Darwin Region

Sail across the harbour from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands, glide across wetlands and spot local wildlife, or cool off under a waterfall in Litchfield National Park.

As the Northern Territory’s thriving capital, Darwin attracts travellers from all around the globe looking to experience its outdoor tropical lifestyle.

With waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences, and access to the Tiwi Islands all within a few minutes of the city centre, there’s enough to do to fill a weekend or a week.

Litchfield National Park is just a 90 minute drive from Darwin and is a favourite for the locals year-round. It’s an easy day trip with a range of swimming spots and waterfalls, and is well worth staying overnight in the nearby accommodation.

Explore the lush Mary River wetlands, a thriving microcosm of Top End wildlife, birds and fish. Located about an hour east of Darwin it’s a good place to stop on your way to Kakadu National Park or for a day trip.

Things to see & do around Darwin

Litchfield National Park Destination guide

Inspiration for your Darwin trip

Drive the NT: Alice Springs to Darwin

There’s nothing more appealing than an open road trip, especially one that stretches almost 1,500km from Australia’s spiritual and physical heart, Alice Springs and the Red Centre, to tropical Darwin.

Best places for a Darwin laksa

While most people think Darwin is known for its stunning sunsets, tropical lifestyle, worldly fusion of markets, barramundi fishing, larrikin locals and crocodiles — and it is — more recently Darwin has become the irrefutable laksa capital of Australasia.

Top End Local’s Tips: How to do Darwin’s markets

If you’re dropping in to Darwin, your stay isn’t complete without a stroll through its famed markets. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the city’s selection of markets are vibrant, colourful and radiate vitality.

Superb places to dine out in Darwin

Blending its close proximity to Asia with an ocean brimming with fresh catches, the Northern Territory capital has captured the ideal ingredients which make Darwin a modern dining delight. We’ve got the lot when it comes to fine feasting, and here’s a selection of our best restaurants in Darwin.

Top 10 local tips for enjoying Darwin in spring

Turn up to Darwin in spring, a truly magical time of the year when warm sunshine is a given. While southern Australia remains chilly, in the Top End it's... different. Different in every sense. We've turned up the flavours and the fun factor, the colours and the connections to Country.

Darwin’s signature dishes

Who doesn’t love eating their way through a holiday? We’ve got the most drool-worthy food trail for a ravenous Territory traveller.

Darwin’s watering holes are oh-so-cool

The balmy, tropical weather is what attracts many visitors to the Top End capital of Darwin. And it’s no surprise that cooling off with a drink at a pub or bar is a popular past time! See our top picks below for the best places to enjoy a beverage or two around town.

Take the scenic route 11 iconic stops around Litchfield

Heading to Litchfield? Check out these iconic stops along the way and within the national park.

Location Scouts: Darwin to Tiwi Islands

There’s a good chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised upon your arrival in to Darwin. Spending just a few days here will keep you very busy!

A local’s guide to art & culture around Darwin

A brightly coloured turtle glides along the side of a building, a giant crocodile watches over a supermarket, and a breath-taking portrait of the late musician Dr G Yunupingu looks down on a quiet street. Darwin’s identity as a hub for creativity is written on the wall... literally.

From Darwin to Uluru Taking the world’s longest pub crawl

It’s thirsty work exploring the Northern Territory. Make the most of your outback trip by stopping in at these iconic waterholes between Darwin and Uluru. Explore, stop, rest and spend some time meeting new people, swapping stories and forging that legendary ‘Aussie mateship’.

Darwin’s role in World War II hits home

For the past nine months, they’ve travelled 35,000km aboard their chariot, a gleaming white Fiat Ducato with an Avan Ovation home on the back. Paula calls it the ‘Hilton’ with a cheeky smile and says the best thing about it is climbing in the cabin and having a wonderful sense of freedom without a worry in the world.

Six things to do when you cruise into Darwin

Make the most of your time in the Top End’s tropical harbour city. Here are six things to do when you dock in Darwin.

Top 10 free things to do in Darwin

Darwin is a thriving tropical capital, whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or simply a traveller looking for a few extra activities to fill your days – there are plenty of free things to see and do in the Top End of Australia.

The Romance Guide: Darwin & Surrounds

Why the NT’s capital is the ultimate city for lovebirds...

Top End Local’s Tips : A Darwin Weekend in the Dry

Unlike other Australian capital cities, Darwin doesn’t experience four seasons. In the Top End, there’s just two: a tropical summer season and a dry season. If clear blue skies, pleasant days and cool nights are in your taste, then Darwin is for you.

Darwin: a family-friendly getaway in 48 hours

Sometimes you can’t afford the time or the money for a lavish family holiday. We get it. Here’s something short and sweet that the kids will love, but which won’t break the bank.

8 amazing sensory experiences in the Red Centre for blind or low vision travellers

The Northern Territory’s Red Centre is so much more than meets the eye. For blind and low-vision travellers, multi-sensory experiences abound, offering a unique and immersive way to discover the destination beyond sight.

Your cruise day in Darwin

We’ve laid out a plan for you to pack in the best bits of Darwin in a day.

The ultimate Darwin & Surrounds accommodation guide

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory. The city is a must-see tourist destination, located on the doorstep to some of the world's greatest tourist attractions like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. But where should you stay in Darwin?

Top 10 things to do around Darwin

Not visited by winter and with a relaxed, small-town feel, Darwin is the tropical capital of the Northern Territory that’s perched on a harbour 5 times the size of Sydney’s. Darwin is famous for its multicultural food, outdoor markets, waterside attractions and a warm holiday vibe year-round. Here are 10 of Darwin’s must-do experiences.

Local’s tips: Darwin City

When visiting somewhere new, it’s always good to get tips from the locals before you plan your daily activities. We’ve gathered our top tips in Darwin City for you to enjoy.

