hours are generally 10am-11pm.
Public holidays
1 January, 26 January (Australia Day); 25 April (Anzac Day); Easter, March/April; 1st Mon in May (May Day); Queen's Birthday, 2nd Mon in June; Darwin Show Day, 4th Fri in July; Katherine Show Day, 3rd Fri in July; Picnic Day, first Mon in August; Christmas/Boxing Day 25-26 December. School summer holidays are mid-December to late January.
Public Transportation
Buses
The city and suburbs are serviced by Darwinbus. For all timetable and ticket enquiries call 8936 2499. Darwinbus Tourcards, available from Darwinbus interchanges and tourist offices, allow unlimited travel for One or seven days.
Coaches
Greyhound/McCafferty's runs services to Queensland and other states. Ph: 8981 8700
Taxis
Taxi services include:
City Radio Taxis 8981 3777;
Darwin Radio Taxis 13 1008
Airlines
Qantas 13 1313
Virgin Blue 13 6789
Airport Shuttle: Darwin Airport Shuttle services the domestic and international airports. Ph: 8981 5066
There's so much to see around Darwin and the Top End that you'll need to rent a car or take one of the many tours to see the sights properly.
CAR RENTAL
Car rentals
You must be over 21 to hire a car. Compulsory third-party insurance is included in rental prices, which cost on average $40-$90 per day.
Avis 89 Smith Street, Darwin Ph: 8981 9922
Britz 44-46 Stuart Highway, Darwin Ph: 8981 2081
Cheapa Car Rentals 90 Mitchell Street Ph: 8981 8400
Europcar Cnr McLachlan & Cavenagh streets, Darwin Ph: 13 1390
Maui 44-46 Stuart Highway, Darwin Ph: 8981 0911
Thrifty 64 Stuart Highway Ph: 136 139
Campervan/4WD rentals
Britz 1800 331 454
TOURS
Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris
Discover the holiday adventure of a lifetime in a pristine wilderness environment where the Aboriginal presence encompasses more than 50,000 years. Tours operates all year.
For further information please contact 8927 5240
www.arnhemland-safaris.com
Travel North
Tours of Litchfield, Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Elsey National Parks. Travel North operates a comprehensive range of services for the traveller.
Ph: 1800 089 103
www.travelnorth.com.au
Tourist Info and Tips
Tourism Top End Ph: 8936 2499
Katherine Visitor Information Centre Ph: 1800 653 142
Bowali Visitor Centre, Kakadu Ph: 8938 1100
Sensible precautions
Be aware that saltwater crocodiles can inhabit rivers and estuaries and box jellyfish are present in the sea from October to May.
- Carry and drink plenty of water
- Wear a hat and use a sunscreen
- Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day
- Notify someone of your movements when you venture off the beaten track
- Keep your vehicle well maintained
- Keep to designated roads and tracks
- Don't feed native animals
- Light fires only in designated fireplaces and use wood sparingly
- Avoid using soaps in or near waterways
- Camp only in designated areas
- Observe all fishing regulations
- Put your rubbish in a bin or take it with you
Emergencies
- POLICE, AMBULANCE or FIRE: 000
- Darwin Hospital: 8922 8888
- Crisis Line: 8981 9227
- Darwin Pharmacy: 8981 9202
- AANT Road Service: 13 1111
- After-hours Medical Service: 8981 2709
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