Darwin Travel Forum

Hi everyone, I have never been to Darwin before but am very keen to go there for a holiday and if I like it enough would like to move there for a fresh start to life, as I would like a change and different opportunities than what it has to offer where i currently am! So, would be great if you could give me an overview on the city, with population, jobs, accommodation, renting, schools (i have a 2 yr old son), and anything else which may be of interest.
Look forward to your replys people! Thanks! xx

I would suggest if you want some info on employment then to go to www.seek.com.au or careerone.com.au

For info on rentals, go to realestate.com.au or domain.com.au

Darwin as a place to live can be quite expensive. Fruit and vegies and other necessities can cost alot, which for you with a small child is very important, will no doubt put a big dent in your weekly wage.

You dont say whether you are single or married, so I will hazard a guess and say single. Alot of the neighborhoods are out a little further and public transport from what I can remember is not as frequent as it is in other states.

There is only 1 shopping centre, called Casuarina, which for a small city isnt too bad, but you dont have any chain stores up there like DJ's or Myer, only Target and Big W.

I lived up there for 12 months, and unless you know people up there, or are going to be heavily involved with your childs playgroup, you may find it hard to get out socially, others may disagree, but unfortunately, the down fall is that you have a small child. Going out drinking and sociailising that way may not be an option. A taxi fare from the city to Palmerston can crawl up to over $50 depending on where you live.

Hope this has been some help. go up for a holiday, and as Darryl somers says, you will never never know if you never never go.

hey thanks for the advice... yes im a single parent, so drinking and clubbing isnt even on my list of things to do - so that wont bother me if i dont know anyone up there and 'can't go out'. i dont have a car, so it sounds as though its expensive to get around... ill look into it more... thanks again and if anyone else has any advice i'd appreciate it! cheers!

Hi there,
The up side of Darwin is that employment shouldn't be a problem,there is plenty of work as long as you aren't that fussy at the start, take what there is and then look for better jobs when you are employed.
It's a very multiculture city. I think the shopping is fine for what most of us need. The rents seem to be going up and up....
It's a very laid back type of city, the weather is great, except the wet season, which all get used to after awhile.
I think it's a great idea to go for a holiday and have a look.
When there go and check out Real Estate agents for rentals, there are ome areas you wouldn't want to live in.They will be able to tell you about pre school centres etc.
I am sure you can find some single parent life there, there will be different clubs etc that you will be able to join.
Good luck with your new start to life:)

Hi, I am also planning to work and live in Darwin.
I am not surprised that like foods and groceries will be costly in Darwin. Cause of transportation costs i believe. but what i know Darwin is the least in cost of living compared to other australian cities. is that true?

If i receive same amount of salary, where i can save more, in Darwin or Sydney?

rents are pretty high in Darwin, so you have to factor that into your budget, as is the cost of petrol and groceries. i guess the bonus is that there isnt that much to do in Darwin that costs alot of money, although you would have to look at the fact that transport ie flights to other states will cost you a bit of money. Email me if you have any questions