Darwin

City life meets untamed wilderness in Darwin, Australia’s smallest and hottest capital.

At the city centre’s modern waterfront precinct, visitors can cool down in style at one of the bars or in the man-made lagoon. Those who want context for their visit should head over to the well-curated (and air-conditioned) Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The west-facing Mindil Beach hosts popular sunset markets with multicultural flavours during the dry season — ocean swimming is unsafe due to the presence of crocodiles and jellyfish, though.

When adventure calls, the story-filled landscapes around the city await. Go on a jumping-croc cruise along the Adelaide River; enjoy the waterfalls and swimming holes of Litchfield National Park; cruise down Nitmiluk’s water-filled gorges; or mount an expedition into the seemingly endless Kakadu National Park, boasting red cliffs, ancient rock art and superb wildlife viewing.

Depending on when you visit, you’ll probably love or hate the tropical climate. The sought-after dry season lasts from May to October, while the unpredictable (but more affordable) wet season runs from November to April.