Darwin

Living in Darwin

Darwin SunsetDarwin is the capital of Northern Territory but it is not very big, being something like Australia’s 16th largest city. Greater Darwin consists of Darwin City, Darwin Suburbs, Litchfield and Palmerston and has a population of around 136,000 people. It is located centrally on the northern coast of Australia, so if Australia were of clock, Darwin would be on the 12.

It should be noted though that both Litchfield and Palmerston are quite some distance from Darwin City, being around 30 km and 21 km respectively. The population of Darwin and its immediately surrounding suburbs is probably something like 80,000.
Darwin Location

Darwin, like Perth, is quite isolated. It is closer to the capital of Indonesia than it is to the capital of Australia. It’s also very close to the equator. So it’s hot! It’s humid! And it’s got crocs!

There, I’ve got that out of the way.

But if you can stand the heat and humidity, Darwin and the surrounding areas offer the kind of stunning beauty not easily found anywhere else in the world. That beauty is enhanced by Darwin’s climate which has a “wet season” and a “dry season”.

This natural beauty has led to Darwin having a thriving tourist industry. The area is steeped in Aboriginal history and culture and surrounded by National Parks, the biggest and most impressive being Kakadu.

Whilst nature gives the region and its beauty, nature has also destroyed the city. On Christmas day in 1974, tropical Cyclone Tracy ripped the place apart taking many lives at the same time. But Darwin was quickly rebuilt and is today a modern, vibrant and young city.

Darwin is not short of beautiful beaches either. The pick of them being Mindil Beach, which includes an occasional market, just a couple of kilometres from the city centre and Vestey’s Beach, also close to the city. And if you want to be at one with nature, check out Casaurina Beach, 7 km’s east of the city. It’s a nudist beach. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Some beaches have nets to protect against the box jellyfish, but with the rise of appearances by the Irukandji, a jellyfish so small it can penetrate the nets, I’m not sure you would want to be trusting these places.

But it’s not just the jellyfish. The sea in this region is probably one of the most dangerous seas in the world. It looks beautiful, it looks clear and it looks blue. But it can be very dangerous for swimmers. Remember, crocs can be found in the sea as well as in the creeks and billabongs.

Always check with locals before going swimming in this region. There are safe places to swim in the area and they will know where they are. Darwin is beautiful, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

What’s the weather like?

Darwin Annual WeatherThe climate of Darwin is tropical, that means there is no winter and summer, just wet and dry. If you take a look at my chart, you can easily see when those wet and dry seasons are.

There are on average 75 rainy days between December and May with a total of over 1300 mm of rain.

But during June to November, there are just 20 rainy days with only 200 mm. But the temperature doesn’t change much throughout the year. It’s always hot and it’s mostly humid.

Severe weather for the area include, of course, tropical cyclones, electrical storms, gale force winds and flooding.

Here’s a map of the Darwin area…..

Darwin Map

Darwin can be broken down into four main areas:

Questions about Darwin?

If you have any question about living in Darwin, please please feel free to ask them in the comments below. Or if you know this city well, why not tell us what you think of it or maybe even help out by answering some of the questions people have about the area. I’m sure anybody thinking of moving here would be very grateful for any help you can give them.

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{ 314 comments… add one }
  • Christiaan Grobbelaar June 25, 2022, 12:07 am |

    Dear Bob,

    I trust you are well, thank you for the great read.

    Both my wife and I are in the aviation industry with a brand new addition tot he family and have a possible opportunity to come and work and fly in Darwin.

    We are from South Africa, the two of us enjoy nature, open spaces and privacy… love to work out and hike swim etc.

    What is the standard of living like in Darwin / Australia ? We currently live in a wildlife estate with a open yard and pets. 4 jack Russell’s
    Both have our own vehicles, rarely eat out as we enjoy cooking and spending time together.

    What is considered a comfortable salary in Darwin / Australia and can one save to towards retirement etc and possibly plan holiday trips there?

    Apologies for all the question

    What is the business opportunities available in Darwin or even Australia in aviation regarding starting a flight school or charter business etc…

    Thank you so much for reading and your time

    Blessed regards

    • BobinOz June 28, 2022, 8:31 pm |

      Well, NT is certainly the place to go for open spaces and privacy, plenty of it up there. Swimming in the sea isn’t a good idea though, thanks to the crocodiles and some rather nasty jellyfish. Standard of living generally in Australia is pretty good, although right now the whole world is in crisis and the cost of living of just about everything is rising rapidly.

      There will be opportunities, I’m sure, to buy a house with plenty of land around it, but again, I don’t think that will be overly cheap. Check out my page on Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia to do some research on that.

      Salary wise, the median income per household in NT is just over $2000 a week according to our very latest census of 2021. If you want comfortable, I suspect you’ll want to be aiming for around $3000 a week. I have no idea about job opportunities up there, but again, my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship can help you with that.

      We have lots of South Africans here in Australia, I’ve never met one who didn’t think the move to down under wasn’t a good one for them. Good luck, Bob

  • Iman June 5, 2021, 4:38 pm |

    Hello,
    I may be relocating to Darwin next month due to a job opportunity. I’m originally from the states and currently living in Victoria. Any suggested suburbs to live in for young professionals and ideally a good night life?

    • BobinOz June 7, 2021, 6:36 pm |

      Check out my answer to Carmel below, it may help a bit. That’s as much as I know, I’m afraid, not being local to Darwin myself, but hopefully someone who does know the area well will give you more advice and I can.

      Good luck with your move, I hope it goes well if it goes ahead.

  • Carmel maclean May 17, 2021, 4:10 pm |

    Hey ?
    Will be relocating to Darwin next year
    Really just after some advice on best suburbs to buy in and which to avoid.
    Cheers

    • BobinOz May 18, 2021, 5:00 pm |

      As a very general rule, I would say that the coastal suburbs of Darwin, for example Fannie Bay, Coconut Grove, Nightcliff, are probably the most desirable. If you want to drill down more specifically to look at the socio-economic differences of the suburbs, check out my page that explains how to use the Australian Bureau of Statistics socio-economic interactive map…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/22396/finding-somewhere-nice-to-live-in-australia/

      Good luck, Bob

  • Rebecca June 21, 2019, 4:56 am |

    We’re from South Africa, KZN and live in Kloof. What province/town would you say Darwin is most similar to? Is medical and education free?

    • BobinOz June 21, 2019, 7:45 pm |

      I have no knowledge of any provinces or towns in South Africa, so I couldn’t tell you how Darwin compares, other than it will almost certainly be substantially safer.

      Education and healthcare is free for permanent residence and Australian citizens, so it depends on the kind of visa you have to come here. Good luck, Bob

  • Jerry March 15, 2019, 5:10 pm |

    Hi, my family is going to move to Darwin. We have 2 kids, one at 5 and the other is 2. I would like to know, for new migrants, which area in Darwin is the easiest to settle down, with schools around so that my kids can attend. Thanks.

