Darwin is a tropical paradise with natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, this top Australian destination offers something for everyone. From browsing local markets to exploring nearby national parks, these are some of the best things to do in Darwin to add to your itinerary.
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Best Things to Do in Darwin - A Local Guide
Visit Mindil Beach Sunset Market
📍Maria Liveris Dr, The Gardens NT
Mindil Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets, but it’s also home to the bustling Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
Open every Thursday and Sunday during the dry season, the market features a wide array of food stalls offering international cuisine, local arts and crafts, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back evening by the beach.
For ease of access, book a room at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, one of the premier luxury resorts in the city. For more info see our complete review which includes info about all the restaurants, pools and spa services available.
Wander Through the Darwin Botanic Gardens
📍Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT
For a peaceful escape, head to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Spanning 42 hectares, these gardens showcase a diverse collection of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and baobabs.
It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or to learn about the region’s flora.
The gardens offer a different experience depending on the time of year—lush, vibrant greenery and dramatic tropical blooms during the wet season, and cooler, drier conditions perfect for leisurely walks in the dry season.
Check out our Wet Season and Dry Season guides for more info.
See Crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove
📍58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT
In the heart of Darwin city, Crocosaurus Cove offers a thrilling experience with some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles.
One of Darwin’s must-see attractions, you can cuddle a baby crocodile, feed crocs, and even brave the Cage of Death for a thrilling encounter with these mighty reptiles. The facility also includes extensive displays of other Northern Territory wildlife, making it a must-visit for animal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Soak up Sunshine at Darwin’s Beaches
Darwin’s tropical coastline offers beautiful beaches. Here are the best beaches you should visit during your stay:
Mindil Beach: Mindil Beach is Darwin’s most famous beach.
Casuarina Beach: Casuarina Beach is a long, pristine stretch of sand located in the northern suburbs of Darwin. The beach is great for walking, jogging, or simply lounging under the sun.
Wagait Beach: Perfect for day trip, take a ferry ride from Darwin Harbour to Mandorah and visit Wagait Beach. This beach is known for its peaceful ambiance and stunning views of Darwin across the water.
For more our complete list of where to find the best sunsets in Darwin.
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Visit Darwin’s Top Museums
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
📍19 Conacher St, The Gardens NT
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) offers a fascinating insight into the region’s natural and cultural history. A perfect thing to do in Darwin’s wet season, highlights include the Cyclone Tracy exhibit, Aboriginal art collections, and the massive stuffed crocodile, Sweetheart. The museum is set in beautiful gardens overlooking the sea, making it a pleasant spot to explore.
The Darwin Military Museum
📍5434 Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT
Delve into Darwin’s wartime history at the Darwin Military Museum. Located at East Point, the museum offers exhibits on the bombing of Darwin during World War II, including original footage and artefacts.
Don’t miss the Defence of Darwin Experience (DDE). It offers a powerful and interactive journey into a significant yet lesser-known chapter of Australian history. Learn about life in the Northern Territory during World War II, the region’s contributions to the war effort, and hear first-hand accounts of the bombing.
Enjoy Darwin’s Best Water Views
Cruise Along Darwin Harbour
A harbour cruise is a fantastic way to see Darwin from a different perspective. There are various cruises available, including sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and wildlife-spotting tours.
Enjoy the scenic views, learn about the city’s maritime history, and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life.
Explore Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct
Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct is a lively area featuring restaurants, cafes, and bars with stunning views of the harbour. It’s also home to the Wave Lagoon, where you can ride artificial waves, and the Recreation Lagoon, a safe swimming area perfect for families.
Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fun day out, the Waterfront has it all.
Catch a Movie at Deckchair Cinema
📍Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT
For a truly unique cinema experience, head to Deckchair Cinema, situated on the picturesque Darwin Waterfront. Open-air and nestled under the stars, this cinema offers a range of films from blockbusters to arthouse and local productions.
Enjoy a film with the tropical breeze in your hair, and don’t forget to bring a picnic or grab a bite from the on-site café. The Deckchair Cinema is a perfect evening activity for all ages, blending entertainment with the beauty of Darwin’s natural surroundings.
Open from mid-April to mid-November, it’s one of our favourite things to do in the Dry Season.
Experience Local Markets in Suburbs like Nightcliff and Parap
Darwin is renowned for its vibrant local markets, and the suburban markets in areas like Nightcliff and Parap are must-visits.
