Discover Darwin

Top things to do in Darwin

One of the best ways to experience Darwin is to visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Open from the last Thursday in April till the last Thursday in October each year! Soak up the local atmosphere from Thursday to Sunday from 4 pm till 9 pm. With over 200 stalls, discover a spectacle of colour, local artwork, entertainment, and delicious food. And of course, watching the sunset over the beautiful Mindil Beach is a must-do while you are there!

The Darwin Esplanade is the perfect place to start your holiday in the NT. Overlooking the Darwin Harbour, you can wander along three kilometres of walkways, all surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Along the way, you will find an assortment of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Nearby the Esplanade, you will also find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.

Have a close encounter with unique wildlife

There are plenty of opportunities to see unique Australian wildlife up close in the Top End of Australia. In the heart of the CBD, you will find Crocosaurus Cove. Here you can admire saltwater crocodiles in a unique and personal way. It is also the only place in Australia where you can experience the Cage of Death - Australia's only crocodile dive.

If you prefer to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat, take a crocodile cruise along the Adelaide River. Or if you take a 45-minute drive south of Darwin to Berry Springs, you will reach Territory Wildlife Park. Here, you can meet all sorts of weird and wonderful Australian wildlife.

Cultural experiences

This part of Australia is ideal if you would like to learn more about Indigenous Australia. Be sure to visit an Aboriginal art gallery such as Mason Gallery Aboriginal Art of the Museum, Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

If you are a history buff, the Darwin Military Museum and the Darwin Aviation Museum are definitely worth a visit. Fannie Bay is a suburb of Darwin and is famous for the Fannie Bay Gaol which closed in 1979.

A brief history of Darwin NT

This special part of Australia is filled with ancient Indigenous history dating back thousands of years. The traditional owners of Darwin are the Larrakia (meaning saltwater) people of Australia.

Europeans arrived back in 1839 and some time afterward the city of Darwin was named after Charles Darwin. Known for his contributions to the evolution of science, Charles Darwin was credited with the theory of natural selection.

Darwin has been hurt in the past; Cyclone Tracy hit on Christmas Day in 1974, and earlier in 1942 during World War II, the Bombing of Darwin occurred. Despite the hardship of the past, Darwin is a vibrant and friendly city.

Where to stay

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Darwin and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Surrounding areas

The Top End of Australia is a natural wonderland, filled with spectacular flora and fauna. There is plenty of day or multi-day trips that you can choose from. Take a tour with a local guide or embark on a self-guided tour in a 4WD. Or hop on board a helicopter and marvel at the natural beauty from above.

Litchfield National Park is a local's favourite and is located 100 kilometres southwest of Darwin. The park covers 1500 square kilometres and features termite mounds higher than you, natural swimming holes, and an array of beautiful walking tracks.

Kakadu National Park is Australia's largest national park

UNESCO World Heritage Listed, the park covers an area of 20,000 square kilometres. There is plenty to explore in this part of Australia! Keep an eye out for crocs and other unique wildlife. On your way to Kakadu, be sure to take a cruise at the Yellow Water Billabong. Here, you can spot crocs and a large variety of birds. It is truly authentic Australia and a must-do during your time in NT.

If you are heading south to the Outback, stop by Katherine/ Nimiluk. Approximately 320 kilometres southeast of Darwin, you will find Katherine Gorge. A system of canyons that have been carved by the Katherine River over hundreds of years. Go on a tour and spend an unforgettable night under the Milky Way in a traditional swag (a type of sleeping unit)!

Tiwi Islands

Another highlight is a visit to the nearby Tiwi Islands. Explore dense rainforests, beautiful sandy beaches, and picturesque rock pools. While hundreds of different birds frolic on the islands, with a bit of luck you can catch a glimpse of turtles, dolphins, whales, or manatees in the sea.

Rich in Indigenous culture, here you can find world-class fishing, stunning coastal landscapes, and much more. With the majority of the population being of Indigenous descent, it’s an ideal destination to learn more about Aboriginal culture. Arnhem Land is also worth visiting if you would like to get better acquainted with Aboriginal culture.

The Red Centre

Would you like to take a trip to the heart of the Outback? While some may think that Uluru is nearby Darwin, it is actually 1433 kilometres away and takes approximately 20 hours to drive there. Luckily there are plenty of flights departing from Darwin Airport to save you some time! If you would like to conquer the drive, you will travel along the Stuart Highway and have the opportunity to visit places such as the West MacDonnell Ranges. Uluru is located approximately 470 kilometres west of Alice Springs.