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There are two things that hit you as you arrive at Darwin Airport — the heat and the relaxed vibe.
The dress code is strictly boardies, Havianas and Akubra-style hats and straight away you can feel that southern stress melting away. Welcome to the Aussie city that’s closer to Bali than it is to any of Australia’s other key urban centres. As such, you’ll find things are done a little differently in this remote part of Oz.
Darwin’s psyche is defined largely by the weather. There are two main seasons — the Wet and the Dry. The Dry offers low humidity, and the months of May through September are characterised by warm days and balmy nights. This is considered peak season and grey nomads hightail it to the region in droves. On the flipside, the Wet can be pretty spectacular with its monsoonal thunderstorms. December to March are the wettest months and while it’s hot and humid, you’re likely to pick up a great deal on your hotel.
This Darwin city guide is packed with ideas for things to see and do. Enjoy your visit.
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Darwin:
Ten Amazing Things to Do in DARWIN, Australia, 2023 | Ultimate Darwin Travel Guide
Situated in Australia’s remote Top End, Darwin is a travel destination like no other! With its rich Indigenous cultural scene, diverse culinary offering, a turbulent history to explore, and epic natural landscapes within easy reach, you’re in for the holiday of a lifetime.
Top ten things to do in Darwin
- Crocosaurus Cove
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Darwin Military Museum
- Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Deckchair Cinema
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Litchfield National Park Day Tour
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
Top cultural activities in Darwin
The Northern Territory capital offers a mixed bag of cultural experiences to say the least.
For many, it’s purely a party town, and nowhere is that more evident than on Mitchell Street — home to the city’s large population of backpackers and seasonal workers. Bars, restaurants, and hostels line the street, and the revelry continues well into the night — every night. It’s not the ideal location if you’re looking for a quiet spot to stay.
Crocodiles are a part of life and popular culture in the Top End (often gracing the front cover of the NT News). Mitchell Street is home, rather surprisingly, to Crocosaurus Cove — an urban wildlife park that houses some seriously big saltwater crocodiles. The Cove offers a variety of ways to engage with its ‘salties’, including the behind-the-scenes Big Croc Feed Experience, and the Cage of Death — which literally submerges you with one thousand kilograms of hungry croc at feeding time. The scary part is that these guys are out there in the wild, so be croc safe on your visit to the Territory. Obey all signs at beaches, rivers and billabongs — and if there’s no sign, assume there’s a crocodile lurking nearby.
For a more conventional cultural experience, grab a cab and make your way across town to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). The facility houses a fine collection of modern and Indigenous art, but even here, you can’t escape the croc craziness. Say g’day to Sweetheart — a 5.1-metre stuffed saltwater crocodile that once had a taste for outboard motors. Admission to MAGNT is free.
You can dig deeper into the Top End’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage on a guided day tour from Darwin to West Arnhem Land. It’s a four-hour drive to the Indigenous township of Gunbalanya and the fascinating Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre. You’ll watch artists at work and learn about the role art plays in traditional Aboriginal life, before joining a guided walk with an artist to a number of rock art sites. The paintings date from an estimated 20,000 years ago, to as recently as the mid 20th century.
Darwin for history lovers
Step back in time on a self-guided stroll to some of Darwin’s must-see heritage sights.
Start on Smith Street at the preserved ruins of the Palmerston Town Hall. Darwin was established in 1869 and was originally known as Palmerston. The Palmerston Town Hall was built in 1883, but almost 100 years later on December 25, 1974 it couldn’t withstand the might of Cyclone Tracy. The cyclone claimed 71 lives and flattened most of the city.
To get a handle on what Darwin was like before, and immediately after the cyclone, see MAGNT’s comprehensive and moving Cyclone Tracy exhibition. Twisted corrugated iron and a steel telegraph pole bent double by the force of the cyclone provide chilling context.
Continuing your self-guided tour — head past the Christ Church Cathedral, which also bears the scars of Tracy. Only the historic porch, built in 1944, remained after the storm. Turn right onto the Esplanade towards Government House, which dates back to 1870. It’s the oldest surviving building in the Territory. Outside, there’s a plaque commemorating the victims of the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces on February 19, 1942. Two hundred and thirty-five service personnel and civilians died in the WWII attack.
Those wanting to learn more about the bombing should head for the excellent Darwin Military Museum. Political and popular views of the time, anecdotes, artefacts, photographs, and film are expertly woven together to tell this not-so-well-known story. The museum is built on the ruins of military fortifications at East Point — an eight-minute drive around Fanny Bay from the city centre.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility also shares the story of the bombing of Darwin, along with the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service — which launched in the Territory in 1939. There are hologram characters to meet and you can climb on board a former RFDS Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The deadly bombing in 1942 saw nine ships in the harbour (and two outside) destroyed. The virtual reality presentation on the Japanese attack is absolutely gripping. You’ll find the facility out on Stokes Hill Wharf (behind the Waterfront precinct).
