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visit Darwin

The Top End of Australia

Elegant, historic and framed by alpine foothills, Como is the host city of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge European Qualifier with the legendary Villa d’Este on its shoreTropical, multicultural and built around one of the world’s great natural harbours, Darwin is the host city of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Northern Territory
Tropical harbour city
Indo-Pacific gateway
Why Darwin

A harbour city at the edge of Asia

Capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin sits where the Australian continent meets South-East Asia. Warm waters, a deep natural harbour and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere make it a natural arena for on-water competition, and an easy base for teams and visitors.

Darwin,Australia,-,February,22,,2019:,Southwest,Side,Downtown,Skyline
Darwin_Waterfront
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  • Tropical capital of Australia's Northern Territory
  • One of the world's great natural deep-water harbours
  • A gateway between Australia and the Indo-Pacific
  • Warm tropical weather and long daylight hours in October
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Aerial_view_of_a_billabong_outside_of_Darwin
The host venue

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

The Qualifier is based at the Darwin Waterfront — protected harbour waters, a recreation lagoon, restaurants and event spaces, all within walking distance. Team paddocks, the race village and public viewing areas sit side by side along the harbour.
Practical info

Plan your visit

Getting here

Darwin International Airport is ~15 minutes from the Waterfront, with links across Australia and South-East Asia.

Getting around

A compact, walkable city. Buses, taxis and rideshare connect the airport, CBD and Waterfront.

Where to stay

Hotels and serviced apartments at the Waterfront and in the CBD, within walking distance of the venue.

Weather in May

The Top End "build-up": hot days, building humidity and long sunny spells, with the occasional late-afternoon cloud — bring sun protection and light clothing.

Good to know

Time zone ACST (UTC+9:30) · currency AUD · English spoken · drive on the left.

Entry & visas

Most visitors need an ETA or visa to enter Australia — check requirements well before travel.

Explore

Things to do in Darwin

Mindil Beach Market
Sunset market: global street food, crafts and live music over the Arafura Sea.
Waterfront Lagoon
Swim safely at the recreation lagoon and wave pool, steps from the host venue.
Crocosaurus Cove
Meet the Top End’s saltwater crocodiles in the heart of the city.
Museum & Art Gallery NT

Aboriginal art, maritime history and the Cyclone Tracy story.

Harbour sunset cruise
Darwin Harbour is one of the world’s great natural harbours — best seen at sunset.
Kakadu & Litchfield
Day trips to World-Heritage Kakadu and the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park.
Visit Darwin
Come to come

Plan your visit to the Qualifier

See the programme
Register your team