15 Best Things To Do In Darwin (Australia)

Darwin is the only Australian state capital with a tropical climate. It is located in the far north of the Northern Territory (NT). With an average winter temperature of 30°C, Darwin is the ideal getaway destination for visitors from cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, monsoonal summer rains can be torrential, so if you can, try to travel during the dry season. The former frontier outpost of Darwin has a distinct aura of the tropics colliding with the desert, and it successfully combines an outdoorsy, overgrown small-town vibe with an interesting history, a flourishing and multicultural present, and a promising future. There’s plenty to do for nature lovers, gallery-hoppers, gourmands, and sports-minded types alike in this gorgeous city, and it definitely deserves a spot on your Australian travel itinerary. Let’s examine the top activities in Darwin:

Stroll through the Darwin Botanic Gardens

These beautiful, tropical botanic gardens, which are only a short stroll from Darwin’s city centre, highlight the indigenous flora in all its splendour. There are numerous walking pathways to enjoy and waterfalls to take in. These gardens are difficult to describe without actually seeing them, but if you’re in Darwin, you must visit them.

Relax and unwind at the Douglas Hot Springs

Making the most of your travel opportunities is entertaining, but it can also be exhausting. The Douglas Hot Springs are a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate so that you can prepare to explore Darwin and its surroundings even more. With pools of varying temperatures (some of which are too hot to swim in, so be careful), these ponds provide a lush sanctuary in parched forests. The area is also abundant in flora and fauna; you may see over 100 different native bird species here, and Butterfly Gorge’s rock face is home to tens of thousands of butterflies.

Mindil Beach

Although Mindil Beach is stunning and well worth a visit on its own, you really must check out the Sunset Markets (which take place during the dry season). Darwin’s global character is at its peak in these markets, which are styled after the night markets of Asia and provide delectable cuisine from all over the world. The markets are home to more than 300 small companies, which make a substantial economic contribution and pleasure both locals and tourists.

Check out the sunsets and watersports at Darwin Ski Club

The Darwin Ski Club has been a Darwin landmark for fifty years because of its stunning views of Darwin Harbour and an amazing selection of watersports. If you’ve ever wanted to try wakeboarding or water skiing, this is the ideal location to do so. There are also swimming pools, a bistro, and a social club where you can unwind. With your travelling buddies, you can have a beautiful drink and dinner while watching the sunset over the port.

Visit the Tiwi Islands

Nine islands make up the Tiwi Islands chain, which is located 80 kilometres north of Darwin and has two inhabited islands. The Tiwi people, an indigenous Australian group, make up the large bulk of the population on these two islands. They are the first indigenous peoples to have historically recorded contact with Europeans and are thought to have resided there for at least 7,000 years (Dutch explorers, in the early 18th Century). It’s a wonderful destination to visit to see the rich indigenous history and culture, the growing local art scene that contributes significantly to the culture and economy of the Tiwi Islands, and the interesting myths and tales that have shaped their societies. Since the islands have been isolated from Australia’s mainland since the last ice age, numerous threatened or endangered species can be found here, making it a wonderful location for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Additionally, it is the location of a sea turtle conservation programme and 1% of the great knot population worldwide. Numerous other beautiful and unique bird species can be seen here, including the stunning variety of lorikeets and northern rosellas. The island itself doesn’t have many tourist attractions per se, but that is part of the appeal of this remote region of Australia: you are visiting a great community with friendly residents and enough breathtaking natural beauty to appreciate. In order to truly experience the Tiwi Islands, visitors can also take part in cultural and wildlife tours led by the indigenous populace.

Check out the massive magnetic termite mounds

There are literally hundreds of enormous termite-built buildings here, some of which are two metres tall and contain nursery chambers, tunnels, chimneys, and other features. For the best views, there is also a proper boardwalk and platform. Every continent in the world has termite mounds, but only Australia has these “magnetic” mounds, so-called because they frequently line up from north to south.

Visit the Chinese Temple and Museum Chung Wah

Darwin is a cosmopolitan city, with a substantial Chinese population that, at one point (the 1870s), even outnumbered its European population. In the Territory, there were about 6,000 Chinese people towards the end of the 19th century; “Coolies” were hired to labour on the goldfields and construct railroads. Around 3,500 Chinese people live in Darwin at the moment, and the Chinese Temple and Museum Chung Wah are two of the vibrant hubs of the community. The lovely temple (originally built in 1887) is utilised every day as a place of prayer, and the museum chronicles the history of the Chinese people of the Territory over more than a century. Visits to the temple during festivals are very exciting, and during Chinese New Year, lion dancers perform all across the city as they bless more than 400 homes and businesses.

