Darwin wraps itself around a harbour five times the size of Sydney Harbour. This coastal outlook is partly to thank for the city's relaxed vibe and tropical feel. But the NT's capital is also famous for its multicultural food, outdoor markets and spectacular landscapes and wildlife all within easy reach. Here are 10 of Darwin’s must-do experiences.
1. Make like a local: head to the markets!
Find locally made treasures and indulge your tastebuds at Darwin's famous markets. Every weekend, suburban spaces across the city are transformed into open-air markets where locals get their fruit and vegetables, authentic laksa and fresh juices. A weekend ritual for locals, Parap Village Markets runs every Saturday and is famous for its wide range of delicious Asian street food and local arts and crafts. On weekends, Rapid Creek Markets is Darwin’s go-to for fresh produce and hawker style eats. The vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursdays and Sundays, April to October), is a great place to watch fiery Top End sunset. Discover live entertainment, stalls from local artisans and a myriad of flavours from around the globe. More bargains and temping flavours can be found at markets at Nightcliff, Coolalinga and Palmerston (check opening times and seasonality at each market).
2. Relax at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
One of Australia’s finest waterfront communities is right in the heart of Darwin, just a 5-minute walk from the city. Ride the swell at Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon, swim in the (saltwater) Darwin Waterfront Recreation Lagoon, recharge at the cafés and colourful eateries, have a craft beer in the tavern and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants. If that's too much action, soak up the tropical vibe in the shade of lush parklands.
Visit the nearby attractions at Stokes Hill Wharf with restaurantsand fabulous views over Darwin Harbour or catch a movie under the stars at Deckchair Cinema.
3. See crocodiles, discover history & dine alfresco
You don’t need to go far to experience Darwin’s must-dos. In the city itself, wander through Darwin’s Smith Street Mall or Star Village for cafes retail boutiques and galleries selling crocodile souvenirs, pearl products and Aboriginal art. At Crocosaurus Cove, cuddle a baby crocodile and wander around enclosures with some of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocodiles.
Discover how Darwin Harbour was bombed at the Royal Flying Doctor Service/Bombing of Darwin Harbour experience on Stokes Hill Wharfthrough life-sized holograms and virtual reality technology. Finish off with dinner at one of Darwin's superb restaurants and their signature dishes.
4. Explore Litchfield National Park
Take a 1.5 hour drive south of Darwin to visit Litchfield National Park to get a taste for the Top End's spectacular natural environment. Swim in crystal clear swimming holes fed bywaterfalls at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. Spot colourful birds and wildlife on bushwalks through monsoonal rainforest, discover the Lost City on a four-wheel-drive track and wander through a ‘graveyard’ of towering termite mounds. Pack a picnic, your swimsuit and your walking shoes and self drive or join a tour on the many day trips from Darwin to Litchfield NP.
5. 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. While you're in the area check out the birds and wildlife on the Adelaide River floodplain at Window on the Wetlands Centre. Learn about traditional Aboriginal customs on a Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural tour where you can try basket weaving, dilly bag making and playing a didgeridoo.
6. Experience Aboriginal culture on the Tiwi Islands
Join a day trip to the picturesque Tiwi Islands, a half hour flight or 2.5-hour ferry ride north of Darwin, to share in the Tiwi Aboriginal people’s strong connection to their rich culture. Meet local artists and purchase art works at Tiwi by Designs andJilamara Arts or visit Patakijiyaki Museum where Tiwi language, history and culture is displayed. Visit the Tiwi Islands in March for the annual football grand final and art sale, a hugely popular and very special event.
7. Cruise Darwin Harbour at sunset
Catch a famous Darwin sunset aboard a luxury yacht, a restored pearling lugger or a comfortable vessel on a sunset cruise around beautiful Darwin Harbour. There are many tours to choose from, where you can enjoy a three-course dinner, seafood buffet, canapes and sparkling wine, or pick up fresh fish and chips. With the warm breeze in your hair and an exquisite tropical sunset on the horizon, this is a must-do Darwin experience.
8. Discover the art scene of Darwin
Darwin is renowned for its creative art and culture. Visit small galleries of contemporary works featuring paintings from highly collectable Aboriginal artists. Wander the laneways to view the ever-growing collection street art influenced by the annual Darwin Street Art Festival. Or spend a few hours at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT), a sprawling cultural complex five minutes from the city. See Sweetheart the 5.1m crocodile who loved outboard motors, the Cyclone Tracy exhibit which was recreated in 2024 to commemorate 50 since the cyclone hit Darwin. Plus there is an important collection of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art, ever-changing exhibits showcasing the NT along with a gift shop and cafe on the clifftop overlooking Darwin Harbour.
9. Meet the wildlife
There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife around Darwin, particularly saltwater crocodiles. There are a number ofwildlife and nature parks in the Top End includingTerritory Wildlife Park, Crocodylus Park and Zoo and Crocosaurus Cove.
Wildlife parks vary with the activities and wildlife on display, such asa nocturnal house, avaries, saltwater lagoons and animal interaction sessions with different wildlife.Alternative options to see wildlife is on a guided tour departing from Darwin such as jumping crocodile cruises, wetlands and billabong cruises.
10. Hook a barra in Top End waterways
Darwin and the Top End are a world-class fishing destination for anglers looking to hook a barramundi or any of the other prized fish species in the NT. Barramundi is the Territory's most sought-after fish but other sought-after species include giant trevally (GTs), queenfish, spanish mackerel, snapper, red emporor and coral trout.There's even an annual fishing competition where lucky anglers have the chance to hook a Million Dollar Fish.
Fishing aficionados can hire a boat and captain your own self-guided fishing adventures, take a heli-fishing or a guided fishing safari with experts who know all the hotspots where the fish are biting.
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