Situated on the edge of Australia’s northern region comes its capital, i.e., the city of Darwin. Despite having more than 30% of the population born in foreign, the city has still maintained its cultural heritage. With tropical weather, broadly two main seasons exist in the coastal city of Darwin, i.e., wet and dry. And the most preferred one for touring around is the time period between May and October, which is the dry season, as you will see fewer people moving around, giving you the required freedom to wander freely.
The beaches and the beachside night markets aren’t the only things worth admiring, as there is a lot more to be explored and seen. Ranging from food tasting to visiting museums, strolling in stunning national parks, and going for an entertainment hour at the Darwin deckchair cinema, we’ve got it all figured out for you. So without further ado, let’s dive deep into what all of Australia’s northern region’s renowned city, i.e., Darwin, has to offer that you can enjoy with your friends, family, and kids in terms of activities and attractions.
Regardless of the fact that the population of Darwin is less than that of other Australian capitals, it is packed with a lot of stuff to do and be a part of. Whether you are heading out for a day out or looking to plan a week-long trip, the city of Darwin has got your back. Following are some of the best options for things to do in this city:
1. Catch An Entertain Hour At The Darwin Deckchair Cinema

Led by the Darwin Film Society comes the Darwin Deckchair Cinema, which has become one of the most noticeable attractions for everyone in Darwin. This cinema operates throughout the dry season, allowing everyone to enjoy their favourite movies and films while soaking up the beauty of the sunset across the ocean. The range of movies screened includes family favourites, Australian cinema-based movies, and international movies as well.
The atmosphere that gets built is truly one of a kind, as films get screened in the open air on Darwin Harbour. For the meal, grab yourself one of the dishes offered based on all the different cuisines, like Indonesian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, and much more. For the best experience, have a meal and a drink before the film begins so as to partake in everything in a pleasurable way.
Name | Deckchair Cinema |
---|---|
Website | https://deckchaircinema.com/ |
Address | Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJ8zuBsXuUBdSxGf9 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 1.1 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 5:45am – 10pm Tuesday: 5:45am – 10pm Wednesday: 5:45am – 10pm Thursday: 5:45am – 10pm Friday: 5:45am – 11pm Saturday: 5:45am – 11pm Sunday: 5:45am – 10pm |
Nearby Eateries | The Reserve | Snapper Rocks | Curve Restaurant and Bar | bellaBAR | Bravo Pasta & Wine Bar |
2. Pay A Visit To The Mindil Beach

Nothing can beat the rush that runs through your nerves while you relish a beautiful sunset at a beach. Making it more visually attractive, the blue water at Mindil Beach. For swimmers and sun-seekers, this beach is an ideal one, making it one of the most chosen beaches in Darwin. As the beach water is a bit crowded by crocodiles and jellyfish, it’s advised to go swimming only if you’re an experienced one.
You can also head over to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which operates in the dry season. More than 200 stalls are there, offering a range of local as well as international food, arts, and crafts. It is good for those who want to try out an international dish based in different areas. Some of the main servings include Indonesian satay sticks, locally shucked oysters, crocodile dishes, tropical juices and ice cream, spiced laksa, charcoal octopus, and much more.
Name | Mindil Beach |
---|---|
Website | https://darwin.nt.gov.au/ |
Address | The Gardens NT, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/tapZrTB7329eS5raA |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 2.9 km |
Opening Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Nearby Eateries | Nepa Kitchen | Lola's Pergola Darwin | The Vue | Exotic North Indian Cuisine | Dragon Court | Nirvana Restaurant Darwin |
3. Take A Darwin Harbour Cruise