    • Michael Parker March 15, 2019, 5:44 pm |

      Anywhere in Darwin is good, safe and has plenty of school options.
      The main considerations for location I would suggest are:
      – Where you are likely to be working
      – Closeness of public transport that is efficent to get you to work, leisure, study etc
      – Is anyone in the family going to be Studying at Charles Darwin University? If yes which Campus location?
      – What sort of housing do you prefer? House with Yard? Multistorey Unit complex?
      – What sports will your kids particapte in? Depending on the Sporting Facilities location.
      Whilst there are some suburbs with a higher socio economic status (more costly), really Darwin is a very open, friendly and accessible city (Public Transport could be improved in terms of its frequency though), just about any Suburb that meets your needs above, or budget will be just fine and all the Schools are of a good standard.

      You would need to give me a bit more information about what you are looking for so I may be able to give you more feedback.

      • Jerry March 18, 2019, 4:01 pm |

        Thanks Michael. That helps. As for the area to be moved in, my thought is that if there is any area/s that are popular with Chinese, that will be great as it will be easier for my wife to be settled down. For my kids, good to be around school starting with pre-school till Grade 6. Appreciate your professional advice. Thanks in advance.

  • Alma January 18, 2019, 7:51 pm |

    With all the negative things going on in South Africa now myself and my husband is looking to immigrate urgently. What is the chances of getting jobs in Darwin. It will make no sense to leave South Africa and go to any country and there are no jobs available?? Is there someone I can get in contact with to discuss this? Thanks

    • BobinOz January 21, 2019, 8:28 pm |

      It’s hard to say, getting a job here in Australia isn’t always easy, there are no guarantees. Best thing to do is to research it using the links on my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to see what kind of vacancies there are in Darwin.

      I think the unemployment rate in Darwin is lower than the national average, so that’s a positive sign. Good luck, Bob

    • Michael Parker March 15, 2019, 5:46 pm |

      There are still lots of jobs in Darwin. BUT it very much depends on what your skills are and what qualifications you have?

  • Sarah Maddox June 1, 2018, 6:07 pm |

    Hi, I have a friend who recently moved to Lyon from the UK and is struggling with feeling cut off. She has two children at school, one at home and one on the way but no car whilst her husband is at work with the Army.
    Do you have any suggestions of places she can go to meet people or websites she could find information on?
    Anything at all would be appreciated.
    Thanks

    • BobinOz June 4, 2018, 6:15 pm |

      I don’t know Darwin very well, but Lions Ward includes the city of Darwin itself, and some of Darwin’s best suburbs, so she should be able to find some things to do and easily get public transport to them.

      My best tip for her would be to join a playgroup and take the one child that is still at home, it’s the best way to meet other mums in the area. Once he has made a few friends, things to do will just fall into place.

      If anyone who does know Darwin well has any other tips, we’d love to hear from you.

      • Sarah Maddox June 6, 2018, 1:29 am |

        Thank you. She seems to think there’s nothing child orientated in her area so anyone else’s feedback would be great.

        • Darwin Mum October 21, 2018, 1:42 pm |

          I have 6 school-aged children and have lived in Darwin for over 30 years. Lyons is in the northern suburbs, well situated to access many child-friendly activities. There is a public bus system so I suggest your friend firstly has a look at the bus timetable to see which bus she could catch to the Casuarina Bus Interchange.

          Casuarina is really the heart of the northern suburbs, the main focal point being Casuarina Shopping Centre (which is right next to the bus interchange). Just across the road from the shopping centre is the Casuarina Public Library. So straight away – there are several activities very easily accessed from the bus interchange. Indoor child playground in the eatery at the shopping centre while you have a coffee in the A/C, also an outdoor child playground in the new “Precinct” area at the shopping centre (take a towel or bathers for this one because there are fountains) while you have a coffee under the fans in the garden. Then over the road to the library (more A/C – yay!) where you can ask about the “story time” program for young children. This usually runs a couple of times a week for about 1/2 an hour where the librarians sing songs and read books to the youngsters. Then they put out some toys to play with, puzzles, colouring in and so on.

          Ring the Darwin City Council and ask about the Fun Bus. This is a free playgroup that runs 5 days a week in different locations around Darwin. Pick the location that is easiest to get to, and enjoy plenty of craft activities, toys, playground fun and stories while your children socialise with other young ones. Usually there is a stand with pamplets too – so you can have a look at other kid-friendly activities and services that you can access.

          Leanyer Recreation Park is within walking distance of Lyons, although it would be a bit of a hike for a pregnant woman pushing a pram. Take the bus instead! This is a free water park with water playground, dry playground, BBQs, water slides, big swimming lagoon and so on. A great place to chill for several hours (did I mention free?!) with the kids and stay cool in the water at the same time. There is a cafe there too, so you can grab a coffee or some chippies for the children once they have eaten everything else in your bag.

          Crocosaurus Cove in the city is another awesome activity, check out the bus timetable to get there (you would need to change buses at Casuarina Bus Interchange). You do have to pay the first time you go to Crocosaurus. But if you take your NT drivers licence and proof of NT residency (eg: power bill or similar) then you can get a “locals” card which means you can go back any time in the next year…for free! Well worth the money. The reptile house alone is great entertainment for the young ones – so much to look at, and if you time it right they can hold snakes and lizards and turtles. It’s also air-conditioned! Outside, there are tanks of crocs and fish and plenty of other things for the kids to run around looking at. If your kid can swim, take bathers and goggles – there is a glass pool there, right next to one of the croc enclosures – and your children can “swim with the crocs”! There is a lovely large undercover eating area and good toilet / changing facilities. It is a kid-friendly venue (until you have to walk out through the gift shop)!

          If you catch a bus from the Casuarina Bus Interchange to the Darwin Bus Interchange, it is a very short walk to the Darwin Waterfront (there are signs). At the waterfront there is a wave pool. Pay to enter, very reasonable cost – but be prepared to supervise your kids “within arms reach” – it’s not as relaxing as some of Darwin’s other water venues. Right next to the wave pool IS a relaxing water venue – and that’s the safe swimming salt-water lagoon. No crocs, no sharks, no jellyfish! The water is only about chest deep for adults, so ideal for children because they can touch the bottom most of the time. There is sand there! Take a bucket and spade! It is like a mini beach. Lovely shaded picnic areas to leave your stuff in, lots of green grass and trees. Also a child playground just a few metres up the hill from the lagoon. Another great (free!) (cool!) spot to hang for a few hours. Some shops and cafes there too – grab an ice-cream!

          Another bus ride in to the city to The Esplanade where you will find a big child playground and some adult fitness stations (all free). Get fit while your kids muck around on the giant slide and flying foxes!

          There are so many other kid-friendly places in Darwin, and lots of activities to get involved with. It’s just a matter of talking to other parents when you are out-and-about and getting some tips from them as to what is on at the moment. So look up which bus goes from Lyons to the Casuarina Bus Interchange, and start with activities in the Casuarina area. The Casuarina Library is really a great place to start – meet some other parents with similar aged kids at the library – talk to the librarians – and before you know it you will have a jam-packed schedule of things to do in Darwin with kids!

          Hope this helps.

          • BobinOz October 22, 2018, 8:46 pm |

            Well, that’s certainly put paid to the suggestion that there is nothing child friendly in Darwin 🙂

            Thanks for an amazing roundup of things for kids to do in Darwin, I’m sure many mums will find it useful and hopefully Sarah is still around and will see your magnificent reply.

            Many thanks, Bob

  • Rajendra May 19, 2018, 3:05 am |

    How about sefty there in darwin.

