The only reason for going to Darwin is to access Kakadu National Park. I and my two children (daughter, fifteen, and son, seventeen) signed onto a three-day camping tour of Kakadu with Kakadu Dreams. Nez was our guide, and presented us with a fantastic view of this immense park. Camping is the only way to really grasp this incredible area. My daughter became entranced with the digi, and purchased the "right" one just before we rolled back into Darwin.
Visting independently? It'll cost you $35 to get the Uluru Express to Ayers Rock. Get the sunset tour with combined walk, it's the same price as the sunset tour alone. The Olgas are $50, the gorge walk is quite disappointing though. Don't forget you need to add $25 to all this for the park three-day pass. Bring a mosquito net -- flies will drive you mad.
Tennant Creek … I stayed here for one night and that was just the right time as there is not much to see or do.
HI - Darwin - Globetrotters YHA Backpacker Resort in Darwin … I stayed at this hostel for over two months with four of my friends. I had an absolutely fantastic time. The staff at reception make this place ROCK, especially Tracy, Ben and Chris, who are outrageously funny and witty. Very high cleaning standards compared to other hostels I have stayed in. They have wicked Wednesdays and Sunday sessions offering cheap drinks at the bar along with soccer, volleyball, and best of all, five dollar jugs of beer which make you sound a star on the karaoke.
Youth Shack Hostel in Darwin … This was the best hostel! I was there for three weeks. The rooms all have twenty-four-hour aircon and an electric fan. There's a great swimming pool. You can book your trips with them with no pressure and normally get a better deal than elsewhere. The staff are friendly and the place has a great atmosphere, especially when everyone jumps in the pool fully clothed after a great night out! It's situated in the heart of Mitchell St. close to twenty-four-hour Coles, right next to Shenanigans and a short walk from Discovery nightclub. you don't get disturbed by the noise though. Can't recommend it enough! I have only one complaint -- the lack of saucepans and cutlery in the kitchen. You have to go to reception to get these items which can be a bit of a pain however, don't let this minor niggle stop you from staying here.
Leprechaun Motel & Caravan Park in Darwin … This is the best motel at which I have ever stayed.
Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers in Katherine … This is the most enjoyable hostel I have ever stayed at. Having been stranded in Katherine due to an unreliable 1982 Toyota Corona, I found this hostel to be was a pleasant surprise. The girls on reception are great. They are really helpful and lots of fun. The pool is a great place to enjoy the wonderful weather. The rooms are spacious and have bathrooms en suite. Plus, the reception girls try their best to have people sharing with others with similar interests. It's easy to get to the Gorge and local pubs (as they are). Why not try the local golf course? It's cheap as anything, you can rent clubs and they welcome non-members. Plus if you pretend to be rubbish and ask nicely the girls will even make your pancakes for you!
HI - Alice Springs Pioneer YHA Hostel in Alice Springs … This is a bit old, as it has been ten years since I was there, but it is one of my all time favorite hostels with the swimming pool.
Annie's Place Hostel in Alice Springs … This hostel was great. The staff were so friendly, there was generally a good vibe about the place, and with $5 meals in the bar, every night was backpacker heaven. The tour was brilliant, too, not only because it was the cheapest, but the guides were excellent, and the food was top-notch. You can't go wrong. I would recommend this place to everyone.
Haven Hostel in Alice Springs … Wow, so clean and new. i's great to stay somewhere with such high standards, they've thought of everything. indoor and outdoor kitchen. finally somewhere to have that great aussie bbq! they have a great TV lounge with a massive TV and free breakfast from 5 a.m., which was great as my tour left at 5 a.m. -- so close to town as well.
Alice's Secret Travellers Inn in Alice Springs … Everything a small hostel should be! Friendly, comfortable and very chilled out. Loads of things to do...love the badminton court and table tennis...and Julia and Ian are the best of hosts.
Melaleuca on Mitchell in Darwin … Excellent accommodation, and well situated.
Kookaburra Backpackers Lodge Hostel in Katherine … Certainly one of the best hostels that I have ever stayed in, both in Australia and in Europe. Apart from superb accommodation and beautiful garden setting, Bill and Val make you feel like a member of their family. I have stayed there on numerous occasions, and recommend it very highly.
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge in Alice Springs … Great hostel--very clean and well kept! I stayed for 2 nights. They were right on the ball with my reservation, were expecting me when I arrived, and were prepared to help me. They had a great location just outside of town, and a very convenient shuttle service.
Victoria Lodge in Katherine … Had a nice time here. The people who run the place are so easy going and it is situated right in the middle of town. The beds are clean and it feels like one of those places that a person could stay a while and reflect on life, good stuff.
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