Darwin is Australia's fastest-growing capital city and the city with the youngest population. Its history of frontierism, gold prospecting and war (it was a major military base for troops fighting the war in the Pacific) gives it a unique cultural heritage. Today, more than 50 nationalities share an easy-going lifestyle in this cosmopolitan city.
Darwin might just be the ultimate budget-break destination. There is so much about Darwin that's not about spending money. Take cheap flights to Darwin during the wet season and nature puts on its own show. Watching the sky turn indigo and storms roll in over the harbour, basking under the flaming gold skies at sunset, oohing at the spectactular lightning shows or aahing at the sound frogs croaking late into the night - all are wonderful and free.
It's also an excellent base to explore the nearby World Heritage-listed lands - Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.