The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Darwin, Northern Territory

May 17, 2022 Kelli Reichel

As the Northern Territory’s thriving capital, Darwin attracts travelers from all around the globe for its outdoor, tropical lifestyle. With waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences and access to the Tiwi Islands all within a few minutes of the city center, there’s enough to do to fill a weekend or a week.
Restaurants in Darwin

1. RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

45 Stokes Hill Road Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia +61 8 8983 5700 [email protected] http://rfdsdarwin.com.au/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 995 reviews

RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility is an exciting attraction on Stokes Hill Wharf that brings to life two iconic Australian stories. Both iconic stories are retold using state of the art technology including Virtual Reality headsets, hologram movies, audio-visuals and touch screen TVs as well as the fascinating story boards. The first story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known as the RFDS. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero-medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second story is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing raids by the Japanese, brought destruction to the city of Darwin and many of the events that happened that day are featured. The RFDS Tourist Facility is a must see in Darwin for visitors of all ages and families to have an interesting learning experience about Darwin's history.

Reviewed By Mighty-yt-au

Well worth a Visit great insight into the history of this iconic Australian institution it is also part of the WWII Bombing of Darwin museum

19 Conacher St Bullocky Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia +61 8 8999 8264 [email protected] http://www.magnt.net.au
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,402 reviews

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the NT's premier cultural institution. Enjoy permanent exhibition highlights such as Cyclone Tracy, Natural History and Sweetheart, a famous croc as well as exciting temporary exhibitions. Enjoy a meal at the picturesque Saltwater cafe overlooking the sea or purchase a book or gift at the Store at the Museum. Entry is free. MAGNT runs an engaging series of talks, public programs, workshops and school holiday programs. Check out the website for details

Reviewed By 341ceceliac

What a lovely gem of a place. Beautifully laid out with some amazing pieces. The area allocated to Cyclone Tracy was incredible - all Australians should experience the exhibit particularly the sound booth which recreates the sound of the cyclone. And Sweetheart is here too - poor Sweetheart - finally left in peace. Such an extraordinary creature. The bird exhibition is also amazing. Don’t miss any of it.

3. Darwin Aviation Museum

557 Stuart Highway, Darwin, Northern Territory 0821 Australia +61 8 8947 2145 [email protected] http://www.darwinaviationmuseum.com.au/
Excellent
59%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 915 reviews

Darwin Aviation Museum

A B-52 bomber (one of only two on display outside the U.S.) is exhibited here along with other military aircraft, engines and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin.

Reviewed By marinemw - Nottingham, United Kingdom

A fantastic aviation museum with the only B52 bomber in the southern hemisphere, surrounded by many Aussie warplanes and history of the Australian aviation. Darwin was 1st port of call in the early days of international flight when it used to take a couple of days to get to Singapore and S.E.Asia and 10 + days to reach Europe, and early aviators made landfall in Darwin. Great museum and exhibits.

4. Mindil Beach

The Gardens, Darwin, Northern Territory 0820 Australia http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/explore/out-and-about/find-a-facility/mindil-beach
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,839 reviews

Mindil Beach

Situated just 5 minutes from Darwin City, Mindil Beach is a local’s favourite for watching tropical sunsets over the ocean. With a palm filled, grassy reserve, Mindil Beach is popular for markets and events. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets take place here every Thursday and Sunday evening throughout the dry season (April to October). Follow the surrounding walking paths, which take you from Mindil Beach to Fannie Bay and East Point Reserve.

Reviewed By Billatraveller - Perth, Australia

Have visited Darwin many times over the last 30 years and a visit to Mindil Markets and to view the Sunset is always a must do on every visit, The variety of food stalls is amazing and they really highlight the diversity of Darwins population. Market stalls are always worth a browse and the sunset has never let e down. Go see for yourself.

5. Mindil Beach Markets

Maria Liveris Drive Mindil Beach, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8981 3454 [email protected] http://www.mindil.com.au
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 770 reviews

Mindil Beach Markets

The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets see the congregation of over 200 unique stalls, ranging from incredible local and international cuisine to an array of arts, crafts and services stalls. The Market also supports and provides opportunity to Darwin and regional NT artists from all genres of creative and performing arts to showcase their talent. The combination of amazing food, arts and culture, set to the backdrop of the spectacular sunset, creates an electric atmosphere.

