Darwin
Darwin, NT. Photo credit: Tourism NT
Darwin
At the Top End you’ll find stunning scenery on your doorstep, a climate that supports an outdoor lifestyle, and a laid-back feel that’s infectious. Welcome to life on ‘Territory time.’
The capital of the Northern Territory is closer to Asia than it is to Canberra. Perhaps that why there’s still a feeling of being at the frontier here. And perhaps that’s why some figures suggest Darwinites drink more beer per head than anyone else on earth. Still, it’s worth staying (relatively) sober as there are plenty of things to do in Darwin.
Darwin attractions
Mindil Beach Markets
Every Thursday from 5:30pm (May to Oct) the world famous beach markets spring into life. Sample tastes from around the world whilst surrounded by buskers, magicians, and other street performers. Then check out the jewellers, leatherworkers, artists, tarot card readers and masseurs.
We’d recommend taking a picnic, crashing on the beach and soaking up the atmosphere. Remember to take cash – this is a beach market, after all.
Wharf Precinct
- Darwin City beach – Darwin’s chief family attraction is man-made, giving Top Enders the chance to swim in controlled waters without worrying about crocs or box jellyfish
- Wave lagoon – wave pool with some boogie boards and water tubes available
- Harbour cruises – take a sunset cruise, a BBQ lunch cruise, or a day trip to Mandorah
- Fishing – Stokes Hill Wharf is a good spot to start. With plenty of eateries around you could easily spend the whole day here
- Australian Pearling Exhibition – explore the history (and future) of the local pearling industry
- Indo Pacific Marine – a unique exhibition where each exhibit sustains itself
Deckchair Cinema
One of our favourite Darwin attractions, and definitely our favourite way to watch a movie. The open-air cinema opens 7 days a week (Apr to Nov). Bring a picnic or buy a hot meal or snack. There’s no BYOB but you can get a drink from the licensed kiosk. A great, if slightly surreal experience – just don’t forget the insect repellent.
Aquascene
Head to Doctors Gully at high tide and hand feed hundreds of fish including rays, milkfish, catfish and barramundi. An astonishing experience and safe, even for kids.
Crocodylus Park
10,000(!) crocodiles call this park home, along with plenty of other Australian animals and some non-native ones including tigers, lions, and monkeys. The Crocodile Museum’s worth a look too.
Crocosaurus Cove
Darwin diving comes with an added dose of jeopardy. Call us wimps, but we haven’t braved Crocosaurus Cove’s Cage of Death. Australia’s only crocodile dive experience lowers you amongst the crocodiles, in cages for 1-2 people, giving you 360° views of these ancient creatures.
At around $120 for a 5 minute dive in a shared cage (which includes park entry fee) it’s one of the pricier things to do in Darwin but it’s a unique experience. You’ll find Crocosaurus Cove in the centre of Darwin so it’s easy to visit.
Darwin Military Museum
Military memorabilia and photos explain Australia’s role in WWII.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
History, art and culture collide through collections of Aboriginal, Oceanic and South-East Asian art. You’ll also find plenty on the region’s pre and post-colonisation history.
Darwin. So Good They Rebuilt It Twice
Flattened by the Japanese in WWII, then again by Cyclone Tracey on Christmas Eve 1974, Darwin isn’t much to look at. But then, if you’d been destroyed twice you wouldn’t look great either.
Friendly locals
Box jellyfish are in NT waters all year but are more common Oct to May (and hang around a bit longer in Darwin).
Crocodile traps are used to remove ‘Salties’ from highly populated areas around Darwin and rehome them in the wilderness. The traps catch between 250-300 crocs a year!
Read more about Australia’s scarier residents.
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