Darwin Travel Forum

Hi everyone!

I am from Singapore and plan to visit Darwin by myself in mid July. I really wish to have a working holiday visa so that I can work and stay in Darwin longer. But Singapore is not one of the "reciprocal country". Does anyone know how I can apply for the visa in this case?

I plan to camp overnight at Litchfield National Park on my own instead of joining a tour. Do I need to bring and pitch my own tent at the camping grounds or are there readily pitched tent for rent? On the other hand, what other accommodations would you recommand?

Oh, are there buses that I can take from Darwin to Litchfield? I can't drive...yet.

I will be taking a coach from Darwin to Katherine and then fly to Sydney. What is the budget airfare like for this? I did research but just want affirmation that I am not paying more than I should.

Thanks!

I don't know anything about visas, maybe someone else will be able to tell you.

There's no ready established camping tents anywhere in Litchfield that I know of, you have to bring your own. Neither is there a bus service to Litchfield, only those doing a group tour. So unless you can talk one of the tour operators into taking you on his way out there, then him or another picking you up on his way back, you'll be out of luck.

If you go to some of the youth hostels in Darwin you might find people who are going out there and could take you. That sort of thing is often advertised on their notice boards. You could put up a notice asking about it.

If Singapore is not a reciprocal country (as you state)you will not be able to get a visa which allows you to work. The only visa options for working in your case are for longer term visas which involve sponsorship of skilled workers by employers here and carry strict criteria. They are not designed to be available to short term working holiday makers. You will only be able to get a normal tourist visa.

Check the government website at www.immi.gov.au
all the info you need should be on there.

HI! Pearlyn:

The rest of the fellow VTers are pretty spot on. If you are not driving, there is little options outside of day or safari tours and getting someone to drive you out to Litchfield NP and back. Darwin is not Singapore; you aren't getting the type of public transport you are used to back home here.

I would suggest that you go on a multi-day safari-tour instead. You can camp out in the open with a small group, led by a guide and make friends along the way. Most of the hostels have these tours on their itinerary - it's just a matter of signing up and paying up.

As for budget airfares, compare the prices you see on Qantas (especially the deals), Virgin Blue & Jetstar. That's all you gonna get.

Hi everyone, thanks for your reply. I think I'll join a guided tour then. :)