Things to Do in Darwin | Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Australia’s Northern Territory

By Craig Last updated Jun 3, 2023

Darwin is a spectacular place to live in or visit as a tourist. It is located in Australia’s Northern Territory and is one of the sunniest places in Australia. We have beautiful beaches, wildlife territories and other relaxing places here. There is heaps to do here and enjoy your time and you should definitely include a trip up to Darwin on your next adventure.

Here we will go through some of the best things to do in Darwin and how you can make the most of your time here so you leave with absolutely no regrets.

Looking for awesome things to do in other parts of Australia? Check out our posts about things you can do in Melbourne, Sydney, etc. We have all our posts about things you can do in Australia conveniently located here.

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1. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

This Gallery is home to International renowned artworks, cultural collections and scientific discoveries. There are exhibitions and public programs occurring all throughout the year as well as tours. The location features excellent cafes and tourist shops for you to grab a snack and a souvenir to remember your travels. It is a must visit if you are lucky enough to come to Darwin!

2. Darwin Waterfront Precinct

This is located in the centre of the Darwin CBD and offers the best food, attractions, nature and culture that Darwin has to offer you. There are countless cafes and restaurants and unique markets which you can exlplore. For all the water lovers out there, this is the perfect place to swim. The best part is that there are always events and other activities going on so most likely there will be something happening when you visit. This place should be on your things to do in Darwin list so you don’t miss out on the best tourist sites and attractions that Darwin has to offer.

3. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens are located a short distance of 2km north of Darwin’s CBD. They are the perfect place to go to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy its calmness and serenity. The gardens also contain unique species of tropical plants as well as retail gift shop and an event space that you can hire if you want to host an event. The best part is that the entry to the garden is completely free.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure you add this to your things to do in Darwin list for when you come here!

4. Crocosaurus Cove

If the above recommendations have been too serene and calm for you, then this next one will be perfect for all the daredevils and thrill seekers out there. Crococaurus Cover is also known as Australia’s ‘Cage of Death’. It is Australia’s only crocodile dive and gives visitors a close and personal view of Australia’s saltwater crocodiles. Due to high demands for this death defying adventure, there is a waitlist and you need to book in advance.

The region also offers a fresh water aquarium and turtle billabong for those of us who can’t handle crocodiles.

Overall, a great adventure to experience at least once during your lifetime!

5. Darwin Military Museum

The Darwin Military Museum is a popular tourist attraction established in 1960 by the Royal Australian Association of the Northern Territory. It aims to collect souvenirs and artefacts from all international conflicts and wars where Australia troops were deployed and be a way to celebrate their bravery. This museum has significant historic value and is continually being expanded to showcase more artefacts including uniforms, vehicles, paintings, firearms and so much more.

It features scenic walks, parks and beautiful views if you want to drive through it. You can also book a tour with a tour guide to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. There is also a picnic area to enjoy a sunny afternoon here.

6. Wave Lagoon

The Wave Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in Darwin. This area is free from any crocodiles and rolls out 10 different wave patterns from gentle waves to those up to 1.2m in height perfect for surfers. There is also a shallow water area perfect for kids and a shady area to sit and enjoy the sun, have a snack and take a break from the water if you want. This attraction is perfect to soak up the sun and enjoy the waves. A definite must visit if you come to Darwin.

7. Darwin Aviation Museum

The Darwin Aviation Museum is a popular museum and it aims to remind visitors of Darwin’s role in World War II. It contains impressive exhibits of jets. helicopters and other memoirs of World War II.

8. Mindil Beach Casino Resort

This Resort is the ultimate destination to experience the Northern Territory at its fullest. It offers exquisite and delicious food and drink options and lavish rooms. The Resort offers fitness options, gaming areas and conference facilities as well. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a private beach area.

If nothing else is on your things to do in Darwin list yet, definitely add this one in!

9. Parap Village Markets

This is the perfect place to spend time with the locals and experience what Darwin truly is. Located close to the city, the Parap Village Markets are easy to get to. They feature a wide array of stalls which sell local arts and crafts and delicious foods from all over the world to excite your taste buds. They open from 8AM to 2PM every Saturday so make sure you plan your trip in advance so you don’t miss out on this wholesome and fulfilling experience.

10. Bicentennial Park

Located in Darwin’s CBD, this park is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. It features exercise equipment, playground and walking and cycling trails. This park overlooks the harbour and give you stunning views to enjoy. It is also home to the Darwin Cenotaph which is an important monument to commemorate Australian soldiers.

The park is also open for bookings to host events such as weddings, birthdays and other important events.

11. Crocodylus Park

If swimming with crocodiles is not your thing but you still want to see crocodiles, the Crocodylus Park is perfect for you! It features thousands of crocodiles as well as other animals such as lions, spider monkeys, cassowaries and many more. They have activities running all throughout the day which you can enjoy and is a must visit if you want to enjoy the wildlife.

12. Mindil Beach Sunset Market

This market contains over 200 stalls and features a wide variety of items including foods, drinks, arts, clothes, jewellery and so much more! Located at the beach, this is the perfect place to spend time with the local communities, learn more about the culture and enjoy all sorts of multicultural foods. Truly a memorable experience!

Conclusion

Overall, Darwin is a fantastic place to come travel and explore. It features great beaches, tasty foods, traditional markets and wonderful wildlife experiences. Hopefully this article helps you create your own things to do in Darwin list and you are able to make the most out of coming here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days do I need in Darwin?

It depends on how many tourist attractions and sites you are wanting to visit. At least 3 days would be needed to enjoy the main attractions and more if you want to relax and spend more time and visit additional sites. The best advice is to plan your trip beforehand, decide which places you want to visit and make any booking if needed. This will ensure a smooth and stress free holiday.

Is Darwin good for students?

Darwin is a diverse place where people of many countries reside. Darwin always welcomes overseas students and also provides a better environment for students from different countries.

Is Darwin Airport busy?

Darwin International Airport is the sole international airport in the Northern Territory and is becoming busier.

Is Darwin a good place to settle?

Darwin is becoming an increasingly popular place where residents from other states and countries are coming to settle. It has a great culture, beautiful sites, employment opportunities and the cost of living is lower compared to bigger cities such as Melbourne and Sydney.

Why are Darwin buses free?

Fuel prices and household expenditures have continuously been rising. To combat these issues, Darwin introduced free bus services to assist their residents.