Although Darwin is a city that isn’t much explored by a lot of people, it is still admired for the amazing sunsets it hosts. To take in some of the most brilliant views of the oceans, you can take a Darwin Harbour cruise. This way, you would be able to get relaxed and admire a 360-degree view while getting knowledge from onboard commentary about the region’s importance in regards to history and culture.
It’s recommended to book the cruise during the golden hour, as this way you will be able to take a look at the sun while it’s running down the waterline. Booking options include the Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise and the Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise. The ticket for these starts at $121 only, and the whole tour is about 3 hours long. For eatables, a lot of stuff and beverages are available to choose from.
Name | Darwin Harbour Cruises |
---|---|
Website | https://darwinharbourcruises.com.au/ |
Address | 7 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZLqpxHzjQn3hqYDs9 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 1.5 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 8:30am – 5pm Tuesday: 8:30am – 5pm Wednesday: 8:30am – 5pm Thursday: 8:30am – 5pm Friday: 8:30am – 5pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm Sunday: 9am – 5pm |
Nearby Eateries | Curve Restaurant and Bar | The Reserve Fiddlers Green | PepperBerry Restaurant | Curve Restaurant and Bar |
4. See Crocodiles At The Crocosaurus Cove

Crocodiles and Darwin go hand in hand. To get a close, real-life encounter with some of the most gigantic saltwater crocodiles, visit Crocosaurus Cove. It is the only place in the whole of Australia where you can dive in water with crocodiles in a completely safe environment. To increase awareness about these often misunderstood creatures, the Crocosaurus Cove pits have arranged feeding displays and educational talks.
On a daily basis, a total of nine reptile shows are hosted, of which the big croc feeding show is the main highlight. Under it, you are given the opportunity to feed baby crocs by yourself. For adventure teens, the main highlight is engaging with the crocodiles in a 15-minute Cage of Death dive. It is a dive that is open to kids aged 15 and over. Don’t forget to click a selfie with the baby crocs to boost the fun for yourself.
Name | Crocosaurus Cove |
---|---|
Website | https://croccove.com/ |
Address | 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZCgFBXZXUoqA1Wx8 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 800 m |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 9am – 6pm Tuesday: 9am – 6pm Wednesday: 9am – 6pm Thursday: 9am – 6pm Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 6pm Sunday: 9am – 6pm |
Nearby Eateries | Lizards Bar and Restaurant | The Tap on Mitchell | D Bar & Restaurant | PepperBerry Restaurant |
5. See Animals At The Crocodylus Park

Adding another level of fun and adventure to your Darwin trip is Crocodylus Park. It’s a premier wildlife conservation centre that was founded by a well-known crocodile Biologist Professor named Grahame Webb. Crocodiles are not the only wildlife creatures that you will catch here, as lions, meerkats, reptiles marmosets, cassowaries, spider monkeys, and various bird species are also there to be spotted.
You can also get up close with many creatures over there, like Meerkats, Monkies, and Dingos. Under it, you are allowed to feed those animals and take photos with them to enjoy yourself. Additionally, the option of taking a boat cruise is also there, through which you can see crocodiles being live-fed as they come out of the water seeking their food. The ticket prices are based on the attraction you choose and the age of the visitor as well.
Name | The Crocodylus Park |
---|---|
Website | https://crocodyluspark.com.au/ |
Address | 815 McMillans Rd, Berrimah NT 0828, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/p88M1FAqzTHnJxAa9s |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 14 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 9am – 4pm Tuesday: 9am – 4pm Wednesday: 9am – 4pm Thursday: 9am – 4pm Friday: 9am – 4pm Saturday: 9am – 4pm Sunday: 9am – 4pm |
Nearby Eateries | Tacos and Grounds | The Midway Berrimah | Darwin Kebab and Pizza (DKP) | Elements | Gourmet House Takeaway |
6. Visit The Darwin Waterfront Precinct

