After years of saving, planning and looking forward to your retirement, it’s time to ask yourself: “Where should I retire to?”
When deciding where to live in retirement, it’s important to consider what retirement lifestyle you’re seeking. If you want to enjoy a rewarding, affordable and active retirement in a tropical location (but without leaving Australia), then Darwin in the Northern Territory might be the place for you!
Here are our top reasons why Darwin is the best place to retire…
The tropical, warm weather
Skip winter forever and make the move to Darwin for warm weather year-round. The weather in Darwin and the Northern Territory is famous for being warm, lush and pleasant all year round. In the wet season, from November to April, you’ll experience high humidity and temperatures up to 33C while watching some incredible storms roll across the ocean. Each wet season brings new life to the landscape, including wildflowers and grasses. During the dry season, from May to October, you can expect warm days up to 32C and cooler evenings, with clear, blue skies that stretch for as far as you can see.
The beautiful scenery
The Northern Territory is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world and Darwin provides the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, including Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and Uluru. From natural springs, billabongs, wetlands and waterfalls to tropical gardens, sandy red deserts and colourful sunsets over the ocean, you’ll be mesmerised by each and every sight.
The multicultural atmosphere
Darwin has a multicultural atmosphere like no other city in Australia. The diversity in accents, languages, food, arts and culture creates a city that is full of vibrant colour, catchy sounds and delicious smells. The various markets and festivals held throughout the year are a testament to the multiculturalism within the state. Sample a range of delicious food from around the globe at the Palmerston Markets while you enjoy the multicultural dancers and Rainbow Lorikeets!
The delicious food
Image from Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Facebook.
Thanks to the variety of cultures and nationalities living in Darwin and the Northern Territory, the top end’s food culture is booming. On Wharf One, you can tuck into the freshest catch while watching the ocean waves. Head to Mindil Beach for the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and try some spicy Indian or flavoursome Indonesian. On Darwin’s foreshore, you’ll find a variety of food trucks with different cuisines to sample.
The art and cultural activities
Image from Tourism Top End.
Darwin and the Northern Territory is brimming with fascinating local history, art and culture. Head to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and learn about the history of the top end, including World War II and Cyclone Tracy, and take in some of the artworks on display from South East Asian, Australian and Aboriginal artists. The MAGNT is Darwin’s premier cultural institution and, with a collection of over 1.2 million natural history specimens and 30,000 art and material culture items, you’re sure to discover something new each time you visit!
The festivals and events
Image from Alice Springs Camel Cup Facebook.
The Northern Territory’s social calendar is jam-packed with festivals, parties and cultural events.
If you’re into star-gazing, head to Uluru and take part in their Astronomy Weekend for the best night-sky views you’ll ever see. Watch the dust fly at the Alice Springs Camel Cup, catch the latest in alternative and independent films at the Darwin International Film Festival or immerse yourself in the artwork and stories of Desert Mob, one of the most important Aboriginal art and cultural events in the nation.
Don’t forget about the fabulous Darwin Festival which is held each August in the tropical Top End – enjoy cabaret, theatre, dance and outdoor concerts under the stars for 18 glorious days and nights!
The holiday possibilities
Darwin is often called Australia’s gateway to Asia, and for good reason. Instead of making the trip from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney, skip the layover and take off on your next holiday direct from Darwin, and fly non-stop to Singapore, Bali, Manila or Kuala Lumpur.
The wildlife and natural surrounds
Image from northernterritory.com
The Northern Territory is bursting with beautiful native wildlife and flora. You can spot native wildlife in national parks, wildlife reserves, along the Adelaide River and along the coast. A great way to see the wildlife of Darwin is on a guided tour or by taking a leisurely stroll through a national park or reserve. Of course, we couldn’t mention wildlife without referring to the crocodile population in the NT. The ratio of crocodiles to humans is almost 1-1, which means you’ll definitely come across one or two of these amazing creatures in the waterways around Darwin and in the wider Northern Territory.
The fishing is fantastic
Simply put, the fishing in the top end is something else entirely. Explore huge rivers and gorges, inland billabongs and creeks, and, of course, the spectacular ocean and coastline.
The Northern Territory is best known for barramundi, but it’s also home to giant trevally, queenfish, golden snapper, coral trout and Spanish mackerel, among others. Hire a boat or bring your own – you don’t want to miss out on one of Darwin’s favourite weekend past times. If you want to put your fishing skills to the test, why not try your luck at catching one of the Million Dollar tagged Barra in the Million Dollar Fish competition?
Are you looking for the perfect place to retire?
Contact our friendly team at Greenfields Living and find out for yourself why Darwin could be your retirement dream come true.