    • BobinOz May 21, 2018, 6:04 pm |

      I assume you mean safety? Australia is a very safe country, and that includes Darwin. I spent 10 days there on holiday, perfectly safe to walk the streets at night after dark, I certainly didn’t see any trouble or feel unsafe.

  • Chirag Patel February 24, 2018, 9:01 pm |

    Dear Sir,

    Can you please let me know the opportunities for mechanical engineer in Darwin, specifically for a person with around 10 to 12 years of experience in multinational organization with international reputation all around the world. I know that it solely depends on my view. but If you consider a person with skill of design software, expertise in maintenance of equipment and project work in mechanical engineering. Other than that I wanted to know about the emerging industrial areas in Darwin.

    • BobinOz February 26, 2018, 6:34 pm |

      I can’t help with this one, hopefully a local my see your comment and help out. Other than that though, you could always research job opportunities through my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

  • Kawaljit Singh November 28, 2017, 4:41 pm |

    Hello everyone me and my wife is planing to move to Darwin from India on PR . I am working with the Travel agency and my wife is working as medical laboratory technician on a govt pay role. can anyone advise what are the chances of getting the job in a healthcare sector and travel sector. I have searched online but in vain so it will be very helpful if someone can guide me.

    • BobinOz November 29, 2017, 5:39 pm |

      I think it’s very difficult to almost impossible for anybody to be able to guess at your chances of securing jobs, simply because a lot depends on how good you both are at interviews and also your qualifications and experience.

      I think all you can do really is research online, and my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship will help you with that. You can easily search for jobs in Darwin that are specific to what you do to see how many opportunities there might be for you both.

      • Kawaljit singh November 29, 2017, 6:48 pm |

        Thanks alot for your revert. Can you help me in one thing if i complete my 70 points and lodge a file from off shore what are the chances of getting state nomination cause i have heard that the least is 60 and i have 7 each so that add 10 points more to my profile under medical lab technician.Do i need to take the aiims exam also for the state nomination as m applying offshore

        • BobinOz December 1, 2017, 3:55 pm |

          I’m afraid I simply do not answer questions about visas or eligibility, only MARA registered migration agents are allowed to offer this kind of advice in this country.

    • Yssa December 18, 2017, 7:21 pm |

      Hi Kawaljit Singh,

      Did your wife get any luck in applying to move to NT? I’ve heard it is quite difficult to prove the employability for some occupations under the skilled or state nomination visa. Can you let us know if you are successful with your application?

  • Brodi green September 28, 2017, 1:10 am |

    Hey Bob what was the food and quality pf the produce like in darwin? Also was it a clean city? And what was the city itself like? Is it a modern city?

    • BobinOz September 28, 2017, 8:48 pm |

      Nothing wrong with the food in Darwin, quite good quality really, and it’s also clean, I’ve been to much dirtier places in the world. Not sure I would call it a modern city though, I’m not even sure I would call it a city at all, is more like a big country town.

      I think anyone considering a move to Darwin has to decide what they want from where they live. If you do want a modern city, this really isn’t it, and on top of that it’s a very long way, very very long way, from the nearest big modern city. Some people love that about Darwin, and some people hate it.

  • Nikhil August 28, 2017, 10:17 pm |

    Hey I am an Indian and getting chance to migrate in Darwin with my wife and 3 year old baby boy. I want to know how is Darwin to live as I am hotelier and my wife is accountant. Want to know about life style, living cost and standards, job types(full time) for me and my wife. Schooling for my kid and all necessaries.
    Kindly do help and update please.
    Thanks

    • BobinOz August 29, 2017, 8:29 pm |

      Hopefully someone who knows Darwin well can help you out, but in the meantime, I have a whole category on the cost of living and this page in particular will help, The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything.

      For jobs, you can check out Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and you might also like to look at my page called Which school?

      Hope that helps, Bob

      • Nikhil Sharma August 29, 2017, 8:46 pm |

        Thanks Bob.

        It will help me lot.
        Really appreciate.

        • Fredricks October 5, 2017, 6:19 am |

          Hello Bob,
          Im sailing in the same boat as Nikhil; am sure by now he must have settled in Darwin. If you dont mind can you connect me to Nikhil. It would be of really great help!
          THANKS IN ADVANCE..
          br,
          Fred

          • BobinOz October 7, 2017, 12:38 am |

            Hi Fredricks

            Nikhil will have received a notification of your comment and the one I am making now, so here is a direct question to Nikhil; are you okay with me giving your email address to Fredricks?

            If you can reply here to let me know, I will introduce the two of you to each other by email so you can chat directly. Fredricks, obviously if I do not hear anything back, it wouldn’t be right for me to pass on somebody’s email address without their permission.

            We will wait to see what happens.

            Cheers, Bob

            • Ekagarta November 7, 2017, 10:52 pm |

              Hi Bob. I’m moving to Darwin with my husband from India. Like Nikhil my husband to is a hotelier. We need to know more about the living cost, accomodations, jobs,customs, lifestyle etc.for Darwin.
              Thanks

            • Nikhil April 22, 2018, 2:20 pm |

              Hi Bob my email address is nikkhil.sharmaa@gmail.com

    • ritesh kapila April 22, 2018, 12:35 pm |

      Hi Nikhil,
      I am also hotelier (RM) and would be coming to darwin soon with my wife and daughter. Please let me know about the Job opportunities in hospitality sector. And also brief about the place.

      • Nikhil April 22, 2018, 2:56 pm |

        Hi Ritesh its Nikhil. Where are you working nowadays as a RM. Which hotel

        • Neeraj Khetarpal April 22, 2018, 5:00 pm |

          Hello Nikhil,

          I am also moving to Darwin next week and I can inform you about the weather and further information next week

          Regards
          Neeraj

          • Nikhil April 24, 2018, 5:23 pm |

            Thanks Neeraj

    • Murali April 2, 2019, 6:40 pm |

      Hi Nikhil how you doing?
      Murali here from Singapore, actually am trying to migrate Australia, most probably I’ll go to Darwin. I would like to know how is the job offers for hotelier in Darwin, am working in a restaurant in SG and my wife working in IT

  • Toni July 23, 2017, 1:22 am |

    Hi
    I’m from Sydney and considering a job that’s available in Darwin. I’ve never been and wondering what it’s like in terms of lifestyle, and affordability of rent in decent areas.

    The position pays less than what it does in Sydney so ideally cost of living/rent should be less, but i’ve heard this isn’t the case. Which areas are safe to live in and which are advisable to stay away from?

    Also I’m single and won’t know many people and would like to still access things like art, music, yoga, meditation, restaurants and am not sure how much of this sort of thing is around.

    The other concern is the weather and if it’s just too much to live in permanently (or at least a year or 2).

    Many thanks for any tips!

    • BobinOz July 24, 2017, 8:09 pm |

      Well, as far as renting goes, I did an article about this last year and rents were falling quite rapidly in Darwin and were certainly cheaper than Sydney’s. Here’s a link to the post…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/20598/average-rental-prices-by-capital-cities-in-australia/

      I’ll leave the locals to answer your other questions, but I did spend 10 days in Darwin a few years back, and there are definitely restaurants and entertainment around, but most of it is centred around one street in the CBD. There is no doubt your choice of things to do will be massively reduced compared with what goes on in Sydney, and when major international acts tour Australia, they always do Sydney and rarely go to Darwin.

