{"id":206306,"date":"2019-11-29T14:48:05","date_gmt":"2019-11-29T03:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=206306"},"modified":"2023-02-13T15:08:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T04:08:00","slug":"things-to-do-in-darwin-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/darwin\/things-to-do-in-darwin-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"13 best things to do in Darwin this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you think summer sizzles in the southern states, wait until you hit Darwin. But don\u2019t let that put you off – the year-round tropical climate in Darwin means locals have come up with plenty of ways to enjoy yourself in the balmy warmth.<\/h5>\n

1. Hit the sunset markets<\/a><\/h2>\n

Mindil Beach is a scenic beach in Darwin known for its night markets. During the dry season (May to Oct) there are night markets<\/a> every Sunday and Thursday. They go from about 4pm-9pm and are rich with atmosphere. You\u2019ll find street performers, buskers, and stalls selling a wide array of items.<\/p>\n\n

The also have an amazing selection of food, which makes this a great spot for dinner. You\u2019ll discover fresh seafood, Asian inspired dishes (the laksas and noodles are particularly good), crepes, wood-fired pizzas and great dessert options.<\/p>\n\n

Time your visit so you can grab a drink and watch the sunset from the beach.<\/p>\n

\"Mindil

Enjoy the night markets at Mindil Beach.<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Enjoy the air-conditioning at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory<\/a><\/h2>\n

Set in a scenic location on Larrakia Land at Bullocky Point in Darwin, MAGNT is home to internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections. It will give you a science, history and art hit at the same time. And the best bit? It\u2019s free.<\/p>\n\n

The evolution exhibit is tops, and art lovers will enjoy both contemporary and traditional art \u2013 (there\u2019s a great indigenous collection).<\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s also a good caf\u00e9 overlooking the waterfront for some refreshments afterwards.<\/p>\n

\"Museum

Cool off inside the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Chill out at the lagoon<\/h2>\n

The beaches in Darwin are generally a bit croc-y, so the protected beachfront lagoon is the spot to take a dip and escape the heat.<\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s a free lagoon with nets keeping the stingers and crocs away, or you can pay for entry to the wave lagoon nearby.<\/p>\n

\"Darwin's

Dodge the crocs in Darwin’s free lagoon. (Photo: Michael Wee)<\/p><\/div>\n

4. Chill out at the Darwin Botanic Gardens<\/h2>\n

This is a great spot if you want to get away from the city and read a book in the shade. It\u2019s about a 30-minute stroll from the CBD. Here you\u2019ll find lush, tropical gardens with an exotic variety of plants.<\/p>\n

\"Darwin

Take a stroll through the Darwin Botanic Gardens.<\/p><\/div>\n

5. Try your hand at some watersports at the Darwin Ski Club<\/a><\/h2>\n

Ever wanted to have a crack at waterskiing or wakeboarding? This is the place to give it a try. The Darwin Ski Club<\/a> also has an excellent bistro and social club with great views where you can enjoy a drink or a meal.<\/p>\n

\"Darwin

Try your hand at some watersports at Darwin Ski Club.<\/p><\/div>\n

6. Have a picnic at Cullen Bay<\/h2>\n

Catch another one of those magic Darwin sunsets at Cullen Bay. This little neighbourhood (about a 15-minute walk from the CBD) has a grassy area that is perfect for a picnic. There are also a few good restaurants in the area if you can\u2019t be bothered curating your own dinner.<\/p>\n

\"Cullen

Enjoy a picnic at Cullen Bay.<\/p><\/div>\n

7. Go fishing<\/a><\/h2>\n

Darwin is renowned for some great quality fishing. Either buy a line and try your luck off the wharf in the harbour, or book a tour that includes gear, a boat, a guide, lunch and snacks. Offshore Boats<\/a> offers both reef and sport fishing charters and has a good reputation.<\/p>\n

\"Go

Go fishing with Offshore Boats.<\/p><\/div>\n

8. Enjoy a sunset champagne cruise<\/a><\/h2>\n

If you can\u2019t be bothered throwing a line in, you can still enjoy some recreation time on a boat. Darwin Harbour is a picturesque spot that usually delivers a jaw-dropping sunset and there are 2.5 hour cruises<\/a> that have different food and drink options (prices start at $73).<\/p>\n

9. Take a bike tour<\/a><\/h2>\n

There are plenty of fully-guided bicycle tours around Darwin. Each tour is about 3.5 hours long (and includes a break at a caf\u00e9 where you can buy refreshments if you need). Our suggestion is to do one of the morning tours, so you can get your exercise in before it gets too hot.<\/p>\n

10. Dine al fresco at Stokes Hill Wharf<\/a><\/h2>\n

Stokes Hill Wharf<\/a> offers a food court style setting with some great vendors. After you\u2019ve made your selection you can enjoy your meal at the seated area out on the wharf. It\u2019s also good to note that you can BYO drinks, which makes it a cheap and cheerful option for dinner with friends. Watch the sun go down over the water and then marvel at the stars that dot the sky.<\/p>\n

11. Spend Saturday at the Parap Markets<\/a><\/h2>\n

On Saturday mornings you\u2019ll find locals scouring the Parap Village Markets<\/a> for goodies. It\u2019s about a 10-minute drive from the city but is also accessible by bus, so don\u2019t be put off if you don\u2019t have your own wheels. The markets run all year round, unlike the Mindil Markets.<\/p>\n

12. Swim with crocodiles<\/a><\/h2>\n

Sounds enticing, doesn\u2019t it? At Crocosaurus Cove<\/a> you can jump into a glass tank and get up close and personal with this incredible reptile. Charmingly, it\u2019s nicknamed the \u201cCage of Death\u201d. The experience doesn\u2019t come cheap though \u2013 it\u2019ll set you back $170 per person.<\/p>\n

\"Crocosaurus

Swim in the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove.<\/p><\/div>\n

13. Head to Mitchell Street for a Sunday session<\/h2>\n

The bars along Mitchell street really know how to make the most of the last few hours of the weekend. Many of the bars have live music on Sunday afternoons and people sit out on the patios drinking in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n

Read more of the best things to do in Australia’s cities here.<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you think summer sizzles in the southern states, wait until you hit Darwin. But don\u2019t let that put you off – the year-round tropical climate in Darwin means locals have come up with plenty of ways to enjoy yourself in the balmy warmth. 1. Hit the sunset markets Mindil Beach is a scenic beach […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":206314,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[880],"tags":[6470,4576,5713,4564,4628],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n13 Best Things To Do In Darwin This Summer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for the best things to do in Darwin? 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