Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is the only city in the Top End that has a major airport, so for many visiting birdwatchers it will be the starting point of their Top End birding experience.

The regional birdlist totals approximately 310 species, which is higher than other regions in the Top End.
Access to coastal and mangrove habitats is easier in the Darwin area than elsewhere in the Top End.
There are some excellent wetlands just outside Darwin and these are particularly good for birdwatching from about June to December. Small reserves such as at Howard Springs and Holmes Jungle provide good areas of monsoon forest, where Rainbow Pitta, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove and other monsoon forest birds can be seen. There are also quite extensive areas of open savanna woodland in the region but there are fewer bird species in this habitat in the Darwin region than in similar habitat further inland.

Darwin has an extensive range of accommodation options, including camping grounds, backpacker hostels and hotels.