      Anyway, hopefully someone else will help you out here, but do read the comments already made on this page, there is much of talk about what it’s like in Darwin.

      • Toni July 24, 2017, 10:17 pm |

        Thank you!

  • Cissie June 17, 2017, 12:28 am |

    Hi Bob,
    We are planning to move to Darwin from Adelaide we’ve been here 16 months from uk. My husband is getting a job there! Just want to ask best areas for schools etc I have a 15 and 4 year old. Do you know Gray at all and what is Yarrawonga like???

    • BobinOz June 19, 2017, 8:07 pm |

      I’m afraid I will have to leave this one to the locals, I know as much about those places as probably you do 🙂 Hopefully someone will help you out here, it is also worth reading the comments made so far by others, I’m sure you’ll pick up some good information.

      Good luck with the move, Bob

  • Nita vyas June 4, 2017, 12:21 pm |

    my daughter 41 her son 14 planning to settle in Darwin. can u plz guide where in which centrally safe area she should make choice for her and son to have easy access to school and market. what about local transportation. she is a professional ladies hair dresser and treatment giver. what kind of jobs available in salon. how much can be earned weekly. cost of living including house rent, food expenses and overheads expenses to be incurred for both on monthly basis.

    • BobinOz June 5, 2017, 7:39 pm |

      Gosh, lots of questions, may I suggest you ask your daughter to visit my website and read the relevant pages which answer all of these questions? For example, reading the comments on this page will help her decide which suburb might suit and the other questions are probably all answered elsewhere but in particular under my Migration Advice section which is linked from the main navigation menu.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Cruz Ignatius June 3, 2017, 5:19 am |

    Hi Bob,
    We’re Indian expats who’ve been in Dubai for a good decade now and intend on visit Darwin next week (11-18 jun) to check out various vicinities and decide on where we potentially would like to call home.
    My wife,3yr old and self have been granted a subclass 489 visa and we intend to move to Darwin sometime next year.

    Any suggestions on the best location for hotels where we could be put up in, such that its centrally/ideally located from all recommended suburbs.
    Best,
    Cruz

    • BobinOz June 5, 2017, 7:11 pm |

      Darwin is much more like a big town than a city, the centre of which is pretty much Mitchell Street. So if you go to Google maps you will be able to see where that is. From my limited knowledge of Darwin, I’ve only been once, the coastal areas of Fannie Bay East Point and Coconut Grove looked quite nice. Other than that, it might be a good idea you read some of the other comments already made here about the suburbs.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Cruz Ignatius June 7, 2017, 9:19 pm |

        Thanks mate, appreciate your help!

  • Duong Thuy Linh April 26, 2017, 4:46 pm |

    Hi everyone,

    I am from Vietnam and also waiting for skill assessment migration sponsored by NT. I am quite concern about all the wild animals since I have lived close to nature. Living in London, Singapore and Hanoi. We are a family of 3, with a young kid 6 years old. Where do you suggest to be the safest place for family with good school? And also close to a friendly community in case we need help. We are not so used to natural disaster either.
    How would you describe Darwin’s weather? Is it as hot as Singapore, Thailand? Or hotter and more humid?
    I need to have 1 year of full time job in Darwin. What are the chances of obtaining a full time job in Darwin? as I am aware that casual jobs are not considered full time jobs.

    Thank you very much.

    • BobinOz April 27, 2017, 5:27 pm |

      Well, for the wild animal situation, see the replies to Steve below. Darwin is hot, if I’m not mistaken the weather doesn’t vary too much from around 30° to 32°C all year, and can be very humid in the wet season which is in summer time.

      Having only holidayed briefly in Singapore, Thailand and Darwin, I couldn’t compare the climates, maybe somebody else can help you out with that. I believe the job situation is quite healthy and Darwin, so you have a chance, but no guarantees.

      If you browse the rest of the comments, there’s quite a bit of talk about the suburbs and places to live in Darwin.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Steve April 21, 2017, 3:30 am |

    Hey Bob,

    This question is perhaps a bit out of place on this board.. I am Canadian but lived in Brisbane with my partner for 2 years while doing my Masters Degree. We loved Brisbane more than anywhere else in the world and want to go back ASAP! (I often contribute on your south Brisbane suburb board)

    However with the VISA changes in the last week plus some other issues we likely won’t be able to move back to Brisbane permanently (we can only do working holiday) unless we do 2 years in Darwin (as NT sponsors my job).

    I am more than willing to do this, as Brisbane is where I want to live for the rest of my life and 2 years in the top end is a small payment for that. My partner on the other hand is concerned about the critters and creatures in the top end. We had similar fears before moving to Brisbane, and that was crushed quickly when we learned there was nothing to fear.

    Is there anything to fear in Darwin, more so than Brissy (Crocs not included)

    Thanks,
    Steve

    • Mark April 21, 2017, 6:06 am |

      Its perhaps worth reading lower down a post or two from Trudi and Kat Within it is some posts from a Michael Parker who evidently lives in Darwin and will perhaps when read it will do the same to crush any fears…
      Just to add I would not hang about with any application, things seem t be changing here with visa changes and the new shall we say stricter citizenship test announced yesterday// I suspect a major overhaul of the jobs come the new lists in I think its July…

    • BobinOz April 21, 2017, 6:07 pm |

      No, there is nothing to fear at all about Darwin, I just wouldn’t go swimming in the sea although some people do, believe it or not.

      I would say most definitely it is worth experiencing Darwin for a couple of years if the payoff is going to be the opportunity of staying and then moving to Brisbane, two years isn’t very long at all.

      I’ve only spent 10 days in Darwin, but I wasn’t attacked by a single crocodile, didn’t see any snakes or spiders. It probably wouldn’t be my choice of a place to live permanently, but I could comfortably live there for a couple years if I needed to.

      As Mark has said, take a look at some of the other comments people have made here, and stick around because maybe someone who does live in Darwin right now will give you their views.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Steve April 21, 2017, 8:16 pm |

        Thanks for the Reply Bob and Mark!

        the insight is greatly helpful.
        Steve

  • Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal March 25, 2017, 10:39 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    I am going to plan migrant in NT. But i do not know any body in NT. Please suggest me ” NT is a good place for family and employment” and more about safety.

    Thanks
    Mukesh

    • BobinOz March 27, 2017, 7:12 pm |

      Some people love Darwin, some people hate it. Some people think Darwin is paradise, others think its a living hell. I don’t know which camp you and your family would fall into. It is safe though, and there are work opportunities, depending what you do.

      You can research jobs on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

    • Mayur vora March 30, 2017, 8:50 pm |

      Hey, even i am planning to migrate. my application is under process hopefully another 6 months or. lets connect. it would be great to hear from like minded people. also any help is good help. guys feel free to advice.

      • Kapil April 18, 2017, 5:51 pm |

        Same here…Even I am planning to mover to NT and my application is also under process. Bob, I see many informative points from you. On my websites I saw that it is considered costly place to live to to high cost of groceries etc. Is it really costly? Mayur … please share your no. so that we can keep in touch.

        • Mayur vora April 18, 2017, 6:51 pm |

          Hi Kapil, Good to hear from you. get me on 9819177731.
          Looking forward to hearing from you. I am based in Mumbai.