Get up close and personal with crocodiles

For most Australians and everyone who knows Crocodile Dundee, the Northern Territory is the first place that comes to mind when you hear of people (Prince Harry, for example!) grappling crocodiles. There are even beaches that are unsafe to swim in because of the high number of crocodiles nearby, and searching those waters for a crocodile to grapple with may get you a Darwin Award (for stupid ways to die; named for the eminent anthropologist, not the Australian city!) There are, however, a number of locations where you may enjoy getting up close and personal with these amazing reptiles without running the danger of harming yourself or others. Crocosaurus Cove offers the terrifying Cage of Death experience. The only thing preventing you from becoming crocodile food is the cage you’re inside as it is lowered into crocodile-infested waters. To the delight of the helpful staff at Croc Cove, a video of the cage posted to the Unilad Facebook page has been viewed more than 30 million times since it was posted in October 2016. A crocodile biologist founded Crocodylus Park, which is another attraction. With over a thousand crocodiles in the park, it’s a little less frightening and a little more family-friendly, but it’s still a great place to get to know Darwin’s favourite enormous reptile. Excellent educational materials are available on crocodiles and the many other animals that call the park home, including meerkats and endangered iguanas.

Cruise the Mary River wetlands

The Mary River wetlands transform into an inland sea during the “wet season,” home to crocodiles and an astoundingly diverse array of fish and birds. As the inland sea starts to dry out once more, the wetlands are also well worth a visit during the dry season for fantastic views of the crocodiles and birds. You can cruise the Mary River year-round, and it’s an amazing way to get to know the local wildlife.

Learn about Darwin’s World War II history

With 300 bombs being dropped on the city in February 1942, Darwin was one of the few locations on the Australian mainland to be directly targeted by the Japanese during World War 2. You can learn about the history of Darwin’s experience in the war at various significant sites around the city, as well as the highly informative Defence of Darwin Experience, the adjacent Darwin Military Museum, the Aviation Heritage Centre, and the Cenotaph overlooking Darwin Harbour.

Learn about Aboriginal art and culture

There are many ways to learn about the fascinating indigenous history of the Northern Territory. For art lovers, galleries like the Aboriginal Bush Traders, Outstation Gallery, and Mbantua Fine Art Gallery are highly recommended. You can also take excellent indigenous cultural tours at the Pudakul Aboriginal Culture Tours, just under an hour’s drive from Darwin.

Feast your eyes and mind at the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Do you enjoy history or fine art? Travelling with a history buff and an art lover? You’re pressed for time and can’t decide whether you want to attend an art gallery or a museum. You can do both at the Museum & Art Gallery (MAGNT)! The history of the Northern Territory is fascinating, spanning from its approximately 60,000-year-old indigenous past to the early European settlement of Darwin as a frontier outpost and later as a thriving colonial capital. Understanding the history of the city and territory will make your visit even more interesting because you will be able to fully comprehend what you are experiencing. The exhibits in the gallery and museum are equally fascinating, and the gallery focuses on local artists while displaying both traditional and contemporary art (European and indigenous). After spending a few hours on your feet seeing everything MAGNT has to offer, you can unwind in the wonderful café that looks out onto the ocean.

Chill out at the Wave Lagoon

The Wave Lagoon really is a perfect way to beat the heat because it consistently has hot weather, even in the winter. The views from the lagoon are stunning, and it’s such a lovely spot to relax and rejuvenate while you enjoy the feeling of relaxing in a tropical resort without having to pay resort prices. It’s a wave pool, as you might have guessed from the name, with waves that peak at 1.7 metres high but progressively go smaller depending on which portion of the pool you’re in. For the enjoyment of the youngest visitors, there is even a wave-free area. Since Darwin’s beaches are typically croc-infested, the Wave Lagoon is a great alternative that both tourists and residents adore. There is a tonne of dining and shopping nearby because it is a part of the Darwin Waterfront complex.

Cruise through Darwin Harbour

The pristine waters of Darwin’s gorgeous foreshore make a perfect starting point for a relaxing cruise down the waterways of Darwin Harbour. Sunset vistas, sampling platters of regional cuisine, and educational commentary on the man-made and natural sites you’ll encounter during the voyage are all available to you. It’s a lovely, well-liked way to discover the city’s maritime features.

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Darwin Casino

Darwin Casino is the only casino in Darwin and is a member of the well-known Skycity casino group. It was the second casino to ever open in Australia. The interior is tastefully decorated, and in addition to a great selection of tables and machines, you’ll also discover upscale bars, top-notch eateries, and even resort lodgings like the Skycity Infinity Pool. Even if gaming isn’t your thing, exploring the resort is enjoyable to take in the stunning surroundings and opulent ambience.