Jetty at Nightcliff

Moving to Darwin: Suburb Guide

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Wherever you live in Darwin, you are never far from the beach, the city, markets and the nightlife. You’d even be surprised at how close you are to rock pools and waterfalls, fishing and outback pubs, indigenous culture and ancient landscapes.    

If you’re looking to be in the action, the following suburbs are a good option:

  • The CBD – The CBD is almost entirely apartment living, which gives you security and is walking distance to almost everything 

  • Fannie Bay – Mostly townhouses and some old Territory homes, a great suburb close to East Point, the Sailing and Trailer Boat Clubs, and the various shops & IGA at Fannie Bay.

  • Larrakeyah / Cullen Bay – Nice houses and apartments, close to CBD with the added benefit of Cullen Bay marina & beach close by.

  • Stuart Park – Between the Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive, lots of townhouses and apartments. Close to a handful of coffee shops and an IGA, but CBD shopping is only a few minutes away. 

  • Parap – The markets to one side and the ocean/East Point to the other, and only 10 minutes from the CBD. Fannie Bay IGA and Parap Fine Foods are the closest ‘supermarkets’, or equal distance to Nightcliff and CBD major supermarkets. 

  • Bayview – A relatively new suburb with modern townhouses and large homes, centred around a marina 

  • Nightcliff – Nightcliff is a very coastal, outdoors orientated suburb with fantastic markets, coastal paths, op shops, and hidden cafés and bars - a 15/20 min drive from the city. 

  • Rapid Creek – Nightcliff’s sister suburb, slighty more affordable. Old Territory homes. Home to great produce markets on weekends! 

If you’re looking for affordable, family friendly or larger housing, attending CDU, or working at the Hospital - try looking in these areas:

  • Casuarina – Home of the city’s largest shopping centre

  • Brinkin – Close proximity to CDU and Casuarina Surf Life Saving Club

  • Tiwi – Where you find the Royal Darwin Hospital. 

  • Leanyer – Family friendly, larger houses, a free waterpark and recreation park

  • Lyons & Muirhead – Newer suburbs, family orientated housing, lots of parks & public spaces! 

  • Palmerston - the second largest ‘city’ in the Northern Territory, about 20 minutes’ drive away from the Darwin CBD and with its own shopping centre, hospital, sports grounds, schools, and everything in between.

Looking to buy or build? Make sure you check out the NT government website, you may be eligible for financial help to build or buy a home in The Territory with a range of government grants, concessions or rebates available!