          Cheers

          • Gurpreet singh October 5, 2017, 6:04 pm |

            Hi, I am also falling on the way to get PR from Darwin but worried about the lifestyle over there, including schools for my 10 year old son.
            I am too worried about the climate over there. Is it really very tough there when we move from India(Punjab) .
            Plz tell

            • BobinOz October 7, 2017, 12:44 am |

              Difficult to answer this one, not sure what you mean by tough. Maybe you should, if you can, come here for a few weeks on holiday to see what you think of it first hand, that’s really the only way to know if the place is likely to be suitable for you.

            • Neeraj November 3, 2017, 6:41 pm |

              Hi friends, I am also planning to move to Darwin under visa 489. Has anyone of u, Mayur or Kapil already moved to Darwin? Mayur , can I call u up on the given no. as I am also in Mumbai.

        • BobinOz April 19, 2017, 12:09 am |

          Cost of living information is all over this website, it has its own category and then there is The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything to help you further.

  • Kat March 21, 2017, 6:37 pm |

    Hi all

    I’m in UK at mo, waiting to go through visa application after securing a job. I’ve just been reading the posts. Michael replied to someone about rental accommodation and needing references from landlords. I presume this is renting a house/unit with an letting agent rather than a sub-let room like on flatmates.au? I’m currently living at home so wouldn’t have any recent landlord references (I don’t think my mum will count!)

    Does anyone have any advice about this?

    Many thanks

    Kat

    PS Bob, you have the patience of a saint with some of the messages left on here and your consistently polite replies – hats off to you!

    • BobinOz March 21, 2017, 9:30 pm |

      Thanks Kat, sadly I’m not this patient in real life, as Mrs Bob will testify 🙂

      No, you won’t need landlords references for places like flatmates, and it’s also worth looking on gumtree and trading post (Google them) for shared accommodation. I think there is another one called couchsurfing as well. You can always start in a backpackers place as well, easy to book in and a good place to meet new people.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Sudeep March 10, 2017, 5:23 pm |

    Hi, I am an expat from India planning to move to Darwin with my family(my wife and kid) on May 2017. What are the odds of getting an accomodation rightaway? I am looking for a budget stay(<200$ pw) with industries, malls and stations nearby. Could you please help…

    • Michael March 10, 2017, 5:40 pm |

      Should not be a problem, at the moment there is an oversupply of particularly Units.

      $200 will get you a room in a Shared house or unit.

      $300-$400 per week will get you a 2-3 Bedroom unit (apartment) depending on location and age of the unit.

      Rents have reduced by approx 35% over the past 2 years.

      • Mayur vora March 30, 2017, 8:53 pm |

        hi Sudeep, do share your experience may be i shall get in touch with you soon. in another 6 months or so. planning to move in with my wife and 3 yr old kiddo to Darwin.

        • Sana July 29, 2017, 3:17 am |

          Let’s be in touch, good to know some people from similar backgrounds to.meet and share experiences

    • Sana July 29, 2017, 3:15 am |

      Hello,
      Have you migrated to Darwin? Since I am also in the same boat, worried about settling down ,home,jobs etc.
      We.are family of four and in a process of migrating to Darwin, I really want to get in touch with people over there

  • Basil March 7, 2017, 5:42 pm |

    Dear sir
    My daughter is planning to migrate to Darwin , she is early childhood teacher. are there vacancies for my daughter.
    Thanks

    Basil

  • Benjamin Paul March 2, 2017, 1:47 pm |

    Hi Bob

    Kindly guide me in choosing a suburbs in darwin for accommodation for a family of 4

    • BobinOz March 3, 2017, 12:08 am |

      Well, I don’t live in Darwin so I can’t help, but the way you have asked your question I don’t think even a local could help you, you haven’t said anything about what you want from a suburb.

      May I suggest you have a read through these comments here, there is some chat about the various suburbs and I’m sure you will find it helpful. Please feel free to ask your question again but if you do, let people know what you want. Close to the city, close to the sea, out in the country, near a shopping mall, close to good schools, that sort of thing.

  • Kanishka February 22, 2017, 12:50 am |

    Hi Bob
    I have applied for state nomination skill visa 190 category last July and still no any response and untill I receive the nomination I can’t apply for visa. Pls can I know what is the time duration for processing application.
    Thnx

    • BobinOz February 26, 2017, 9:40 pm |

      There is no set time limit on this, as far as I’m aware.

    • Anoop March 27, 2017, 2:52 am |

      Hi Kanishka,
      May i know how many points you scored while filing the 190 visa application.

      Thanks,
      Anoop

  • Jagath February 20, 2017, 3:41 pm |

    hi Bob,

    Thanks for all the details provided here and also the responses to each question. I have got Temporary Resident visa to NT and planning to move end March 2017. I too have two kids 11 and 9 years respectively.

    My question is on my employment. I have been working on non profit organization over the last 10 years or so. Are there jobs in this field Bob?

    Also under TR visa (489) category I heard some jobs (especially government) are not eligible, is that true?

    Thank you

    • Chathura February 22, 2017, 12:36 am |

      Just need to contact u jagath
      Pls send your email
      Thanks

    • Mark February 22, 2017, 5:56 am |

      Yes there are not for profit organisation in AU but I am not sure why you would need to specifically look for these unless its a personal choice. Your skills set from one may be just as valuable elsewhere.. Yes its likely the case that certain government jobs may not be available to you, others may want a permanent resident the best thing to do is ask before applying..

      • jagath February 23, 2017, 2:44 am |

        Thank u Mark, this is useful….

    • Abhay February 22, 2017, 4:11 pm |

      Hi Jagath, Congrats that you received your Visa. I am applying for Visa at NT. Need some guidance from you. Will be grateful to you for your help. Request if you could share your mail ID.

      Thanks & regards,
      Abhay

    • Michael parker February 23, 2017, 8:03 am |

      The key thing that we determine if you can find a job is:
      – What qualifications, skills and experience you have?
      – What attributes / attitude and personal qualities you can bring to the job
      – How good your English spoken and written communication skills are

      Saying you have 10 years with a NFP means NOTHING! by itself.
      Were you their Cleaner? Accountant? CEO?

      There are many NFP jobs in Darwin and small towns near Darwin, BUT it all depends on those 3 points above.

      I work in the IT Industry and there is a real shortage of IT Technicians and Engineers, so if you work in that industry and your skills and English is good you will definitely find work.

      michael@ategra.com

    • SUDEEPKUMAR BATABYA March 21, 2017, 2:01 pm |

      Hi,
      Have you moved to Darwin? How are you settling in Darwin?
      I, too have received my Grant(489-NT SS) a month ago, and we have to land in Darwin on 03rd May 2017. I am a Mechanical Engineer originally from India looking to settle and work in NT. How are the opportunities for work in NT? What are the things to consider after landing in NT? I mean, accomodation and everything, coz I am bringing my family straightaway. If you have a personal number for chat, could you share it with me? It would be of great help….

      Thanks….