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is Darwin’s only man-made lagoon, which all families must visit at least once. It is a safe wave and swimming lagoon that does contain a bit of marine life but is free from any kind of sharks and stingers to keep the area safe for all to visit. The whole area is patrolled by lifeguards on a year-round basis. For everyone, this precinct is an ideal location to escape the summer heat.
Giving people a more laid-back experience, they also have deckchairs, shaded lawns, and a lot of open space where people can enjoy themselves. During school holidays, many people, including kids, come to take part in programmes like free craft sessions with a fairy, face painting, pizza parties, various sports competitions and games, and scuba diving lessons. Nearby, you can find a lot of excellent dining options, like family-friendly restaurants and cafes, as well as laid-back pubs and bars where you can enjoy your food.
Name | Darwin Waterfront Precinct |
---|---|
Website | https://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/ |
Address | 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://goo.gl/maps/USdQ6sJp8Twjj9PQA |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 600 m |
Opening Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Nearby Eateries | PepperBerry Restaurant, Snapper Rocks, Curve Restaurant and Bar, The Reserve, Bella Bar |
7. Uncovering The Darwin Military Museum

Visiting the Darwin Military Museum will brief you on the importance of the city of Darwin in World War II. This museum was originated by Lieutenant Colonel Jack Haydon and some members of the Northern Territory branch of the Royal Australian Artillery Association in the 1960s. Keeping its originality, it’s still housed in the original concrete command post bunker that armies used to command the two 9.2-inch guns nearby.
One of the main highlights at the Darwin Military Museum is the Defence of Darwin Experience (DDE), which briefs about the story of how the Japanese bombing took place on February 19, 1942. The ticket for it starts at just $10. Other than that, you will find a lot of artefacts, weapons, photographs, artillery pieces, military vehicles, propaganda, and interviews from the past related to the war only.
Name | Darwin Military Museum |
---|---|
Website | https://darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au/ |
Address | 5434 Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT 0820, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/JfEpJMVU2rq3tiq16 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 8.5 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 9:30am – 4pm Tuesday: 9:30am – 4pm Wednesday: 9:30am – 4pm Thursday: 9:30am – 4pm Friday: 9:30am – 4pm Saturday: 9:30am – 4pm Sunday: 10am – 3pm |
Nearby Eateries | The O.A.K. - Original Australian Kitchen Darwin | The Chook Shed | Table Forty Three | Yogi's Way | Bamboo Lounge |
8. Spend A Day At The Litchfield National Park

On your trip to Darwin, visiting Litchfield National Park would definitely be a wise choice, as entry here is free. The whole of the park is spread across an area of approximately 1,500 km2. As per the locals, this nature’s haven is known as nature’s own waterpark, and some even refer to it as the Lost City. Out of all the swimming holes and waterfalls available, the main ones are Wangi Falls and Florence Falls. Visiting this park early in the morning would be the best, as this way you would be able to beat the crowd.
Instead of walking the whole path, it’s recommended to go on a 4WD. To experience everything in a detailed manner, going on a cruise would be a considerable choice, as it will take you through the Adelaide River, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, and Florence Falls along the way. If visiting this place in the wet season, extra precaution is required as crocodiles might be there. A strange yet appealing site to be noticed here is the Magnetic Termite Mounds, which are 6-foot flat, broad structures and total 100 in number.
Name | Litchfield Park Adventures |
---|---|
Website | https://darwinlitchfieldparkadventures.com.au/ |
Address | 19 Meigs Cres, Stuart Park NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpg2NEWu6U2oMCKC7 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 2.2 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 8am – 8pm Tuesday: 8am – 8pm Wednesday: 8am – 8pm Thursday: 8am – 8pm Friday: 8am – 8pm Saturday: 8am – 8pm Sunday: 8am – 8pm |
Nearby Eateries | Yogi's Way | Ceylanthra Café and Restaurant | Hakusho Cafe | Frying Nemo Fish and Chips | Ton's Bistro at Dinah |
9. Enjoy Ferris Wheel At The Skyline Precinct

