Across Darwin and the wider Northern Territory, women are shaping the future of business, arts, hospitality, and tourism. From founders and CEOs to creative professionals and entrepreneurs, many inspiring women are building companies, driving innovation, and strengthening the region’s business community.
As International Women’s Day approaches, it’s a great opportunity to explore the women-led businesses, organisations, and professional networks helping the Territory thrive. These businesses don’t just provide services or experiences—they also create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth across industries.
Below are some standout organisations and businesses in Darwin and the Top End where women are making a bold impact.
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Darwin’s Art Scene
Darwin’s art scene is vibrant, diverse, and deeply connected to the culture and landscape of the Top End. Across the city, women are playing a vital role in shaping this creative community, from gallery owners and curators to artists and cultural leaders who bring powerful stories and perspectives to life. Their work celebrates everything from contemporary creativity to ancient traditions, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience the rich artistic spirit of the Northern Territory. In this section, we highlight some of the women-led businesses helping Darwin’s art scene thrive.
Brown’s Mart
A cornerstone of Darwin’s arts community, Brown’s Mart has supported theatre, music, and performing arts in the Northern Territory for more than 50 years. The organisation continues to showcase local talent while providing a platform for Territory storytellers and performers.
Today, the organisation is led by co-CEOs Liz Trevaskis and Yvette Nolan, who stepped into their leadership roles in 2024. Liz, a Darwin-born professional, brings deep local knowledge and strong connections within the arts community.
Yvette is the organisation’s first Aboriginal Artistic Director and CEO, and one of the few Aboriginal women to lead a non-Indigenous theatre company in Australia. Their leadership marks an exciting chapter for the organisation and highlights the growing presence of women in senior leadership roles across the Territory arts sector.
SISTER7 Aboriginal Women’s Gallery & Studio
SISTER7 is a unique art space in Darwin dedicated to showcasing the work of Aboriginal women artists. Opened in July 2018 on Larrakia Country, the gallery was founded to ethically support professional Aboriginal women, offering paintings, woven fibres, handcrafted jewellery, and other art forms that share cultural narratives and stories of Country. Each piece is displayed with a certificate of authenticity and personal background, highlighting the artist behind the work.
Owned and run by Lucinda Watson, SISTER7 not only provides a commercial platform for women artists but also fosters a supportive community network. Visitors are encouraged to connect with the artists, learn about the stories behind the works, and explore the creative voices shaping the Northern Territory’s cultural landscape
Laundry Gallery
Laundry Gallery in Parap Village is a contemporary art space co‑founded by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman Nina Fitzgerald alongside co‑founder Laura. Housed in a transformed 1970s laundromat, the gallery provides a dynamic platform for Indigenous artists to showcase both traditional and modern works, using the motto “old stories, new spin.”
The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events that invite visitors to engage with Indigenous culture through art while providing professional development opportunities for artists across the Northern Territory. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and storytelling, Laundry Gallery acts as a bridge between Indigenous creatives and broader audiences, highlighting the vital role women play in Darwin’s arts sector.
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Women-Run Restaurants
Darwin’s dining scene is full of flavour, creativity, and strong community spirit — and many of its standout venues are led by talented women. From innovative chefs to passionate restaurant owners, women across the city are shaping the way locals and visitors experience food in the Top End. Whether it’s showcasing local produce, creating welcoming spaces, or bringing fresh culinary ideas to the table, these women-run restaurants are an important part of Darwin’s vibrant hospitality scene. For more restaurant ideas, see our list of the best restaurants in Darwin.
Ella by Minoli
Chef and founder Minoli De Silva opened Ella in Darwin in 2022 after appearing on MasterChef Australia. The restaurant showcases modern Sri Lankan cuisine, blending traditional flavours with contemporary cooking techniques and local produce.
Minoli’s approach to food focuses on storytelling and connection, bringing her Sri Lankan heritage together with the multicultural influences of the Northern Territory.
PepperBerry Restaurant
Located inside the Hilton Darwin, PepperBerry Restaurant is known for incorporating native Australian ingredients into contemporary dishes.
Head chef Fiona Weir has been recognised within the Territory’s hospitality industry for her work and has received awards for her contributions to the local food scene.
Her cooking often highlights local produce and native flavours, reflecting the unique environment of northern Australia.
Female-Owned Shops and Boutiques in Darwin
Darwin’s relaxed tropical lifestyle has helped shape a fashion scene that’s colourful, practical, and uniquely suited to the Northern Territory climate. Across the city, a number of female-owned clothing boutiques are helping define local style, offering everything from resort wear and designer fashion to sustainable and locally inspired pieces. These Darwin women in business aren’t just running shops—they’re building creative retail spaces where customers can explore new styles, connect with passionate entrepreneurs, and find clothing designed for life in northern Australia.
Whether you’re searching for something breezy to wear while exploring the Territory or a standout outfit for a night out in Darwin, these locally owned boutiques offer a great place to start.
Looking for inspiration on what to wear in Darwin? Head over to our blog post on what to wear in Darwin and where to buy it, where we share practical style tips for the Top End climate along with some of the best local shops to explore while you’re in town.
