From exploring national parks to immersing in Aboriginal culture, there are endless things to do in Darwin. Let this guide be your go-to resource for planning your itinerary.
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and is known for its multicultural food, outdoor markets, waterside attractions, and year-round warm holiday vibe. The city boasts a harbour five times the size of Sydney’s and offers a variety of must-do experiences.
Experience the local culture by visiting the markets
Darwin’s famous markets offer locally made treasures and delicious food. Every weekend, suburban spaces become open-air markets with fruit, vegetables, laksa, and fresh juices. Parap Village Markets, held on Saturdays, are known for Asian street food and local arts and crafts. Rapid Creek Markets offers fresh produce and hawker-style eats on Saturdays and Sundays. Mindil Beach Sunset Market, on Thursdays and Sundays from April to October, is a vibrant place to enjoy live entertainment, local artisans, and flavours worldwide. Nightcliff, Coolalinga, and Palmerston also have markets with bargains and tempting flavours
You can relax at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Darwin, located in the heart of Australia, offers a waterfront community that is highly regarded. It is conveniently just a five-minute walk from the city. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as surfing in the famous wave pool, swimming in the saltwater lagoon, dining at cafes and eateries, having a beer at the tavern, dining at numerous restaurants, or relaxing in the shaded parklands with engaging public art. Additionally, nearby Stokes Hill Wharf provides stunning views of Darwin Harbour and offers various attractions.
Explore the city's attractions
Darwin offers a range of must-do activities within the city itself. Stroll through Smith Street Mall to access free Wi-Fi and browse luxury boutiques that sell crocodile and pearl products. At Crocosaurus Cove, you can interact with baby crocodiles and explore enclosures housing Australia’s most giant saltwater crocodiles. On Stokes Hill Warf, the Royal Flying Doctor Service/Bombing of Darwin Harbour experience uses life-size holograms and virtual reality technology to transport you to when the harbour was bombed. Finally, enjoy a movie under the stars at the waterfront Deckchair Cinema.
Consider visiting Litchfield National Park for exploration
Visit Litchfield National Park the must-do in Darwin is a 1.5-hour drive from the city. You can swim in clear swimming holes and under waterfalls. Spot colourful birds and wildlife on bushwalks through the rainforest. Discover the Lost City on a four-wheel-drive track. Wander through a graveyard of termite mounds. Pack a picnic for a perfect day trip. Entry is free.
See a jumping crocodile up close and feel the thrill
To experience one of Darwin’s famous attractions, drive about an hour from the city on the scenic Arnhem Highway towards Kakadu. Take a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River, where you can watch saltwater crocodiles leap from the water, all from the safety of your boat. Additionally, you can visit the Window on the Wetlands Centre to see bird and wildlife displays and take a two-hour Pudakal Aboriginal Cultural tour to try activities such as basket weaving, dilly bag making, and playing a didgeridoo.
You can enjoy a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour
Visitors can experience a memorable Darwin sunset on various cruises around Darwin Harbour. These tours offer options such as a three-course dinner, seafood buffet, canapes, sparkling wine or the chance to enjoy fresh fish and chips. With a gentle breeze and a stunning tropical sunset, this is a highly recommended experience in Darwin.
You can experience Aboriginal culture on the Tiwi Islands
Take a day trip to the Tiwi Islands, located north of Darwin and accessible by a 30-minute flight or 2.5-hour ferry ride. Here, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the Tiwi Aboriginal people and visit the islands’ art centres to meet local artists. Experience a smoking ceremony, and if you stay in March, you can attend the annual football grand final and art sale, a viral and unique event.
Explore the art scene of Darwin
Darwin is known for its art, including hidden galleries showcasing contemporary works by highly collectible Aboriginal artists. The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is an excellent place to start, a significant cultural complex just five minutes from the city. Here, you can see various exhibits such as ‘Sweetheart,’ a 5.1m crocodile known for its affinity for outboard motors, the Cyclone Tracy exhibit featuring actual recordings of the cyclone, and an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art, along with regularly changing exhibits.
Meet the wildlife
You can have an up-close encounter with the animals of the Top End at the Territory Wildlife Park. It is located 45 minutes from Darwin. The park has many attractions spread around a 4km loop road. You can quickly get around using the free shuttle trains. You can visit the fantastic nocturnal house and aquarium. There are also treetop aviaries to walk through and a lagoon to stroll around. Afterwards, you can go to the adjacent Berry Springs Nature Park. There, you can swim in the springs and picnic on the lawn.
Visit Mary River National Park for a natural beauty experience
The lush Mary River wetlands are located an hour east of Darwin. These wetlands are home to various wildlife, birds, and fish. During the dry season (May to October), you can visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve to observe the 250 species of birds that gather here. Some birds you may see include jabiru, jacana, pygmy geese, brolga, and ibis. There are bird hides available at certain billabongs for observation. Alternatively, you can join a fishing charter and try to catch a barramundi, a popular sports fish abundant in the Mary River wetlands.
