The Darwin municipality
The Larrakia people are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Darwin Region and are valued community members.
In Darwin, we are privileged to live, work, raise our children and call home to a place that the Larrakia people have lived in and cared for, for more than 60,000 years. City of Darwin's Reconciliation Action Plan is a commitment to our staff and community to recognise the significant contributions of the Larrakia people in Darwin and to work collaboratively with Larrakia and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build a vibrant, creative and inclusive community.
The Larrakia people always welcome visitors onto their country. The Larrakia protocols are a guide to the best way to acknowledge the Larrakia people and go about doing things when on Larrakia country. Please pay respect to these protocols as you work, play and live on Larrakia country.
Further information regarding Larrakia Protocols can be found at http://larrakia.com/about/protocol/
Learn more about the traditional owners of the land you work, play and live on using the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Language Map https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia
Darwin has evolved from its days as a laid-back frontier town. While it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a sophisticated city with world-class accommodation, restaurants, pubs, clubs and other amenities to equal that of other capital cities.
Map
Our borders stretch far beyond the city lines. We look after 112 square kilometres of land made up of four town Wards, including the city centre.
Our boundary map shows the city lines, including each of the four wards that make up the Darwin municipality.
A multicultural city
Darwin, the Australian gateway to Asia, is located in the tropical north of Australia. The closest Australian capital city to Asia.
It's closer to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta than it is to Canberra and is about the same flying time from Singapore and Manila as it is from Sydney and Melbourne.
People from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds call Darwin home.
The diversity of cultures have contributed significantly to the community. Darwin's world-famous street markets are full of delicious food from all across the world. Cultural festivals have become important social events that all community members and visitors can enjoy.
Business, development and tourism
As Australia's most northern capital city and close proximity to some of Asia's most important markets, Darwin is an important international and national business hub.
Darwin is also the main service centre for a wide range of industries such as mining, offshore oil and gas production, pastoralism, tourism and tropical horticulture, and the Port of Darwin is the main outlet for Australia's live cattle export trade into South East Asia.
Thanks to its beautiful sunsets and incredible landscapes, tourism is also a critical part of Darwin's economy. Darwin attracts travellers from all around the globe looking to experience its outdoor tropical lifestyle. With waterfront dining and world class cafes and restaurants, street food, markets, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences, public art, an interactive science trail and access to some of Australia's most iconic locations such as Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, and the Tiwi Islands, there's more than enough to do during a short break or longer.
History
Our city has a fascinating history ready for you to discover. From its precolonial history, European settlement, World War II, local government journey, Cyclone Tracey and adoption of our floral emblem there is much to learn about our past significant events.