Natural Park

Farther to the top of Australia is Darwin, with its fairly hot tropical weather patterns. It is referred to as Crocodile Country, and is also Australia’s northern path to Asia. The Northern Territory of Australia is a land of contrasts and sceneries. From the desert red plains of Alice Springs and Uluru to the lush rainforests of Kakadu and Katherine National Park, it is a land of surprises.

Darwin's perch on the north coast makes it the busiest travel hub between Perth and Cairns, and here you'll find a broad choice of accommodations for any budget. Although many of the top-end international hotels and budget hostels are right downtown, there are also many mid-range and inexpensive places to stay in the suburbs, as well as a few upscale and exclusive luxury hotels just outside the city limits. A good resource for seeing what's in the moderate to expensive categories is the Darwin Hotel website (www.darwin.hotel.com.au).

The Novotel Atrium provides elegant accommodations within a verdant rainforest setting across from Lameroo Beach. The light-filled, vine-festooned atrium has glass elevators to glide you up to 138 rooms and 17 suites. Two pools, a restaurant and bar, and many other facilities are at your whim. www.novoteldarwin.com.au.

SkyCity Darwin Casino sprawls over a beautiful spread of Mindil Beach, surrounded by stands of towering palm trees and meticulously landscaped gardens. Inside the look is Eumglamour, with big, sleek wood and marble pieces, thick carpets, and high-polished metals. Three levels hold three pools, tennis courts, a health club and spa, three restaurants, a convention center, eight bars, a theater, and a nightclub (and the casino itself, too!). www.skycitydanvin.com.au.

Crowne Plaza Hotel rises 12 stories above central Darwin, with more than 250 swanky rooms and suites. A pool, spa, and salon, laundry service, shops, a restaurant and piano bar, and two more casual pubs are set within as well. www.crowneplaza.com.au.

Palms City Resort, on the Esplanade, is a beautiful little budget spot. Harbor views are backed by city sights, and you're just a stroll from the shops, restaurants, and transit points. Stylish motel rooms have a refrigerator and sleep up to four; self-contained villas have wood floors, kitchens, and a private veranda. The sparkling pool draws crowds by day; at dusk guests are head for the city. www.citypalms.com.

Mirambeena Tourist Resort is framed by palm trees and blossoming gardens, with a freeform gemstone of a pool. A restaurant and bar, coffee shop, hot tub, golf course, gym, gift shop, travel desk, and laundry are right on site. (64 Cavenaugh St., Darwin)

The Value Inn is a sprawling, self-serve hotel complex in the heart of downtown. Check in outside by plugging a credit card into a pre-payment machine; the card then becomes the key to your room. Rooms have a refrigerator, private bath, and maid service. There's also a pool, vending machines, and laundry services. www.valueinn.com.au.