Darwin is the tropical capital city of Australia's Northern Territory. It has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.

The city was founded as Australia's most northerly harbour port in 1869, and its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. World War II put the city on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Today travellers can see evidence of Darwin's World War II history at a variety of preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city. Darwin again made world news when the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy in 1974 - an event well documented at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Its colourful history has contributed to the Darwin's cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at its weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through its annual calendar of festivals and events.

Darwin's tropical climate lends itself to an outdoor lifestyle. Much of the city's social activities take place at markets, in parks and reserves, by the beach or on boats down on Darwin Harbour. Even movie buffs prefer to enjoy the flicks outdoors at the Deckchair Cinema from April to November.

Darwin's calendar of annual cultural events and festivals also make the most of the weather with the majority held between May and September as the Territory sun shines while southern Australia rugs up for winter.

Open-air markets are held across the city every weekend in Parap, Rapid Creek, Nightcliff, Palmerston and further out of Darwin in Coolalinga. No trip to Darwin between the months of May and October is complete without a visit to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

If you over indulge at the markets, there's no shortage of scenic areas and open spaces in which to exercise. A network of bicycle paths and walking tracks follow the city's coastline through mangroves, monsoon forests and beaches.