Darwin is small enough to navigate on foot, with a dedicated walkway linking the waterfront to the city center. Visitors can also take the public bus Route 4, which stops at popular attractions in the city including Crocosaurus Cove, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Fannie Bay Gaol, and further afield.
Darwin’s waterfront is rich in history; it was home to the Larrakia people, the site of the early Malay and Chinese settlements, and was bombed during World War II. Follow the Heritage and Cultural Trail that weaves along the promenade to learn more about the area’s historical significance.
Darwin’s annual Street Art Festival, held in September, brings artists from all over Australia to paint the city’s walls in color. If you can’t make the event itself, download the walking map to see multistory murals from previous years.
Darwin’s famous street art. (Photo: Adriana Alvarado)
Located in the heritage listed Admiralty House, Char is renowned for being the best steak house in the city.
Char is renowned for being the best steak house in the city.
A celebrated Korean BBQ restaurant with an edgy, industrial vibe headed up by celebrity chef Chung Jae Lee.
Cool vibe in an industrial setting.
Darwin institution Pee Wee’s offers relaxed fine dining and local produce – think saltwater barramundi, tiger prawns and tropical fruit – with views across Fannie Bay.
Pee Wee’s at the Point is the perfect place to wine, dine and relax.
This modern hotel is just steps from the public lagoon, and some of the city’s best dining and shopping.
The superb location of Vibe Hotel is ideal.
Located in the heart of the city, each room at Oaks Elan comes with uninterrupted views of Darwin Harbour and Frances Bay.
Set among 29 acres of lush tropical gardens, this is Darwin’s only beachfront resort. It has eight restaurants and bars and an onsite spa.
Mindil Beach Casino Resort is a premier destination in Darwin.
The quirky croc-shaped Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is the perfect base to explore the wetlands and wildlife of Kakadu National Park, just three hours out of Darwin.
The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel flaunts its quirky crocodile shape.
Recline on a deckchair and watch a film under the stars, with a different screening every night during the dry season.
Recline on a deckchair and watch a film under the stars.
Just 1.2 miles north of Darwin, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are spread over 103 acres and home to a magnificent display of tropical, primitive and native plant species, as well as a lovely café.
Take a walk through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Travel a little further (three hours) to explore the rugged and remote beauty and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites of Kakadu National Park.
Marvel at Kakadu.
The arts and cultural bonanza that is Darwin Festival brings an action-packed 18-day program of theater, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts and more to this tropical city. Staged annually in August.
Darwin Festival brings a jam-packed program.
Home to huge saltwater crocodiles, this city enclosure is the ultimate urban wildlife experience. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip with a real croc in the Cage of Death!
Up close and personal with Australia’s iconic Saltwater Crocodiles.
This huge, lifeguard-supervised lagoon, with its own swell simulator, is the perfect way to keep cool in Darwin. Boogie boards and inflatable tubes are available for use.
The huge, lifeguard-supervised wave lagoon.
Take in Darwin’s famous harbor and learn about its history on a one-hour interactive cruise with Sea Darwin. You might spot a dolphin and other marine life if you’re lucky!
See Darwin from the water.
Australia
Australia
Adelaide, SA
Adelaide, SASave up to 10%
Adelaide, SA
The Ghan travels through the heart of the Australian outback, delivering an experience that will move you in every sense. Save up to 10%*.
Adelaide, SASave up to 10%
Lizard Island, QLD
Lizard Island, QLD