Reviewed By BonzoD - Newcastle, Australia

As far as markets go Mindil Beach Markets is a good one. With a plethora of food choices, including a number of healthy food options and numerous juice bars, the intrepid visitor is sure to find something to captivate the senses and titillate the taste buds. When you add the vista of a spectacular sunset over Mindil Beach to the mix (check times and synchronise accordingly) - see photo attached - the Mindil Beach Markets is a must-see for anyone in Darwin with a couple of hours to spare on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

6. Berry Springs Nature Park

Cox Peninsula Road, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8988 6310 http://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/berry-springs-nature-park
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,054 reviews

Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs Nature Park, is a great location close to Darwin where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a BBQ. A great place to unwind after spending a day at the Territory Wildlife Park. Please check our website for access to swimming. During the wet season, October-April, the pools may be closed when swimming is considered to be unsafe.

Reviewed By RobbieTain

Don't get me wrong, Litchfield is certainly a special place and one worth visiting, but Berry Springs has all of what Litchfield has with none of the frenetic tourist hustle and bustle. As soon as you dip below the surface of the crystal clear spring waters you are met with sense of warmth and peace. The spring keeps the water at a constant temperature year round. It's like being in a perfect bath, only with minature waterfall and tropical rainforest surrounding you. There are bbq facilities and ample space to share a picnic lunch and as soon as you have spent enough time in the sun drying off it's a perfect time to grab a floating noodle and head back in.

7. Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex

Portion 2788 Hundred of Bagot, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia 8947 1471 http://www.sportandrecreation.nt.gov.au/venues/hidden_valley
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex

8. Leanyer Recreation Park

215 Vanderlin Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory 0812 Australia +61 8 8927 4199 [email protected] http://www.topend.ymca.org.au/leanyer
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 355 reviews

Leanyer Recreation Park

On November 15th 2010, the YMCA proudly assumed management of the Leanyer Recreation Park. Entry is free to this fantastic venue.The Park consists of dry and wet recreational area's. There are 3 massive water slides where you can ride the water, a water park with swimming area's and a water playground, just the place to get wet and splash around in. There is also a dry play ground, a skate park, a half basketball court, BBQ's, a Cafe and lots of shaded area'sThe newly opened cafe is a great place for a coffee and a bite to eat. it also has catering available to busy mums and other organizations. menu's are available on our website.The Recreation Park is open daily from 8am to 8pm. The Water Park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm during school terms. During School Holidays we are open every day from 10am to 7pm. On Public Holidays we are also open from 10am - 7pm.

Reviewed By Kerrie0m - Ambarvale, Australia

What a brilliant place for the family! Great way to have a safe swim in NT. Very clean, spacious with a great atmosphere. 3 big slides for the big kids, big water play park, fountain area and massive playground and huge lagoon pool. BBQs and picnic tables under shade cloths around the park, plus a small cafe and vending machine. Several lifeguards at the lagoon and slides. Easy to get to with a car, plenty of parking.

9. East Point Reserve

Alex Fong Lim Drive East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/live/your-community/parks-and-reserves/east-point-reserve
Excellent
55%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 301 reviews

East Point Reserve

Reviewed By GregA808 - Darwin, Australia

I love visiting the reserve with my family. I can kick back and let the kids enjoy the beach or playground. All year safe swimming makes it though.

10. Defence of Darwin Experience

5434 Alec Fong Lim Drive East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia +61 8 8981 9702 [email protected] http://www.defenceofdarwin.nt.gov.au/
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,036 reviews

Defence of Darwin Experience

The Defence of Darwin Experience is managed by Darwin Military Museum on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. It was established to tell a story of Darwin's role in World War II and is dedicated to the period 1932 to 1945 - a very important time in Territory history. The Defence of Darwin Experience opened on 18 February 2012, which was in time to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Defence of Darwin Experience is the first facility in Australia to provide visitor with an immersive, interactive, multimedia experience which extends beyond the physical walls of the precinct 'hub'. The Defence of Darwin Experience is fully airconditioned inlcuding a gift shop and cafe. The Darwin Military Museum is only a step outside of the Defence of Darwin Experience, providing visitors with a different experience: artillery pieces; vehicles, uniforms, firearms, models and paintings and much more. The Darwin Military Museum is the original military museum which was established from the 1960s by the Royal Australian Association of the Northern Territory. The Darwin Military Museum is continuing to expand by adding more exhibitions to further educate visitors of Northern Australia involvement in WWII. Defence of Darwin Experience and Darwin Military Museum has formed a large World War II precinct at East Point. Visitors can move through the precinct and view the displays and exhibitions offered by both facilities.

Reviewed By trio10

Well worth the visit , short indoor movie to watch with individual peoples wartime experience inter woven with it through displays in and around the theatre. Also lots of outdoor display areas and war time gun emplacements to see.

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