A tropical stay up Darwin way deserves a stunning resort to match. Here are our top picks

Want to soak up the Northern Territory sunshine in a poolside deck chair while in Darwin? We’ve put together the best Darwin resorts to keep in mind when you’re looking for accommodation outside the city centre, from budget-friendly options to some of the best luxury stays the Top End has to offer.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort Darwin

A hop, skip, and jump away from Darwin, you will find the Mindil Beach Casino Resort. A sleek and luxurious offering just across from the famous Mindil Beach and markets, this Darwin resort has one of the largest lagoon pools in Australia, with a serene, family-friendly feel and a swim-up bar to boot.

Want to lounge the day away on a sunbed with a cocktail in hand? The resort’s Infinity club should be your destination, with a fabulous central pool that is perfect for the party set.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort offers a mix of luxury suites and lagoon rooms and the option of interconnecting rooms for families.

Address: Gilruth Ave, The Gardens, Mindil Beach

Rydges Palmerston

With 200 guest rooms, suites and apartments in the town of Palmerston – a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride to Darwin in the north – Rydges Palmerston is a good pick for both families and business travellers.

Fans of the buffet breakfast should make a beeline for the deluxe serving at weekends, while on-site restaurant Madame Za dishes up shared plates of sesame-seared Australian scallops, braised pork belly, local NT barramundi in ginger and coconut curry sauce.

Address: 15 Maluka Drive, Palmerston

Club Tropical Resort Darwin

Just five minutes from Darwin Airport, Club Tropical Resort Darwin is super convenient for travellers who have come to the Top End to flop and drop – as soon and as affordably as possible. Take the complimentary airport shuttle, drop your bags in one of the four-star resort’s serviced apartments (a good shout for families) or a room or villa, then enjoy the short walk to Lee Point Beach. It’s a prime sunset-watching spot and just 200 metres down the road.

While it’s a little further out of town (20 minutes to be precise), the resort has two pools and a restaurant/bar to entertain you if you don’t fancy making the trip in.

Address: 622 Lee Point Road, Darwin

Palms City Resort

You could easily forget that you are right in the centre of Darwin City at Palms City Resort. Positioned on the Esplanade across from Bicentennial Park, rooms and villas are surrounded by tropical gardens, creating a calm, relaxing oasis to retreat to after a day of sightseeing. Lounge by the pool or book the luxurious Palms villa and enjoy your own private outdoor spa.

Address: 64 Esplanade, Darwin

Cullen Bay Resorts

Cullen Bay Resorts has an enviable location—positioned on the edge of Cullen Bay, it’s within walking distance of most city attractions and the Mindil Beach Markets while still offering harbour views in a quiet setting. Choose between contemporary rooms or self-contained apartments, many with balconies where you can catch one of Darwin’s famous evening sunsets.

Address: 26-32 Marina Bay Blvd, Cullen Bay

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort

If you have a late-night flight booked and want to spend the hours prior relaxing, a booking at Mercure Darwin Airport Resort is worth considering. Rooms are set amid tropical palms and greenery, making you feel worlds away from the Darwin International Airport, which is just 300 metres up the road. The 24-hour shuttle service will ensure you don’t miss your flight, even if you spend the day lounging by the lagoon-style swimming pool or enjoying a few cocktails at the on-site bar and restaurant.

Address: 2 Henry Wrigley Drive, Eaton

Hudson Parap

Located in the eclectic Darwin neighbourhood of Parap, the Hudson Parap is ideal for families or travellers who want to make themselves at home during their stay in Darwin and explore one of its most unique suburbs. It has 84 serviced apartments: a mix of studios and one, two and three-bedrooms, with amenities like kitchenettes and laundry. Chill out in the alfresco BBQ area or by the pool, listen to live music, and peruse tropical fruits and vegetables at the Parap Village Markets, or take a 20-minute bus (or nine–minute drive) to the CBD.

Address: 49 Parap Rd, Parap

Hudson Berrimah

Alternatively, there is also a Hudson branch in the eastern suburb of Berrimah – home to the famous Crocodylus Park. This family-friendly attraction is home to thousands of crocs, exotic animals (including wild cats, baboons, tamarins, lions, Asian water buffalo and a Burmese python), as well as many native animals and birds. The Hudson Berrimah has 88 serviced apartments, a barbeque area, a swimming pool and a gym.

Berrimah is a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bus trip into the CBD. For more crocodile attractions, you can read up on our reviews of Crocosaurus Cove and the jumping crocodile cruise.

Address: 4 Berrimah Rd, Berrimah

Quest Palmerston

Another Palmerston option? The Quest Palmerston. Close to the Palmerston Markets (a cheap and cheerful option for a Friday night dinner), the Quest Palmerston offers serviced apartment accommodations with kitchenettes and laundry facilities. There is also an on-site gym and pool, plus pet-friendly options if you’re travelling with your furry companions. If you don’t fancy heading out for groceries, the Quest can organise deliveries to your apartment, or you can check out their on-site restaurant.

Address: 18 The Blvd, Palmerston City

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Melissa Mason