Darwin, NT - My Student Guide

City Info

City of Darwin, NT

Capital of Northern Territory, largest city in Northern Territory. Darwin was established in 1869.It is named after the Charles Darwin, the British naturalist.

Location

Darwin is located on the Timor Sea in the north of the Northern Territory.

Darwin, NT CBD

The Smith St Mall is the very centre of the Darwin CBD. The mall is surrounded by hotels, government offices and blocks of units.

Seasons

Winter
Jun to Aug
10°C - 22°C

Spring
Sep to Nov
13°C - 25°C

Summer
Dec to Feb
18°C - 30°C

Autumn
Mar to May
15°C - 25°C

Time

Central Standard Time: (GMT +9.30 hours) all year around

No Smoking

Smoking is not allowed at beaches, sporting statium near childrens playgrounds, restaurants, bars,clubs and at the workplace. Smoking is prohibited in all Public transport including train platforms etc.

Post Office

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
*Some Open Saturday: 9:00 am – 12 noon

Population

142,000 people

Money

Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Coins
5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest 5¢)

Education providers

CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 1 Public Universities, 1 Vocational Colleges

Electricity

240/250volts/50Hz

Weather

Tropical Savannah Climate

Shopping

Mon – Wed: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD): 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Banks

Mon – Thu: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some bank branches open Saturday morning: 9:30 am – 12 noon

Explore

EXPLORE DARWIN

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and a former frontier outpost. It’s also a gateway to massive Kakadu National Park. Its popular waterfront area has several beaches and green areas like Bicentennial Park. Also near the water is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, displaying Southeast Asian and Pacific art, plus a pearling lugger and other seafaring vessels.

Elsewhere along the ocean, there’s a wave lagoon and Stokes Hill Wharf, with alfresco restaurants and vendors offering harbour cruises. Cage swimming with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove and barramundi fishing in the nearby wetlands are popular pastimes. At the city’s heart is the Smith Street pedestrian mall, notable for shops selling Aboriginal art and crafts, South Sea pearls, opals and diamonds. Military history can be seen at the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels, housing historic photographs; the Darwin Military Museum, exhibiting weaponry and vehicles; and the Aviation Heritage Centre, with bombers and wreckage.

Main attractions include:

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern
Mindil Beach
Darwin Military Museum
George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens
Charles Darwin National Park
Fannie Bay Gaol

Weekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.

(Courtesy of Wikipedia & Google)

EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE IN DARWIN

www.australia.com/en/places/darwin.html
www.kidsafensw.org/
www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Transport

Darwin Airport

http://www.darwinairport.com.au/
http://www.darwinairport.com.au/transport-options
C 11 Kms approx. to CBD
15 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)

Getting around

It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Darwin. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is get a Tap and Ride card which you can use on buses see www.nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-bus-tickets/tap-and-ride-card. You can also purchase a ticket when boarding the bus (cash only) or from a bus station. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.

Useful tips

Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. See www.nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-bus-tickets/bus-fares-and-concessions. If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis. Always make sure that you have your Tap and Ride topped up.

WALKING

is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.

BUSES

Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! If you have a card, always touch on at the beginning of the trip and then off at the end of trip before you leave the bus.
The fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Metropolitan fares apply to all areas within Darwin. Always keep a bus/train time table in your wallet see www.nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-bus-timetables-maps-darwin, www.metrotas.com.au/timetables/. Or go to www.nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/bus-tracker-app to download the app. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.

RIDE A BIKE

To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.

TRAINS

Each train line has a distinctive colour in the map and on the screens at the station to help you find your way easily.

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE

Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Motor Vehicle Registry www.nt.gov.au/driving

DRIVING

We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license For driving rules in the Northern Territory, check this link https://nt.gov.au/driving/licences/driver-licence-rules-for-new-nt-residents-and-visiting-drivers. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.

TAXIS

A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.

Hospitals

IMPORTANT NOTE:

International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.

Seeking Medical Assistance

Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.