Darwin
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Australia’s only tropical capital, Darwin is a modern city nestled on a harbour more than twice the size of Sydney’s. Feel the tropical breeze in your hair as you cruise the balmy waters of Australia’s Top End at sunset. Truly multicultural, more than 50 nationalities make up Darwin’s 100,000 population, including the area’s traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people.
Darwin is a fascinating blend of cultures, with an amazing mix of festivals, beachside night markets, museums and nightlife. This city is closer to Jakarta than to Canberra and is a gateway for many Asian destinations. Dramatic landscapes from coastlines, savannah woodlands and rugged escarpments to deep gorges, waterfalls and billabongs are all within reach.
Darwin Sections - click to expand
Whether you’re interested in discovering more about the natural environment, Aboriginal culture or the pioneering history of Darwin, you can see it all at the various attractions and national parks scattered throughout the region.
Walks
Darwin is a great walking city. The Darwin Visitor Information Centre has a free heritage map that details 17 places of interest. Walk around Fannie Bay to the East Point Military Museum (five kilometres) or visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens and stroll among palms, orchids, every species of baobab in the world, and mangroves.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are a Darwin institution. Be one of the thousands who throng around the 200 stalls on Thursday and Sunday evenings from April to October. There is a dazzling array of market food, arts, and crafts to purchase while performers create a treat for our senses. With nearly 60 food stalls from more than 30 different countries, the hardest part about eating at the Markets is making a choice. Crowds flock to the beach to watch our famous sunset as it dips, fiery red, into Darwin Harbour.
Visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Website
Territory Wildlife Park
Wonderfully re-created natural habitats house Northern Territory wildlife at the Territory Wildlife Park. With monsoon rainforest boardwalks, lagoons with bird hides, a walk-through aviary, an aquarium with stingrays and sawfish, and a nocturnal house with marsupials such as the bilby you will meet many of our local animals here.
Visit the Territory Wildlife Park Website
Crocodylus Park
Large estuarine crocodiles leap high out of the water to catch their food in the main pond of Crocodylus Park. Only 15-minutes drive from town, Crocodylus Park is a privately funded wildlife research and breeding facility that is open to the public. The Park specialises in wildlife conservation, management and sustainable use. There is an educational museum dedicated to crocodiles. You can meet other local and exotic wildlife here too.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, South-east Asian and oceanic art and maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences are among the collections here. There are five major permanent galleries, a touring gallery, educational facilities for school groups, a theatre and the Cornucopia Museum Cafe with harbour views.
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Website
East Point Military Museum
Uncover Darwin’s wartime history at the East Point Military Museum. During World War II, Darwin was bombed 64 times and 12 ships were sunk in the harbour. East Point Reserve, just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, is a favourite spot for sunset picnics and home to a colony of agile wallabies.
Visit the East Point Military Museum Website
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre houses an impressive collection of the Territory's aviation history and reminds us of Darwin's frontier role in World War II. A B-52 bomber on loan from the United States is the prized exhibit at the Centre, which is 10 minutes out of Darwin. Also on display is a B-25 Mitchell bomber, Mirage and Sabre jet fighters and rare Japanese Zero fighter wreckage.
Visit the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre Website
Australian Pearling Exhibition
The Australian Pearling Exhibition at the Wharf Precinct in Darwin tells the story of our pearling history, from the days of the lugger and hard hat diving, to modern farming and pearl culturing techniques. The exhibition, a time capsule of facts and stories from Australia's Pearl Coast, reveals an industry steeped in mystery, danger and romance.
Markets
Darwin has a variety of weekend markets – each with its own specialties. As well as the Mindil Markets, a Saturday morning laksa and coffee at the Parap Market is a ritual for locals. Treat yourself to organic vegetables at Coolalinga Market. Sunday mornings lend themselves to fresh-picked tropical fruits and Asian vegetables at Rapid Creek Market, or hand-made clothing at Nightcliff Market.
Mitchell Street
Mitchell Street is where the action is. Irish pubs, nightclubs, Aussie bars, a cinema, the theatre and al fresco dining options line the streets. During the day, do your shopping here, book your tour at the tourist information centre and make your calls home at the Internet cafe. In the evening, catch up with mates, enjoy a cabaret performance and dance the night away.
Cullen Bay
A short drive from the CBD is Cullen Bay, where ocean breezes and water views will draw you into the local restaurants. There’s everything from Greek-inspired oysters to French-influenced barramundi, with Thai squid and beer-battered prawns thrown in for good measure. Featuring mainly seafood options, the restaurants can cater for all appetites. Sit back and relax at a picnic table on the wharf, or sit inside with an ocean view, either way, the dress is casual.
Fannie Bay
Best known for its views and pricey real estate, the restaurants at Fannie Bay are a must-visit. You can drink a glass of sparkling with breakfast at Cornucopia, but be sure to book, it’s always busy. Across the road is the Ski Club. The food here is pub style, and a wood-fired pizza oven cart arrives on Friday night. After a bike ride around East Point, try the Cool Spot for a trendy hangout and big breakfast.
At the Arafura Games you can see the champions of the future from across the Asia Pacific region. More than 3000 athletes from over 30 nations come to Darwin every two years to compete in more than 30 sports, from athletics to sepak takraw, the Malaysian game of kick volleyball. The Arafura Games are held at venues across Darwin and are open to the public.
Darwin is also host to the annual Heineken Hottest 7s in the World, which sees some of the world’s best seven a side international, interstate and local rugby union teams battle it out over two days for the title and large prize money.
The latest solar-powered cars depart Darwin and cross the Central Australian desert on the 3000 kilometres to Adelaide in the name of friendly competition, science and the environment in the biennial Panasonic World Solar Challenge.
Darwin International and Domestic Airport is only a short drive (12.5 kilometres) north-east from the town centre. You can take a shuttle-bus or taxi from the airport. Rental cars are also available.
Darwin Bus Service operates in the city and surrounding suburbs. Greyhound Australia operates daily services from Darwin to Kakadu, Broome, Perth and Alice Springs.