Nighttcliff Markets
📍Pavonia Pl, Nightcliff NT
The Nightcliff Markets, held every Sunday, feature a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food.
Parap Village Markets
📍3/3 Vickers St, Parap NT
Similarly, the Parap Village Markets, open on Saturdays, are famous for their tropical fruit, fresh seafood, and the ever-popular laksa. These markets provide a fantastic opportunity to mingle with locals, discover unique treasures, and savour the flavours of Darwin.
Tasting laksa at Parap Markets is a quintessential Darwin Experience. See what other unique things you can only do in Darwin.
The Best Outdoor Activities Near Darwin
Explore Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park, just over an hour’s drive from Darwin, is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and magnetic termite mounds. Highlights include Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Wangi Falls. It’s one of the top things to see when visiting Darwin and a perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Find more tours to Litchfield National Park on our Litchy tours page.
Take a Dip at Berry Springs Nature Park
Berry Springs Nature Park is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. Located just 50 kilometres from Darwin, this park features crystal-clear swimming holes surrounded by lush tropical bushland.
It’s one of the best places to swim in Darwin, while you can also enjoy a picnic or a walk along the scenic nature trails.
For a truly unique experience, check out this women’s-only tour to Berry Springs. Enjoy morning tea and conversation with acclaimed and charismatic Indigenous woman, Tess Atie to discuss and learn about local Aboriginal culture from traditional times to modern, the history that explains the current situation and potential ways forward.
Visit Kakadu National Park
Just a short drive from Darwin, Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers an awe-inspiring mix of stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
One of the top attractions in the Northern Territory, you can take a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, where you can spot saltwater crocodiles, colourful bird species, and breathtaking sunsets.
Get Up Close to a Jumping Crocodile
Drive about an hour from Darwin on the scenic Arnhem Highway towards Kakadu to experience one of Darwin’s best attractions: a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River.
From the safety of your boat, watch as saltwater crocodiles leap from the water. Then try the other must-dos in this area, including the bird and wildlife displays at the free Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre.
If you prefer, take a guided tour from Darwin which lets you sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. Even better, try this helicopter tour that gives you a scenic view of the Top End along with your jumping croc cruise.
Experience Aboriginal Culture on First Nations Tours
Gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture by joining a First Nations tour.
Located on the outskirts of Darwin, these tours are run by local Aboriginal people and offer hands-on experiences, including spear throwing, didgeridoo playing, and bush tucker walks. It’s an enriching experience that provides insight into the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Check out our guide on the top First Nations-owned tours near Darwin.
Meet Local Residents at Territory Wildlife Park
📍Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs Darwin NT
Have an up-close encounter with the animals of the Top End at the Territory Wildlife Park, located just 45 minutes from Darwin.
Spread around a 4km loop road with free shuttle trains connecting the various attractions, the park features a cool nocturnal house, an impressive aquarium, treetop aviaries, and a tranquil lagoon.
After exploring the park, take a short trip to the adjacent Berry Springs Nature Park for a refreshing swim in the springs.
Planning Your Visit to Darwin
Best Time to Visit
Darwin‘s tropical climate makes it a unique destination, offering a different experience depending on the time of year you visit.
The Dry Season (May to October)
The Dry Season is arguably the best time to visit Darwin. During these months, you can expect warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights with minimal rainfall. This is the peak tourist season. Our Dry Season Guide gives tips for making the most of this season.
The Wet Season (November to April)
The Wet Season brings high humidity, heavy rains, and the occasional tropical storm. While the weather can be intense, this season showcases Darwin’s lush landscapes and dramatic thunderstorms and is a quieter time with fewer tourists. Our Wet Season in Darwin Guide can help you stay prepared.
Accommodation Options
Darwin offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and spacious family-friendly stays.
One of our preferred places to stay is at Villa Marina Darwin. This luxury home rental is located in Cullen Bay and is perfect for a relaxing getaway within the city.
Camping? For those who love the great outdoors, there are several well-equipped campsites near Darwin that offer a chance to connect with nature. You can choose to pitch your tent at one of the many campgrounds located in the NT’s National Parks, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Darwin offers a unique blend of natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle that makes it one of Australia’s must-visit destinations. Whether you’re exploring national parks, enjoying waterfront dining, or immersing yourself in history, there’s a lot to see in Darwin. The top Darwin tourist attractions are definitely worth a visit.
Have you done any of these top things to do in Darwin? Drop a comment below and share your favourite spot!
*Cover photo by Sarah H
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. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider 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.