  • Trudi Roy February 14, 2017, 6:53 pm |

    Hi Bob, we have the option of moving to the NT, Darwin in fact, from Scotland. I’m now worrying that it will be too much of a culture shock for my 2 kids, there only 6 and 4 and l do worry about them adapting to the heat, rain we are used to however not on the same scale. Would you yourself have concerns taking your family to somewhere so different. We have been to other parts of Australia and loved it but nvr Darwin, l am a tad scared about the crocs lol….l read on a forum they can live in drains in your garden….please tell me this is not true ha,ha, ha,ha

    • Mark February 14, 2017, 8:02 pm |

      Im sure Bob will pop in and answer and I suspect will give more info on NT…I thought id throw in as well…extra opinion…Your a good parent that’s obvious in your concern and yes of course you have concerns changing their environment.. You don’t say if its a permanent move or a one of chance to come and live in AU…If its your only chance grab it with both arms…My point being they will thrive here in Australia, I think far more than UK Darwin would not be my first choice Ill grant you, had my company said go there Id have gone…I think AU offers some great opportunities compared to the UK. If nothing else you will give them an experience. Though to be more precise are you moving from say Edinburgh or Glasgow or somewhere as quiet as Dunkeld…. Id grant you it woud be a change from Glasgow to Darwin but Dunkeld probably not.. To answer your question specifically Yes I would take my family somewhere so different…They are young and if you make it an adventure then they will have a great time If you make it a life change I am sure they will to..You may even move areas a few years on… If your getting paid a lot more then that’s a bonus for them too. There are so many other factors… Good luck and hope you make it…..

      • BobinOz February 14, 2017, 9:38 pm |

        For some people, Darwin is an absolute paradise. For others, it’s a hellhole. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any way of knowing how you and your family will feel about it until you get there and try it out.

        I’d say your children are at a good age though, they adapt quickly when they are so young. My daughter was 3 1/2 when we got here, she hated it at first. Kept asking when we were going home again. Fair enough, we were still waiting for our furniture, she had no friends and it was school holidays so no kindie either.

        Four months later that was all in the past for her, she loved it here, swimming in the pool, making new friends, toys in the bedroom. So I personally think your children will adapt and enjoy the adventure.

        What Mark is suggesting, and I agree, is if you have an opportunity to come and work in Darwin on a two-year contract say, then once you’ve done that time, if there is a pathway to a more permanent stay, it’s likely you can move and live wherever you want in Australia.

        I would certainly live in Darwin for a couple of years and enjoy it, if I knew that if I didn’t like it I could go elsewhere.

        As for the crocs in the drains, well, yes I suspect it does happen. But these are big drains, I think I’ve seen them on the side of the road up there. About 3 metres wide and at least a couple of meters deep.

        They are not the drains that you would have underneath the bath plug 🙂 I shouldn’t worry about the crocodiles too much, they are not hanging around on street corners waiting to mug you. Just don’t go swimming in any open waters, stick to swimming pools and man-made lagoons. There is a great one right on the promenade.

        https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/12795/darwin-whats-it-really-like/

        Good luck, whatever you decide.

        • Trudi February 17, 2017, 9:42 am |

          Thanks Bob for your really informative post. I did have a chuckle to myself when l read that you envisaged crocs to be everywhere, round every corner. This is just me, l had a dream that l opened my back door to find one on the lawn looking for a bacon buttie….my bacon at that ha,ha. You’re links have helped me to keep things in proportion. It was really good to read that your daughter adapted after a few months. Plus we are not looking for outstanding shopping or the hustle and bustle of a large city, but more so a place where we can meet the same person twice and we can enjoy doing the outdoor things we do here but on a warmer scale….much warmer at that. Thanks again.

      • Trudi February 17, 2017, 8:54 am |

        Thanks Mark, for giving me what sounded like a very honest answer. I live in a tiny town in Scotland, don’t get me wrong we have a good life, good jobs and great friends but l want to have this adventure with my kids before their too cool to hang out with us anymore ?. In my heart l would rather regret going than regret not going. Thanks again

        • mark February 17, 2017, 11:21 am |

          Well there you go…something I always work on having lived on three continents now..I can regret some things I have done..but I dont regret not doing them.. Sounds like the adventure is on…A serious note, school research, is key for them…come and earn your crust in AU and let them enjoy.. Keep in touch with friends on Skype and the children keep in touch with theirs/ It may not be many but they are theirs, mine are 11 and 8 and I have just sent 38 Koala’s with Paddington bear style ‘look after this (daren’t say bear) to all their class mates… I do wonder what customs may make of my parcels..It was pasties in one last week arriving in AU….It can be tough on them as they will have little grasp of how far away they are and anything may happen. My daughter was upset one day, so much so she got in her case and closed it wanting to go home, I think you can imagine how I felt …I had taken my eye off the ball that day.
          Meanwhile I have to say I was embarrassed by you this morning as I laughed out loud on a train whilst nearing the CBD. Luckily I was able to share your above post with the person next to me and then the person opposite got involved…Why! Well the line about a croc at the back door looking for a bacon buttie was just too funny…Here is hoping you will love it and if NT doesn’t tick all the boxes maybe move states when you can…

          • BobinOz February 17, 2017, 9:18 pm |

            One of the first things we did when we arrived in Australia was buy a satnav. I remember the day my little girl asked us if we could set it to take us back to our old house. So yes, I agree, kids don’t really understand the distance. Like you Mark, we felt bad, but as I’ve said, it didn’t last long, she soon got into the groove of Oz.

            And Trudi, couldn’t agree more, I think there’s nothing worse than not giving it a go just in case, and then spending the rest of your life wondering what if. Good luck with your plans, hope it all works out for you and your family.

    • Kat February 18, 2017, 1:21 am |

      Hi Trudi,

      I’m moving to Darwin sometime soon (job nomination and visa pending) 3 months or so. I’m more terrified of the huntsman spider, entirely harmless but bloody massive and apparently known to hide behind sun visors in cars……. I’m not sure what percentage of people actually experience this but it still freaks me out!
      I’m moving on my own, maybe if you decide to come over we can meet up and exchange tips on surviving the humidity, crocs and critters 🙂 ?

      I also hope to be able to help others on this website who are coming to Darwin/Palmerston areas.

      Many thanks to Bob and everyone who posts on here!

      Kat

      • BobinOz February 19, 2017, 8:16 pm |

        Thanks Kat and good luck with your move. Do let us know how it goes and if you can help others here, that would be awesome!

        As for the Huntsman, they are such gentlemanly spiders, I think you can learn to like them. Honest…

        https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17969/liking-the-huntsman-spider/

        • Michael Parker February 23, 2017, 8:21 am |

          Really, you don’t need to be worried at all about safety in Darwin.

          Hunstman Spiders are totally harmless, they are just another insect.

          Part of living in Australia (anywhere outside the large artificial cities), is that it IS A CLOSER to NATURE environment, there ARE Animals, Insects, rivers, that have not yet been concreted over. If you like living in the Concrete Jungle, then you need to stick to the big cities, that are just like any other concrete highrise big city the world over with the same Starbucks, Macca’s and all the other same same stuff.
          (Darwin still has these too unfortunately, but it also has so far kept more of its own culture and environment)

          Really living with animals and insects is just common sense and if you are a City person, Darwin offers that too and you can live isolated in a high rise apartment and have the cafe scene on the ground floor and the nightclub around the corner if you want. I would rather have the odd green frog in the toilet bowl and a gecko on the ceiling, than be living in an anonymous big city with busyness, rudeness and the violence and crazy people that seems to concentrate.

