Not just the tropical gateway to the outback, Darwin is a youthful, vibrant city, with a rich indigenous culture and a colourful mix of more than 50 nationalities.
The Top End’s capital is a natural stopover for your big ticket outback must-do’s, such as Kakadu and Nitmiluk (formerly Katherine) Gorge, but ever increasing pockets of laid-back urbanity mean the place is no longer just a pit stop on your Territory adventure.
Here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in and around Darwin.
Darwin might be Australia’s smallest capital city, but there is loads to do. Hot and steamy all year – if you don’t like the rain visit during the dry season between April and November – the swimming lagoon and wave pool at the waterfront precinct is a perfect place to cool off.
Darwin’s markets are some of the best in the country; we highly rate the Mindil Beach evening markets and Saturday’s Parap markets. Darwin might have a reputation as a tropical frontier, but you’ll be surprised by how sophisticated this city can be if you know here to look. To save you searching, we’ve found the hip in this ‘hood for you.
Darwin is significant in our nation’s history and it’s full of great museums and historical sights. Dive into World War II history and experience, through the wonders of modern technology, the bombing of Darwin that that rocked Australia in 1942, or get a better understanding of the fury of Cyclone Tracy at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT.
It might be bordered by some spectacular sights, but that’s no good reason to rush off before you’ve seen the real D...
Waterfalls that rage into the depths of plunge pools; steaming billabongs that teem with pink lilies and saltwater crocs; and rock...
The Tiwi Islands: a far-flung northern sanctuary where there’s art, footy and fishing fever abound. Until recently, the Tiwi Is...
Contrived spectacle or Attenborough adventure? Jennifer Pinkerton braves infested waters on a jumping crocodile cruise “Tell me...
If it’s earthy, meaningful and one-of-a-kind Aboriginal art you seek, take to the Tiwi Islands for an art tour – just don’t ...
Pamela Wright takes a dip with a movie star, Burt the crocodile, in Darwin's Cage of Death. Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles ...
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is far too important an event to be sidelined, even for a year. That’s why organisers did a quick piv...
Closer to Bali than it is to Brisbane, Darwin is Australia’s smallest capital and blends 56 nationalities, a perky pulse and a l...
If you’re exploring the Top End, no doubt Darwin will be on the agenda. But don’t just hop in and out on your way to the outba...
Just like Kakadu only closer (to Darwin that is) and croc-free. Take a day trip to Litchfield National Park and hop from one beaut...
Accommodation in Darwin is fairly centralised around the CBD, which is probably right considering this is where most of the action happens.
The Esplanade and Waterfront are the pick of city areas with beautiful views of the harbour and close to the action of Mitchell St or the wharf precinct dining. The Waterfront has the added benefit of the waterpark and fenced off (read croc-free) ocean swimming zone.
More central hotels are excellent for business meetings followed by a little leisure. A quick important tip for business travellers: unless you have a car, stay as close as possible to your meetings to minimise walking. This means more central hotels, such as the Hilton Brisbane and Mantra Pandanus, come into play.
For our picks, check out our list of where to stay in Darwin.
Maybe chill out in style in one of the city’s luxury holiday homes surrounded by Asian antiques and tropical gardens full of fuchsia frangipani and a shady pool to escape the heat.
A tropical stay up Darwin way deserves a stunning resort to match. Want to soak up the Northern Territory sunshine in ...
Hitting the open road in a caravan is one of the best ways to explore Darwin. But where to rest your home on wheels? We’ve got y...
Spending 72 hours in Darwin, and not sure where to stay? If you want to sleep right in the main downtown, or by the waterfront, we...
Start or finish your Darwin trip on the right note, with these airport hotels. While the phrase ‘airport hotel’ doesn’t qui...
Score a win for your wallet when you book in at one of Darwin’s top hostels and backpackers. Hostels. You either love ’em or ...
The driving route from Darwin to Katherine via Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks is a popular one. But it does require a little ...
Not sure where to stay in Darwin? Here’s a few of Australian Traveller’s favourites, with options to suit all budgets from lux...
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront: this ambitious development has something to offer both local residents and visiting fans ...
Great places to eat out in Darwin are easy to find in this city where Asian markets, hipster cafes and jovial Greek tavernas meet high-end restaurants, perfect for sampling wild ingredients such as banana prawns, crocodile and kangaroo.
Special spots include Hanuman – try the ‘Meen Moolie’, a creamy curry starring local barramundi – Lola’s, a cabaret- and carnival-themed restaurant and bar in the harbour-side precinct of Cullen Bay with a cracker of an outdoor area and more atmosphere than you’ll find at a footy grand final, and The Pearl, where Champagne high teas are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Feel like fresh barra’? Head down to Darwin Fish Market at Fisherman’s Wharf to buy straight off the boat.
Darwin’s best restaurants add a healthy dollop of spice and experimentation to cuisines you might have tried before. ...
It used to be that a Darwin bar was considered on the upmarket side if thongs were frowned upon. But then these out-of-this-world ...
The name might throw you at first – Snow? Skiing? In tropical Darwin? – but it’s water skiing that gives this local food and...
Once it was hard to find a Darwin cafe that didn’t serve its coffee in a mug. Those days are long gone. Whether you’re after ...
Where do you eat when you’re only in town for a few hours? Go where the recommendations point you, and you won’t be disappoint...
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