9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN DARWIN, AUSTRALIA
“Darwin is the culturally diverse coastal hub of the Northern Territory. Even though Darwin is a gateway to some of Northern Australia’s most beautiful natural sights, it is also a place where you can enjoy the laid-back tropical lifestyle of the Top End.”
Darwin has a distinct tropics-meets-outback atmosphere, and this old frontier outpost manages to combine an outdoorsy, overgrown small-town feel with a rich past, a thriving and multicultural present, and a promising future. There’s enough to do in this beautiful city for nature lovers, gallery hoppers, gourmands, and sporty types alike, and it surely deserves a position on your Australian travel itinerary. However, Darwin is bulging with attractions, not just in surrounding areas, but right in the heart of the city. The tropical city has a diverse range of activities to suit all types of visitors. Regardless of all of that, there are a variety of activities to do that assure you to have a splendid time while in Darwin!
Learn about the area, get your blood pumping, or simply have your troubles magically disappear in many adventures.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DARWIN
- ENJOY THE FAMOUS MINDIL MARKETS
At the Mindil Markets, you can actually drink in public, so bring some cider or wine and watch the magic show that is the Darwin sunset.
Mindil Beach, located five minutes from the city centre, is one of Darwin’s greatest spots to enjoy the sunset. Most people go to Mindil Markets for dinner and dessert. There’s seafood, Indian, Chinese, crepes, wood-fired pizza, laksa, and so much more to choose from! There are also street entertainers, musicians, and several market stalls that sell a variety of rarities! It’s an easy way to keep busy for a few hours.
- JUMP ON A WORLD WAR 2 WALKING TOUR
In the midst of World War II, Darwin was hit by Japanese air strikes. A walking tour or a boat trip takes you to all of the raid’s key sites while also telling you about Darwin’s role in the war.
On a boat trip, you’ll see Australia’s only wartime battlefield, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, and other military monuments.
- GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH CROCODILES
There’s also Crocodylus Park, which was founded by a crocodile biologist.
Because of the high frequency of crocodiles in the seas near Darwin, there are even beaches that aren’t safe for swimming, and hunting for a croc to wrestle with may get you a Darwin Award. However, there are a few places where you can get up close and personal with these beautiful reptiles without putting your life or body parts at risk. It’s a bit more on the family-friendly and a bit less on the scary side; however, it’s an awesome place to get to know Darwin’s favourite huge reptile, with over a thousand crocs in the Park.
- MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Visiting this superb museum and gallery is one of the top free things to do in Darwin.
Situated in a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is one of seven related museums in the Northern Territory and provides a fantastic one-stop dose of heritage and culture. After exploring the complex, you may relax on the spacious verandah overlooking the water with a coffee and snack from the on-site café.
- CHILL OUT AT THE WAVE LAGOON
It’s part of the Darwin Waterfront complex, so there’s a lot of shopping and dining nearby.
With generally hot weather even in winter, the Wave Lagoon is a fantastic place to beat the heat; the views from the lagoon are stunning, and it’s such a beautiful area to relax and refresh as you enjoy the feeling of relaxing in a tropical resort, but without the resort price tag.
As you might have guessed from the name, it’s a wave pool, with waves that touch up to 1.7 meters at their highest, but get gradually lower depending on where you are in the pool. There’s even a wave-free area for the youngest visitors to enjoy.
- VISIT THE CHINESE TEMPLE AND MUSEUM CHUNG WAH
Darwin is a multicultural city with a significant Chinese community that once outnumbered the European population.
The Chinese population in Darwin is currently over 3,500 people, and the Chinese Temple and Museum Chung Wah are one of the community’s vibrant focal points. Visiting the temple during festivals is very fascinating, and around Chinese New Year, you’ll watch lion dancers around the city blessing over 400 businesses and residences.
- EAT DINNER ON STOKES HILL WHARF
There is a food court-style setting, but it’s right on the wharf!
Stokes Hill Wharf near the Darwin waterfront is one of the iconic places to go for dinner and drinks. There is a beautiful restaurant called Crustaceans (which I suggest if you want to taste crocodiles), but if it is too costly for you, there are other cheaper options as well, including Asian, Indian, and lots of seafood! Bring your own drinks and enjoy watching the sunset over the water.
- SEE THE TERMITE MOUNDS
Don’t travel all the way there just to see them; instead, just make it a stop on a day trip to the Litchfield waterfalls.
If you’re already in Litchfield National Park, the Termite Mounds are worth a visit. It’s amazing to see termite mounds that are taller than a person! This is just a quick attraction. It is right at the entrance of Litchfield National Park. You just pull over, explore the termite mounds, take a few photos, and continue on your way.
- TRY YOUR LUCK AT MINDIL BEACH CASINO
Even if you’re not interested in gambling, it’s delightful to wander around the resort and take in the beautiful setting and luxurious atmosphere.
A popular destination for those seeking an entertaining night out in Darwin, Mindil Beach Casino Resort has over 600 gaming machines, and a large number of table games to play. The casino is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. and offers accommodation, a spa, and a variety of food options for those who want to stay at the beachside resort.
This list has hopefully provided you with plenty of things to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Darwin.