          However Darwin really does come into its own for its great lifestyle, warm & hot weather, facilities for a smaller city, ease of getting around (although you do need a car, but parking or traffic are never a problem).

          Absolute wonderful things about Darwin are:
          – Lifestyle
          – Opportunity
          – Very good education options and access for your kids or to go to University
          – Excellent job and career opportunities
          – very Friendly and welcoming people

          But if you are really a City Slicker and don’t like the natural environment its probably less of the place for you.

          Also as the job market and wages are higher, so is the cost of rent and other expenses. But not all expenses as for example the cost of transport to work is less.

          • Michael Parker February 23, 2017, 8:44 am |

            PS. Like everywhere in the world you can’t believe what you see and read in the media and social media.

            There are NO Crocodiles in Drains and in the streets. you are completely safe.

            EXCEPT there ARE crocodiles in the sea (but we still swim in the sea) and you definitely do NOT swim in rivers and creeks that have Crocs in them.

            See https://nt.gov.au/emergency/community-safety/crocodile-safety-be-crocwise

            Bear in mind that like all community notices its meant to take a cautious and make you scared. But all you need is information and common sense.

            You are thousands of times more likely to be injured or killed in a car accident than the risks of our natural environment.

            • BobinOz February 26, 2017, 9:57 pm |

              Great information about Darwin Michael, thanks for taking the time. I very often say to people that Darwin is a love it or hate it place, you clearly love it. As you say though, it’s not the place for big-city lovers. Like yourself though, I’d rather have a bit of wildlife around and no traffic jams.

      • Trudi Roy March 10, 2017, 8:07 am |

        Hi Kat, sorry for my late response lve only just seen this. Good luck on your move, we have just been accepted for a 489 visa
        However before l make my decision my husband and l are going to fly out to see what we think of Darwin. I hope it all goes smoothly for yourself and if we take the plunge l’ll look u up ?

      • Karen March 11, 2017, 9:40 pm |

        Hi Kat
        Great news on your job offer! Did having a job offer assist with your Visa application? I am looking to move to Darwin from Scotland and I’m currently applying for state nomination. I am considering applying for job vacancies at the same time, however, have read that the process can take some time and as such I’m not sure how feasible that would be?? Any advice would be much appreciated.
        It would be great to hear how you are getting on in Palmerston.

        • Kat March 12, 2017, 2:09 am |

          Hi Karen

          I still haven’t got my confirmation as there have been problems at their end. Then my employer will nominate me and I can then start visa application. As my job is only for 3 years I will apply for 457 temporary (up to 4 yrs) visa. Once I get confirmation I’ll let you know. Embassy said up to 3 months but I’ll need to get medical and possibly police check oz end (I work with kids) as part of that.
          What made you choose Darwin?

          Kat

        • Trudi Roy March 22, 2017, 7:39 am |

          Good luck karen with the process, we’ve just been accepted for a 489visa and we’re also from Scotland x

  • Hamid Ali February 9, 2017, 9:46 pm |

    Hi, I have more than 7 years experience in accounting and finance and planning to move to Darwin under subclass 189 visa. What are the job opportunities for accountants and any suggestions about reasonable accommodation for family.

    • BobinOz February 10, 2017, 6:59 pm |

      Same answer as I’ve just given Ornell below, but hopefully a local might be able to give you a better answer than I can. It’s also worth looking through these comments here, jobs and accommodation have been discussed many times before. Good luck, Bob

  • Ornell February 9, 2017, 8:56 pm |

    Hi All,
    I’m planning to move to Darwin from Melbourne. i’m a multimedia graduate from deakin university. i have some voluntary and casual multimedia experience here in Melbourne. I would appreciate if someone can advice me on job prospects in Darwin and the competition on media related occupations, and how are the rentals i heard the rentals have came down a bit.
    Thank you for this website Bob i find it very helpful as i have been looking all over the web for some good information until i saw this site.

    Best Regards,
    Ornell.

  • Kat Daylyn February 9, 2017, 2:38 am |

    Just been offered a job in Palmerston (Woohoo!!!), sorting out visas etc will be moving on my own and won’t know anyone there.
    I was hoping that some of the BobinOZ people might be able to help!
    I plan to find a house to share with people on gumtree maybe?
    Any advice on:
    • Best place to live, Palmerston, Darwin or surrounding areas?
    • Best way to find decent housemates
    • Buying/leasing a car
    • General advice to a newbie moving to the Top End about meeting folks/where to shop etc
    • I figure its better to get an apartment on 2nd/3rd floor to perhaps avoid creepy crawlies – will this work??

    Will be gratefully received!

    Many thanks
    Kat

    • BobinOz February 9, 2017, 9:30 pm |

      Congratulations on landing that job, very exciting.

      Hopefully a local will come along and help you out with your questions Kat, because my knowledge of the area is obviously limited.

      That said, I think Gumtree is a good place to start, but I think finding decent housemates is just pot-luck. Shopping isn’t really Darwin’s thing, for example, there aren’t any really big department stores up that way. Palmerston does have a shopping mall, but it’s not very big.

      Darwin and Palmerston, I think, are technically two different places, but they are only about 20 minutes apart by car. When I was in Darwin, the nicest places to live seem to be along the coast, sort of Fannie Bay, Nightcliff, Coconut Grove way.

      But what do I know? I was only there for 10 days. I did write a few posts about it, you can find them all around about here…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/12795/darwin-whats-it-really-like/

      I think you will need more than a second or third floor apartment to avoid the critters though, apart from crocodiles, the rest are pretty good at climbing 🙂

      Good luck with your move, Bob

    • Trudi Roy March 22, 2017, 7:31 am |

      Congratulations on the job front, welldonex

      • Tricia September 28, 2019, 9:37 pm |

        Hi trudi,

        We are Scots too. intregied to know if you made the move from “Sunny” Scotland to Darwin..I am Scottish too and Darwin may be on the cards for us too

    • Coral May 10, 2019, 1:24 am |

      Hi Kat, been trying to track you down but you seem to have gone from my WhatsApp! It’s Coral, please get in touch if you can, would be good to catch up. X

  • Antonio Green January 8, 2017, 4:35 pm |

    Hi Bob, I am moving to Darwin as an international student and if you or anyone else reading this comment knows then please suggest me which area should I live in? Recommend me the area from where both part time job and uni will be equidistant or which area has more part time job options? Thank you

    • BobinOz January 11, 2017, 9:10 pm |

      I’m afraid I don’t know Darwin well enough to answer this question, but I do know that it isn’t a very big city at all. Pretty much all of the night life goes on in and around one street in the city centre, so if you’re looking for work in bars or restaurants, then that’s probably where you will find it.

      The University, if I remember correctly, is about 20 minutes drive away, in fact I’m pretty sure there is nothing you can’t get to within 20 minutes in Darwin. So I would think what you should be looking for is accommodation that fits your budget and has good transport access to where you will be studying and also to the city.

      That’s what I think, but maybe a local will see your question and be able to give further advice. Good luck, Bob

  • Ann January 2, 2017, 10:15 am |

    Hello!
    I am a musician (composer and pianist), 29 years old, 2 children. We are from Russia. We would like to work in Darwin. Is it possible to get 190 visa? And how to get the job offer? I sent my CV almost every day.