Darwin – our little Vegemite

The only thing more Australian than Darwin is Vegemite. The entire city beats to a laid-back tune.

Child’s play Darwin for kids

Keeping the kids buoyant and interested on family holidays always presents challenges. If you’re heading to Darwin, here are a dozen great ways to entertain them.

5-star feasts in Darwin that won’t blow the budget

From sunset markets to food trucks, Darwin has a dazzling array of cheap and cheerful dining options.

7 incredible sensory experiences in the Top End for blind or low vision travellers

The tropical Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory is a place like no other. For blind and low-vision travellers, multi-sensory experiences abound, offering a unique and immersive way to discover this incredible destination and everything it has to offer.

5 walkable attractions in Darwin City

Explore Darwin’s compact city centre on foot and discover a few hidden treasures you wouldn’t see from the road.

Top 10 local tips for enjoying Darwin’s Tropical Summer

Darwin is truly magical year round, but between November and April Mother Nature puts on a show and the town gets into the spirit of the tropics.

Takeaway but not as you know it – 10 grab and go ideas in Darwin

Pubs, restaurants and cafés deserve a gold star for the way they’ve been able to roll with the punches. And while we can’t dine out at the moment, dining in is proving to be a fun challenge, accepted by foodie fans and food businesses alike.

Paddle Pop Rainbow Beach

Located 80km north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea are the Tiwi Islands. Famous as the home of legendary AFL footballers, the Tiwis are rich with traditions of local Aboriginal culture, language, art and hunting. The fishing is also world-class.

Dating, Darwin style

There are plenty of places to fall in love in this city and with the city itself. We’ve put together our top 7 great dates in Darwin to get you started.

Nature’s Way in 7 days 7-day itinerary

Turn up for spring sunshine on an epic Top End road trip from Darwin along Nature’s Way. Discover the national park trifecta of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk to see the best of nature in the Top End.

Top End lodge adventure 6-day self-drive itinerary

Looking for luxury with a twist of adventure? Discover these Top End lodges where you’ll find yourself immersed in nature without giving up the indulgence and comfort of a true getaway. Top End Lodges offer the perfect balance of escape and luxury for an unforgettable holiday experience.

A day of wildlife & nature in Darwin City

Nature lovers can immerse themselves in flora and fauna in Darwin. The Top End’s tropical climate is home to a diverse range of wildlife and nature, which Darwin city showcases in beautiful gardens and wildlife parks.

A day of heritage in Darwin

Darwin’s heritage is a fine example of blending the past with today’s modern multicultural vibe. Old buildings (albeit some reconstructed) seamlessly sit next to modern buildings, which give Darwin its personality and showcase the resilience and growth of our city.

The Explorers Way 14-day itinerary

If you love adventure, you can’t beat a trip along Explorers Way, one of the great Australian road trips.

Darwin & Surrounds 7-day itinerary

With a week to spend in Darwin you’ll have time to experience the culture and history of life in the Top End, plus take some day trips to the surrounding islands and natural attractions.

Darwin & Surrounds 3-day itinerary

This 3-day Darwin itinerary will have you taking in the best of the city’s art, culture and culinary experiences, with some waterhole swims and wildlife encounters to boot.

Darwin & Surrounds 24-hour itinerary

Make the most of your day in Australia’s northernmost capital city and find out why Darwin really is your port to adventure.

Darwin: a family-friendly getaway in 48 hours

Sometimes you can’t afford the time or the money for a lavish family holiday. We get it. Here’s something short and sweet that the kids will love, but which won’t break the bank.

A day of adventure in Darwin City 24-hour itinerary

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Darwin has everything you need for a rush of endorphins – here's a full rundown of how to fill your day around the city.

Adelaide to Darwin on the Explorers Way 17-day drive itinerary

One of the great Australian road trips without a doubt is from Adelaide to Darwin, along the Explorers Way. You’ll take in some of Australia’s favourite natural icons, including Uluru, Kings Canyon, the MacDonnell Ranges, the Devils Marbles, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.

Waterfall hopping around Litchfield National Park 2-day drive itinerary from Darwin

Litchfield National Park is the perfect getaway to spend with family and friends. You can make it as active or as relaxed as you want with plenty of short walks, waterholes and waterfalls to see.

A day of luxury in Darwin City

Spending the day in Darwin and looking for a relaxing and luxurious time? Look no further than Darwin Waterfront and CBD. Filled with bustling cafés, bars, boutique shops and beauty spas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

3-day Top End military experience

Immerse yourself in Darwin’s military history with a 3-day exploration of the places and events that gave the Top End such an important role in Australia’s defence during World War II. The city is a living memorial to those who fought and died here, both in the bombing of Darwin and in the years before and after it.

4-day adventurous tropical journey

The Top End of Australia is the perfect place for thrill-seeking adventurers like you. There are so many ways to push yourself and experience new things, with the added element of remote and rugged wilderness dialling the adventure up a notch or two.

Darwin City walking highlights

One of Darwin’s best qualities is the fact that everything is really accessible. With no great hills or rocky landscapes in the city, it’s easy to get around on foot to see the sights. The city is well equipped with walking and bike paths, shady trees, and plenty to see and do.

A day of culture in Darwin City

Discover the wealth and diversity of Darwin’s culture in just one day. Darwin is a growing community that embraces its diverse cultural heritage and today our city contains over 60 nationalities including the Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of the Darwin region.

Outback adventure 5-night luxury itinerary

You can experience the remote wilderness in style and comfort with this 5-night luxury itinerary that takes you to two secluded locations in the Top End.

A day of military in Darwin

Darwin is embedded deeply in Australia’s military history. The target of Japanese air raids in February 1942, Darwin had more bombs dropped on it than Pearl Harbor.