A new hotel in Darwin opens - just in time for the Top End's dry season

Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.

Voco Darwin Suites.

May 24, 2026

In this article

The timing is perfect. Voco Darwin Suites has flung open its doors in the Northern Territory capital just as the dry season kicks off in the Top End. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is home to 88 apartment-style rooms, and one- and two-bedroom suites. All feature kitchenettes with kettles, coffee machines, toasters, microwave ovens and fridges, while many open on to furnished balconies with water views. There's a swimming pool and fitness centre on site, as well as the Aviary Bar & Brasserie, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a firm focus on locally sourced ingredients. ihg.com

Tropical escapes with a twist

Also making news in Australia's far north are Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef with a number of new experiences. Head to Skybury Farms for a behind-the-scenes tour of Australia's oldest coffee plantation, or sign up for Cairns Luxury Car Hire's new guided excursion that allows you to explore nearby attractions such as Port Douglas and Atherton Tablelands in a Mustang over one to three days. Short on time? Tusa Reef Tours' half-day snorkelling tour will take you to the outer reef and back within a matter of hours. skybury.com.au ; cairnsluxurycarhire.com.au ; tusareeftours.com.au

A stateroom like no other

1896 Cabin.

Get exclusive travel tips, hidden gems & expert insights: delivered to your inbox

To mark its 130th birthday, the world's longest-running expedition cruise company, HX Expeditions, has launched something truly unique: a 19th-century-style cabin, with handcrafted wooden interiors, period furniture and artworks in old-fashioned frames. Called 1896 Cabin, it's located on the cruise line's MS Fridtjof Nansen ship. Anyone signing up for a voyage on the ship in 2026 can ask for an upgrade (from 100 euros or $160 per night, per person) and spend a night in the cabin. What a way to sail back in time. travelhx.com

Paddling through Vietnam

World Expeditions has launched a number of cycling tours in Vietnam as demand for active excursions in south-east Asia surges. The guided packages range from the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle tour to the epic 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi adventure. Cyclists paddle their way through Vietnam's dramatic scenery - from the coastline to countryside - while the tour operator moves the luggage from one nightly accommodation to another. worldexpeditions.com

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.