    • BobinOz January 2, 2017, 6:51 pm |

      You really need to be speaking to a MARA registered migration agent about your situation, see Would I Qualify?

  • Andy December 29, 2016, 5:27 pm |

    Hi, I’m Andy, Age 43, married, one kid.
    I’m insurance agent From Jakarta, Indonesia, very tired live in this chaotic city.

    If i had 1 million US dollar, is that enough for retirement, raise kid and maybe settle small bussiness in Darwin ?

    • BobinOz December 30, 2016, 5:56 pm |

      Well, it would certainly go a long way towards it, but you would probably need to spend at least half of that buying somewhere to live. But given your age, I don’t think you have enough yet to retire here in Australia. I think your bigger problem though, could well be securing a visa to come here and that’s what I’d look into first.

      My page with Migration Advice will help you with that.

  • Vicki December 29, 2016, 4:58 am |

    G’day Bob,

    Have been living away from Australia for over 2decades now, have been thinking of returning(lived in Melbourne in the past) Interested in making a new start.Will I be able to find work easily? I have a BA degree and a Diploma in Education (attained at Melbourne Universities).

    Homesick aussie??
    and a Diploma in Education.

    • Mark December 29, 2016, 10:02 am |

      In general you should be fine getting a job .How long depends on how adaptable As a better answer though… What are you experienced at? I am assuming you have used your diploma in that field or you work doing something completely different. if it is teaching it may be easier to answer more specific.

      • Vicki December 29, 2016, 5:22 pm |

        Thanks Bob.

        • BobinOz December 29, 2016, 10:22 pm |

          That was Mark Vicki, I’m Bob 🙂

          I would have a different view to Mark, I think the Australian job market is as flat as its been for about the last 10 years, so I don’t think getting a job is ever going to be easy. That said, Mark, I know, does have experience in this field and I believe he has answered you based on the quite natural assumption that you are a schoolteacher, but, as he has also suggested, it will depend on what you are experienced at.

          I think it will pay you to do some thorough research though, my pages Getting a Job or a Sponsorship and…

          https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17033/whats-it-really-like-trying-to-find-a-job-in-australia-2015/

          …can help you with that. Good luck, Bob

  • yadvinder singh December 23, 2016, 4:59 pm |

    Hello sir
    My state nomination was unsuccessful last month because of employment evidence .can u please guide me for job 242211 vocational education non trades .I am a Lecture in a diploma college
    Please guide me

    • BobinOz December 23, 2016, 9:43 pm |

      No, I can’t help you with that, you would need to speak to a MARA registered migration agent about your options. See Would I Qualify?

  • Richard Barling December 18, 2016, 6:20 pm |

    To rent in Darwin do I need a residents visa or can I come and go on a tourist visa?

    • BobinOz December 19, 2016, 7:29 pm |

      Interesting question, I’m not really sure whether you legally need to have a certain status in order to rent here, but I suspect most landlords would be looking to rent to somebody with a reasonably solid temporary type of visa.

      If you are flitting out of the country and back again and just staying for a few weeks each time, I’m not sure many landlords would like that. They may prefer to rent to more regular tenants who are there all the time, rather than having their property empty for long periods.

      So even if there are no legal requirements and you can rent on a tourist visa, it may work against you with many landlords.

    • Mark December 23, 2016, 10:04 pm |

      You can rent on a tourist visa but its likely you wont have other things in place like some form of employment some security for the landlord some evidence of remaining which makes you a worse risk than the person that presents themselves with all intact…Of course we are assuming long term rent if your only talking two three weeks then yes you will be fine but thats not really a contrasted house rental more a holiday rental

  • Yousif Khader December 4, 2016, 5:00 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Thanks for the information you’ve shared with us. can you please tell us about average earning in Darwin & cost of Living for family with 3 kids,

  • Piper November 19, 2016, 12:10 pm |

    HI!
    Just wondering what the current rent situation is like in Darwin? Im looking at moving by myself, just wondering if it would be better to get a unit/house by myself or to rent a room?

  • Brent October 29, 2016, 8:37 pm |

    Hi. Thanks for sharing info. on Darwin. I am an Agricultural Engineer (Agronomy) and I applied to immigrate to Australia (NT sponsored me). How is the agriculture situation in Darwin?

    • BobinOz October 30, 2016, 7:18 pm |

      I don’t know about that Brent, but hopefully somebody local will be able to help you out. Anybody?

      If you don’t get a response, and its work within the agricultural sector that you are looking for, you can always research it on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship

  • Ady October 18, 2016, 9:13 pm |

    Hi BOB, I really appreciate your efforts in sharing the information in detail. I do read it quite often for more information as I am planning to apply for a PR to Australia.
    Most probably I will be choosing Darwin as the place to move to at first. What are your suggestions on job market for Learning & Development professionals in Hospitality industry?
    Looking forward to your assistance.

    • BobinOz October 19, 2016, 11:04 pm |

      Well, there is a reasonable hospitality industry in Darwin I believe, but that’s all I know. I’m afraid you will need to research that one for yourself, my page Getting a Job or a Sponsorship can help you with that. Good luck, Bob

  • Susie October 9, 2016, 6:40 pm |

    Im an aussie living in qld but want to relocate to darwin. Whats the work situation up there this time of the year? Im a cleaner n shop assistant. I wanna go now.

    • BobinOz October 10, 2016, 5:48 pm |

      Sorry Susie, I can’t help with this being in Brisbane. Anybody in Darwin got any ideas about this?

      • Rachel October 17, 2016, 4:02 pm |

        Darwin is just starting the build up to the wet season, so its Hot and super humid. Its called Mango season because Mangoes Crazy!! just make sure you have Air-Conditioning 🙂

        • BobinOz October 17, 2016, 7:06 pm |

          Yes, air-conditioning is a must up in Darwin, that’s for sure. Enjoy your mangoes 🙂

  • XEE September 25, 2016, 12:29 pm |

    Hi there!

    What is the cost of living in Darwin like, as compared to say, Perth? In terms of accomodation etc…thanks!!

    • BobinOz October 2, 2016, 5:10 pm |

      I don’t think there will be a great deal in it, but I do know that it appears rental prices are falling rapidly in both cities. See…

      Average Rental Prices by Capital Cities in Australia

      I’m guessing a bit, simply because I don’t live in either of these places, but I really can’t imagine there is much in it between the two for cost of living.

  • Rajat September 23, 2016, 3:21 am |

    Hey
    I am moving to darwin for hospitality management after my 12th what type of work i will get and what will be the minimum wage rate and how much time it will take to settle down over there .

    • BobinOz September 26, 2016, 12:17 am |

      Minimum wage is about $18-$20 I think but I couldn’t possibly answer your other questions.

  • Ashok Kumar August 15, 2016, 11:42 pm |

    Hi All!!
    I’m Ashok Kumar. I’m a mechanical engineer. Now a days working in a caterpillar company as a lead engineer in design section. I hope to come to Darwin on or before January 2017. I have more than 12 years experience as a mechanical engineer. Pls inform me job opportunities in Darwin.

    Thanks

    Best regards
    Ashok Kumar. G

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