The 10 Best Things to do in Darwin, Northern Territory

August 10, 2021 Velvet Mowry

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
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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
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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
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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%
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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
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Poor
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Terrible
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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
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Terrible
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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. Wave Lagoon

Darwin Waterfront Kitchener Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8941 7260 [email protected] http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/wave-lagoon
Excellent
55%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,392 reviews

Wave Lagoon

One of the Waterfront's coolest attractions is the Wave Lagoon: a palm-fringed swimming pool that turns into a tube-riding, boogie-boarding bucket of fun when the waves roll in every 20 minutes. The fully patrolled Wave Lagoon is two metres at its deepest point and slopes to a shallow area of still water, perfect for families. Bring your book: there are plenty of banana lounges, beach umbrellas and shady patches of lawn. Aqua Zumba classes every Sunday from 9am are a HUGE hit with tourists and locals alike.

Reviewed By uter

For $4.50 per person al day with walk inn/out = awesome value Has life guards on duty, wave were big enough to have fun with and when for a good length of time when on. supplied noodles, and boogie boards part of the deal

8. Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Dr Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia +61 499 450 188 https://northernterritory.com/us/en/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/darwin-waterfront
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,007 reviews

Darwin Waterfront

There is fun for everyone at the Darwin Waterfront. Home to the wave pool, where you can attempt to ride the waves - and a waterfront lagoon for safe beachside swimming. The Waterfront encompasses many fresh, local food options, including Mexican, seafood and Asian. Stokes Hill Wharf is a short walk across the bridge where you can grab some local fish and chips and watch the sunset.

Reviewed By MrShibuya - Darwin, Australia

I have lived up here 5 years and keep going back to this place. Excellent fish and chips, Out at end if the wharf) great service, price and a fantastic view.

9. 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
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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.

10. Crocosaurus Cove

Corner of Mitchell & Peel Streets, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8981 7522 [email protected] http://www.crocosauruscove.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,987 reviews

Crocosaurus Cove

Crocosaurus Cove allows visitors a unique, up close and personal view of massive saltwater crocodiles, crocodile hatchlings, juveniles as well as being home to the World’s largest display of Australian reptiles and the famous Cage of Death. The Cage of Death is the only cage in the world that brings you face to face with some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in captivity. Remember to bring your bathers and ‘Swim with the Crocs’ in our unique swimming area that allows you to get up close to our very active juveniles. Don’t miss the chance to feed these hungry juveniles as part of our latest attraction, "fishing for crocs" ...this is a photo opportunity not to be missed. Meet the reptiles and learn more about the Top End’s unique and favourite critters such as Western Bearded Dragons and Olive Pythons. Check out the barramundi in our 200,000 litre freshwater aquarium and don’t forget our gorgeous top end turtle enclosure. All this and a daily program of fun & interactive reptile activities await you at Crocosaurus Cove, in the heart of Darwin City.

Reviewed By Kris026aus

It was amazing, the staff were so helpful with how scared I was and after a couple of minutes I started to really enjoy myself and then within 5 just loved it.. one of the best experiences of my life, will recommend to everyone.. the staff, facilities and crocs were fabulous and don’t forget to hold the baby croc, their adorable ????

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