Moving to Darwin (NT)

Darwin is known as the most laid-back city in Australia.

From the sparkling harbour and WWII history to the city’s Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle, Darwin is an outdoor adventures’ paradise.

It has wet and dry seasons and is hot all year round thanks to its near-tropical location. It has a small population of just over 116,000 and a relatively young one, with a median age of just 31. It’s a huge multicultural melting pot with eclectic festivals, markets and food. Its home to more than 100 nationalities, which is evident in its culture, food and lifestyle.

The Northern Territory capital has incredible natural beauty and remarkable wildlife. Because of its relative isolation it is expensive with a high cost of living and expensive real estate market. However, if you love multicultural living and relaxed lifestyle, Darwin could be for you.

Population: 144,000 people
Climate: hot all year round
First Home Buyer Award: up to $26,000
Top draw cards: relaxed lifestyle, adventure and multicultural
Public Transport: bus and ferry

The Economy

Census data shows Darwin fastest growing capital city in Australia. The territory is losing record amounts of people interstate but more people are moving in from overseas. Especially families. The unemployment rate in Darwin is very low – 3.24% compared to the Australian average of around 6%.

Darwin is a hub for industries such as oil, gas and defense. Key industries are retail/wholesale, manufacturing, government, defense, agriculture, transport and construction. With a lot of tradie, mining and military jobs.

Darwin’s Pros:

• Multicultural
• Quite and laidback
• Lots of festivals
• No traffic (wide roads and little congestion)
• Lifestyle is fantastic
• Casual and relaxed, people are friendly and chatty
• Wonderful sports culture
• If you like the outback, you will love Darwin. Great fishing spots, camping, 4wheel drive exploring etc
• Many beaches
  
• Good place to raise a family
  

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Darwin’s Cons:

• Only two seasons and very humid (wet and dry)
• Housing is expensive
• Cost of living high

You might also be interested in…

The below posts might interest you:

• Renting and accommodation in Australia
• Open an Australian Bank Account
• Australian Mortgage

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