From Government House, turn down onto Kitchener Drive to the entrance of the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels. Construction began on the tunnel network after the initial bombing of Darwin, with the aim of protecting oil supplies from further attack. The tunnels were never actually used for their intended purpose, but remain an intriguing link with the conflict.
Great places to eat in Darwin
The Northern Territory capital’s dining scene may come as the biggest surprise of your visit.
Here’s a handful of recommendations for great places to eat. Down on the fabulous Darwin Waterfront (more on that in a mo) Wharf One Food and Wine is the spot to push the boat out on a special occasion — but hey, who needs an excuse? With its wood grill and emphasis on seasonal local produce, this stylish eatery does modern Oz with all the trimmings. The gin-cured salmon and wood-fired king prawns are menu must-trys.
Other notable eateries at the Waterfront include the Oyster Bar (which pairs the best Aussie oysters with a superb outlook) and The Precinct — a lively hub for pub grub and a great selection of craft beers.
Enjoy the very best of Top End produce in an exceptional setting at Pee Wee’s at the Point — located in the picturesque East Point Nature Reserve with sweeping views across Fannie Bay. The sunset vista from here is spectacular. Pee Wee’s offers al fresco dining overlooking the bay and impeccable service. Choose from a menu of Modern Oz with a focus on locally-sourced produce, including local wild caught saltwater Barramundi, banana prawns, buffalo cheese, crocodile, and the list goes on.
Where to shop in Darwin
Locals and visitors alike pack Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which operates Thursdays and Sundays during the Dry.
The market offers a vast array of street foods, alongside local arts, crafts, and handmade products. Grab a tub of tucker and head to the beach to watch the sun set in vivid Top End fashion.
Commercial pearling in the waters of the Top End dates back to 1884, but by the mid 20th century wild stocks were all but depleted. These days all pearls are farmed. Paspaley dominates the industry and there are some interesting historical interpretive boards on display in their opulent city showroom.
For those who can’t make it out to Injalak, there are plenty of places around town to purchase a piece of Aboriginal art. Not-for-profit Aboriginal Bush Traders, just off The Mall, assists artists to commercialise their work in a sustainable way. Run by Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation, the shop sells a wide range of arts and crafts — and part proceeds are invested back into the community via various social programmes.
Ways to relax in Darwin
There are plenty of things to do in Darwin that will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised.
Firstly, head for the aforementioned Darwin Waterfront precinct — the city’s premier recreational facility. The Wave Lagoon is understandably popular with families, while the lawns around the saltwater Recreation Lagoon are the perfect spot for a sunny snooze.
Darwin Harbour Cruises provides a range of cruise options on the tranquil waters of Darwin Harbour on board the tri-level catamaran Charles Darwin. Enjoy a sunset buffet dinner cruise, with commentary on historic points of interest — including the Emery Point lighthouse located at Larrakeyah Barracks. The current lighthouse (which replaced an even earlier version) was installed in 1915 and remains active to this very day.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens offers access to 42 hectares of verdant grounds, crisscrossed by well-maintained paths, bridges, and water features. Having enjoyed a shady stroll, make your way to local institution Eva’s Cafe for a delectable high tea (pre-booking is essential).
Darwin also offers convenient access to some of the Top End’s most stunning natural landscapes. At 90 minutes’ drive from the city, a day tour to swim beneath the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park is a popular option. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is around three hours’ drive from Darwin. Kakadu can be done as a day tour, but requires a two or three day stay to really do it justice.
And finally, with city pick-up and drop-off included, a wetland boat cruise on the magnificent Corroboree Billabong makes an easy day trip. Located 90 minutes’ drive east of Darwin, Corroboree is home to hundreds of species of bird life, alongside saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.
Need a place to stay?
Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin
The charming Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin makes a great base from which to explore the city. The 197 guest rooms and suites recently underwent a refurbishment and are finished in neutral tones. They feature stylish furnishings and the ridiculously comfortable Sweet Dreams by Doubletree beds. The Nespresso coffee machine in each room is a nice touch; enjoy a morning brew before you venture out to explore.
The hotel is centrally located (unsurprisingly, on the Esplanade) and offers easy access to the Mitchell Street restaurant and bar precinct, Crocosaurus Cove, and the Waterfront. Cool off after a hard day of sightseeing in the resort-style in-ground pool.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Located just a ten-minute stroll from the heart of the CBD, the part Aboriginal-owned-and-operated Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers contemporary accommodation in one of the city’s most desired locations. The studio and one bedroom apartments offer extra space and full kitchen facilities — giving you the option to self-cater.
Access the superb recreational amenities of the Darwin Waterfront precinct, along with a dynamic dining and cafe scene. It’s all on your doorstep!
Oaks Elan Darwin
With its prime position on the edge of the CBD, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel offers traditional hotel-style accommodation and a range of holiday apartments. The clean lines and upscale finishes make this an ideal place to stay for the discerning traveller.
Amenities at the hotel include a lap pool and gym, and most city attractions are within easy walking distance. On-site eatery The Oak serves a menu of modern Australian cuisine.
The writer travelled as a guest of Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin, Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront, and Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.northernterritory.com.
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Cover image: Tourism Australia. Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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