Cosmopolitan, sun-kissed Darwin sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney's, overlooking the jewel-like Arafura Sea. A tropical city, bathed in the heady scent of frangipani, it offers a feast of waterfront delights - superb dining, cruising, or diving among the wrecks in the once war-ravaged harbour. It also acts as a gateway to key Top End natural and cultural attractions.

Darwin is closer to Asia than it is to Sydney, so it has the vigour you would expect of a city that is home to 50 ethnic groups. This means the food is great! Not only will you taste great seafood, crocodile, buffalo, camel or emu, you can take your pick of cuisines and savour dishes melded from numerous Asian and European influences.

A visit to Darwin's Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a must. These are held every Thursday in the dry season between May and October, and are as popular with the locals as they are with the tourists. Located just off the beach and within walking distance of the city, there are also buses and taxis available from city hotels. Take advantage of this sensational way to sample the flavours of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond in a balmy, tropical setting. Take your pick from the huge variety of foods available, then find a great spot on the beach to eat your meal - watch as the sun sets and the stars come out to play!

This tropical climate ensures you'll never want for a 'coldie', (cold beer) here, but you can also enjoy quality restaurants serving the best in fine wines if that's your preference.

With a lively selection of entertainment, Darwin really buzzes! There are nightclubs, a casino, theatres, restaurants, and its multi-cultural markets are internationally famous. Along with Aboriginal culture, these influences help mould a unique restaurant, market and cultural scene.

Darwin also has a dramatic history - it really has been through the wars! During World War II Darwin survived 64 Japanese bombing raids, and witnessed the sinking of six vessels. In 1974, tropical Cyclone Tracey devastated the city. Now rebuilt as a modern, tropical capital city, Darwin boasts low-rise buildings on wide, tree-lined streets, with parks and contemporary waterfront developments, all embracing a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

Darwin has plenty of beaches, bays and waterholes to explore and enjoy. The beaches are popular places to cool off on hot days - not surprising, as Darwin has an average daily temperature in the low 30s (Celsius) / 80s (Fahrenheit)

In the dry season (May to October), visit Casuarina, Fannie Bay, Mindil and Vestys Beaches, which are all close to the city. However, from late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish make beaches and open waterways places to avoid. Luckily Darwin has plenty of popular freshwater swimming spots nearby, such as Howard Springs, Berry Springs and Manton Dam so you can avoid the box jellyfish stingers and still enjoy a dip in the cool water!

The harbour itself offers a host of activities. There is nothing quite like a sunset cruise under a tropical sky, and keen divers will want to explore the many sunken wrecks- courtesy of Darwin's involvement in World War II!

The wharf precincts are perfect for those who like to dine out with a water view. The Darwin Wharf precinct and Cullen Bay are becoming hot spots for those who want fine dining in a relaxed environment.

Darwin is also a great base from which to explore the region, which has 20 national parks, reserves and gardens, including the famous, World Heritage listed Kakadu. Find some of the hidden treasures which are just as rich in dramatic beauty, including the wildlife and Aboriginal culture.

In Australia's tropical Top End, the delicate pink beauty of the waterlily and the prehistoric brute strength of the crocodile merge in stunning Kakadu National Park. Rivers with roaring waterfalls and a landscape of towering sandstone escarpments cradle some of Kakadu's treasures - just waiting to be explored! The park shelters more than 60 species of mammals and 280 bird species. Kakadu is 250 kilometres from Darwin along the sealed Arnhem Highway, and many tours operate from the city.