Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 120,652, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities.

It is the smallest and most northerly of the Australian capital cities, and acts as the Top End's regional centre. Having been almost entirely rebuilt twice, once due to Japanese air raids during World War II and again after being devastated by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, the city is one of Australia's most modern capitals. Along with its importance as a gateway to Asia, Darwin also acts as an access point for the Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, and northerly islands such as Groote Eylandt and the Tiwi Islands.

Darwin has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons and the average maximum temperature is similar all year round. The two largest economic sectors are mining and tourism. The redevelopment of the Wharf Precinct, which includes a large convention and exhibition centre, retail and entertainment outlets including a large wave pool and safe swimming lagoon.

The city has many kilometres of wide, unpolluted beaches, including the Casuarina Beach and well renowned Mindil Beach, home of the Mindil Beach markets. Saltwater crocodiles are very common in all waterways surrounding Darwin and are even occasionally found swimming in Darwin Harbour and on local beaches. Fishing is one of the recreations of Darwin locals. Visitors from around the world flock to Darwin aiming to catch the prized barramundi, an iconic fish for the region.

The Mary River, Daly River, South and East Alligator River are just a few of the water bodies where the barramundi thrive. Darwin is a hub for tours to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge. The Territory is traditionally divided into the wet and dry, but there are up to six traditional seasons in Darwin.