Under $100: Darwin

Located in the tropical Northern Territory, Darwin is a small, cosmopolitan city of 130,000. It is considered a bastion of multiculturalism, thanks to its large population of aborigines, proximity to Asia and immigration from Europe after WWII.

With about 123 Australian dollars, try to stay close to downtown. Darwin is spread out and best enjoyed by car, but the city center area has a comprehensive bus service that will cost $7 for a daily pass.

Mindil Beach Market, Darwin, Australia © Mg1964 | Dreamstime

Start your day at one of Darwin’s numerous local markets, like the ones at Mindil Beach where you can get chocolate churros, Malaysian satay sticks, falafel wraps and more. The Big Flea Rapid Creek Market is the city’s oldest market, a regular stop on the Darwin bus line, just 20 minutes away. It’s here you will find some of the best street food and juices for just a few dollars.

© Pop2nix | Dreamstime

Darwin is a great place to visit for nature outings, though many of the wildlife attractions seem to lean heavily towards crocodiles. Crocodylus Park, located 15 minutes out of the city, balances their manmade crocodile lagoon with a range of wildlife, from emus and kangaroos to rare reptiles and beautiful white lions. Admission is $40, so this is best suited for a daytrip.

As night falls, Darwin’s Central Business District has an endless number of restaurants and nightlife to choose from. Before spending the rest of your cash on barhopping, grab a quick dinner at The Tap, located in the middle of Mitchell Street, the city’s vibrant dining hub.