To get a bird’s-eye view of the Darwin skyline for yourself, consider taking a Ferris wheel ride at The Skyline Precinct. You will be hanging 35 metres high above the ocean. This place is great for a family adventure, a romantic outing, or a unique corporate event as well. By taking a ticket, you will be entitled to enjoy the ferris wheel ride, get access to the Strayamania mini golf course, and to the Stoked Bar as well.
The mini golf course consists of a 9-hole Australian-themed mini golf course that is an excellent way for your little ones to get along with the basics of golfing. The menu at the stoked bar consists of a variety of coffees, baked goods, the main course, drinks, and a lot of other stuff. The operating hours of The Skyline Precinct are subject to weather conditions; thus, it’s advised to first cross-check the same using the following contact details:
Name | Skyline Precinct - Darwin |
---|---|
Website | https://skylineattractions.com.au/darwin |
Address | 7 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uns8EBWwPdHtJZwdA |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 1.5 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 11am – 10:30pm Tuesday: 11am – 10:30pm Wednesday: 11am – 10:30pm Thursday: 11am – 10:30pm Friday: 10am – 10:30pm Saturday: 10am – 10:30pm Sunday: 10am – 10:30pm |
Nearby Eateries | The Reserve, Oyster Bar Darwin, Siam Thai, Urban Spice Pantry Restaurant, BUB & SOOL Korean Restaurant in Darwin |
10. Visit The Museum And Art Gallery Of The Northern Territory (MAGNT)

MAGNT is the northern territory’s premier art space and museum. For travellers visiting this place for the first time, coming to this museum would allow them to get acquainted with the region. The featured exhibitions not only highlight the recent European colonisation of Darwin but also address the untold Aboriginal history of the state. Additionally, you will see a lot of exhibitions that feature local artists from the Northern Territory and all of Australia as well.
One of the main attractions at this place is the taxidermied saltwater crocodile named Sweetheart. Other than that, one can see a lot of different kinds of smoking pipes from the old era and various scientific discoveries made by Darwin as well. A family can visit this museum to learn about the history of the region, as they feature a lot of public programmes for children as well, which consist of options like prehistoric picnics, creating and naming new animals, and much more.
Name | Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory |
---|---|
Website | https://magnt.net.au/ |
Address | 19 Conacher St, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/5BUKQjGicZBjVXgb9 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 5 km |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 10am – 4pm Tuesday: 10am – 4pm Wednesday: 10am – 4pm Thursday: 10am – 4pm Friday: 10am – 4pm Saturday: 10am – 4pm Sunday: 10am – 4pm |
Nearby Eateries | Zhen's Corner | McDonald's Stuart Park | Uncle Sam's Take Away Food | Guzman y Gomez - Stuart Park |
11. See The Parliament House

The Parliament House was opened in 1994 and is referred to as the heart of Darwin’s government district. The public area that this building hosts is open for exploration using a free self-guided tour booklet. This way, you would be able to learn about the Northern Territory’s political history and process. Heading over to the Parliament House would allow you to get a glance at how big Australia’s political landscape is.
Some of the main points of attraction include the light-coloured Tasmanian timbers used on the property that reflect the sunlight, the coat of arms over the ceremonial doors, and the stylised Sturt’s desert rose in the foyer. For a much better view, you can also go with the option of a Darwin cruise to admire the exteriors of Parliament House in a much better way. During the dry season, you can catch free tours that operate each Friday morning.
Name | Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory |
---|---|
Website | https://parliament.nt.gov.au/ |
Address | Parliament House, 15 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia |
Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/7WCxzDC4fUa8u1sM7 |
Distance From Darwin CBD | 450 m |
Opening Hours |
Monday: 7am – 6pm Tuesday: 7am – 6pm Wednesday: 7am – 6pm Thursday: 7am – 6pm Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 6pm Sunday: 9am – 6pm |
Nearby Eateries | Lizards Bar and Restaurant | Alfonsino's, Darlings Pasta Club | Fiddlers Green |
Final Considerations
Your hunt to explore a significant city in Australia ends with Darwin. Whether you plan a day-long itinerary or a week-long trip, one thing is sure: you are going to enjoy every second spent engaged in all the different activities to do in Darwin. Despite having the tag of carrying an aboriginal feel with it, this city still has its modern charm with it. You can start your journey by visiting the Darwin Harbour and taking a cruise ride, and then you can go for some entertainment at the Darwin Deckchair Cinema. To explore everything in a convenient manner, plan your trip in the dry season that is active from May to October.