Ginger Pink
Ginger Pink is a colourful Darwin boutique run by local owner Laureen, who operates the store with support from her daughters. The shop focuses on slow fashion, offering comfortable clothing made from natural fibres that suit the tropical climate of the Northern Territory.
Alongside its fashion collections, Ginger Pink also stocks jewellery, ceramics, accessories, and gifts from local artists and makers. Located in one of Darwin’s historic Stonehouses buildings on Cavenagh Street, the boutique reflects the creative spirit of the city while supporting small designers and artisans across northern Australia.
Pinkhill
Founded by fashion entrepreneur Silvija Majetic, Pinkhill is a high-end Darwin boutique known for its curated range of designer clothing, accessories, and homewares.
The store was created in 2010 with the goal of bringing luxury fashion to the Top End while helping customers find pieces that make them feel confident and stylish.
Today, the boutique remains a favourite stop in Darwin’s CBD for shoppers looking for statement pieces and international designer labels.
Bread Boutique
Bread Boutique is owned and operated by long-time fashion professional Jeanette Samaha, who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years.
The store focuses on Australian designers and carefully selected labels, offering elegant outfits for events, evenings out, and special occasions.
Jeanette’s passion for fashion and styling has helped make the boutique a well-known destination for women’s fashion in Darwin.
The Dress Code Darwin
Run by Darwin retailer Darlene Chin, The Dress Code Darwin grew out of decades of experience in the Territory fashion industry. The boutique offers clothing, accessories, and footwear designed to suit the tropical lifestyle of the Top End.
Darlene’s long history in retail has made her a well-known figure in Darwin’s local business community.
Female Founded Top End Businesses
Behind many of the Top End’s most exciting brands and experiences are women who have turned great ideas into thriving businesses. From unique local products to creative services and innovative ventures, female founders across Darwin are building companies that reflect the spirit, resilience, and creativity of the region. In this section, we spotlight some of the inspiring women who have launched their own businesses and are making a lasting impact in the Top End community.
Top End Chilly Co.
Another great example of women building innovative businesses in the Northern Territory is Top End Chilly Co., founded by Territory-based entrepreneurs Sarah and Krystal.
The two swapped the vineyards of Victoria for the red dirt and big skies of the Top End, where their love of outdoor living inspired a practical solution for one very Territory problem, keeping food cool in the tropical heat.
Their flagship product, the ChillyPlatter, was designed specifically for the harsh Northern Territory climate.
Built to keep cheese platters and snacks chilled during beach trips, boat days, camping adventures, and backyard gatherings, it reflects the laid-back outdoor lifestyle that makes Darwin and the Top End so unique.
Sarah and Krystal balance building their NT-based business with family life, school runs, and weekends spent fishing or exploring the coast.
What started as a simple idea between two friends has grown into a product now used across Australia, proving that some of the most creative Territory ideas come from everyday moments — and a determination to keep the cheese from melting under the Top End sun.
Female-Focused Activities
Darwin also offers a range of experiences designed to celebrate, support, and connect women. From creative workshops and wellness experiences to cultural activities and community gatherings, these female-focused activities provide spaces where women can learn new skills, share stories, and spend meaningful time together. In this section, we highlight some of the experiences in the Top End that are created by women, for women.
Women on Country 4-Hour Weaving Tour
📍: Lambells Lagoon, NY
⏰: 4 hours
💰: From $316.36
The Women on Country – 4hr Weaving Tour is a women‑only workshop near Lambells Lagoon where you can learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques. Guided by a senior community member, you’ll work with natural fibres to create small handcrafted items while hearing stories about their cultural significance.
This half‑day experience offers hands-on learning and a meaningful connection to First Nations culture, giving participants both new craft skills and insights into traditions passed down through generations.
Muku Women’s Morning Tour
📍: Berry Springs, NT
⏰: 4.5 hours
💰: From $296
The Muku Women’s Morning Tour is a half‑day, women‑and‑girls‑only experience that starts in the lush setting of Berry Springs with a beautifully presented morning tea and relaxed conversation led by an Indigenous host. You’ll explore local Aboriginal culture from traditional practices to contemporary perspectives and learn how Indigenous people have sustainably managed the land for thousands of years.
This small‑group tour also offers time to enjoy the natural environment, with opportunities to swim in the warm mineral‑rich springs and soak up the peaceful monsoon forest atmosphere. Pick‑up and drop‑off from Darwin accommodation are included, making it an easy, meaningful way to connect with Country and culture in the Northern Territory.
Darwin and the Top End are full of female-led businesses and creative ventures that are shaping the Territory’s unique character. From vibrant restaurants and locally owned boutiques to dynamic galleries and tourism experiences, women entrepreneurs and leaders are driving innovation, supporting their communities, and creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re exploring Aboriginal art at SISTER7 or Laundry Gallery, enjoying a meal at a female-owned restaurant, or discovering the Top End with passionate women guides, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate women in business and culture in the Northern Territory. Supporting these businesses not only helps grow local enterprises but also shines a spotlight on the talent, creativity, and leadership women bring to the region.
Plan your visit, connect with these inspiring women, and experience the Northern Territory through their vision and passion.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Darwin here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Darwin City daily fix by joining our FB group Darwin We 💙 Love You by Norther®
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
