Sydney versus Darwin? Please advise...?

Question

Hi

I'm travelling over to Australia at the end of the month and will be doing the Sydney to Cairnes trip.

However, after this I was going to take an internal flight to Sydney and work there until August. I will then take 4 weeks out to travel, then come back to Sydney to work for another few months.

However, my friend lives in Darwin and wants me to stay there until August with her, says she lives next to the beach and it's wonderful.

I'm a city girl, and although I love the countryside, I'm not sure I could handle it for 3 months, although it would be fantastic to stay with my friend.

Sydney will be there when I return to Australia in September, so I could feasibly stay with my friend in Darwin, and then return to Sydney in September.

I'm just worried that I'll get really bored in Darwin, and that it might also be too hot...

Anyone been to both and can advise me?

Your input is greatly appreciated... Thanks!!

Answer 1

As a city girl then Sydney would be your first choice.  You'd like Melbourne as well.  But go up to Darwin at some point.  It's totally different.  Far more tropical.  And the beaches are great, far better than Sydney.  In that you can have miles to yourself in the week.

Answer 2

the opera house the golden gate bridge darwin FA

Answer 3

I have lived in and frequently visited both cities over the years. At the moment I live in Sydney.

     If you are looking for an "outback" style experience, then Darwin is your choice. To be there for 3 months if your not into that is a little long if you ask me. Darwin is a love it or hate it type of city.

     It is currently in the wet season that lasts until may. It is very hot and extremely humid at this time. The best time to visit is just at the end of the wet. The countryside is extremely beautiful and teaming with amazing wildlife.

    I love Sydney at any time of year. While Darwin has beaches too, unfortunately they are only good for looking at this time of year due crocodiles, box jellyfish (lethal), among other nasties. There is also no surf.

     While it may be hard to find yourself secluded at a famous Sydney beach like Bondi, there are many beaches in short travelling distance from the centre of town. Not only coastal beaches but lovely secluded spots dotted all around the wonderful Sydney Harbour.

   Darwin nightlife is fun but limited. There are some pretty weird and wonderful things that go on at different times of year up there! I have had a ball every time I have been back but not enough to make me want to stick around. When I lived there I was bored. Sydney on the other hand has everything you could ask for in nightlife, boredom not an option!!

Answer 4

You're obviously already going to experience a fair amount of time in Sydney so I would take the opportunity to go to Darwin.  While there you could do some amazing trips - down to Alice Springs and across the Kimberlies to Broome.  I'm a real 5-star hotel city girl but doing a 4 wheel drive adventure tour across the Kimberlies (sleeping in swags - no tents even) has been one of the most memorable, fantastic things I have done in my entire life).  Google the Bungle Bungles for a glimpse at the kind of things you will see.

Answer 5

DARWIN! Im a city person myself but sydney is a rushhole, packistan and asian person infested hole. HARSH but true. The only person who would disagree with me would be born there. lol bahahahaha.

Answer 6

I have been to both, darwin is a really nice place, obviously more peacefull than sydney but the beaches there are amazing, i think you should definately go though, even if its just for a few weeks

Answer 7

Since you already say that you can be in Sydney later, sounds to me Darwin is the right choice.... you'll be there with your friend and it might be the only chance you got to go there... Sydney is easily reachable for holidays etc...

Been to both, as part of a 5 month trip round Australia...

Darwin is nice and more relaxed, great beaches, local market etc... nearby rain forest is nice to visit...

and keep an ear open for possible rodeo action in the area, great party !!!

It is nearing the end of the summer, so it will be hot in Darwin, but ask your friend about cooling breeze from the sea.... this might make the temperature no problem....

Whichever you choose, i'm sure you'll have a great time !!!

Answer 8

Being in Darwin between April and September which is the dry season also the tourist season then I'm sure you will love it. Almost everywhere in Darwin is airconditioned for the heat but between april and September the heat is much dryer and very pleasant . I love Darwin. The beaches I'm not keen on swimming in as plenty of nasties in them but they are a lot safer during the dry . The Mindle markets are on during the dry and they are super they are held in the evening beside Mindle beach and people go down there after work and buy their tea and sit on the beach. It is almost next to The Casino. Darwin is a city like no other . You will not get bored you will find it really interesting tropical and beautiful. It is also a very multi cultural city Here you have a chance to do something different and I would definitly recommend it.

Answer 9

Darwin is lovely - with plenty of night life if you want it. Much cleaner air and environment as well. August is warm but not usually too hot.

Have been to both and much prefer Darwin!