What to do and see in Darwin, Australia: The Best Places and Tips

December 9, 2017 Claudia Navarrete

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 FacilityNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

45 Stokes Hill Road | Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800, Australia +61 8 8983 5700
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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5 based on 443 reviews

RFDS Darwin Tourist FacilityNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility is a new and exciting development on the Stokes Hill Wharf that bring to life two iconic Australian stories. The first iconic story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known throughout Australia as the RFDS. Founded by the Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin Harbour on 19th February 1942. The bombing of the harbour brought destruction to the city of Darwin, and many of the experiences and stories of what happened that day through the most modern and exciting technology.

Reviewed By CDTaylor80 - Mosman, Australia

Don't miss this top quality historical tourism experience. For one admission price you get two great themes. Bombing of Darwin and Royal Flying Doctors both with quality video and VR experiences. First class!Wow! What a great review, our team is very happy to hear that you enjoyed the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS and relived the drama of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. Kind Regards Sam

2. Defence of Darwin Experience

5434 Alec Fong Lim Drive | East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801, Australia +61 8 8981 9702
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 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 sandra w - Mareeba, Australia

This place is amazing to learn more about the bombing of Darwin and what happened is incredible. Very well set out and so interesting. After viewing inside one is able to wander around outside at all the displays and old war tanks, guns etc. Another "must do" while visiting Darwin.

3. Leanyer Recreation Park

215 Vanderlin Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory 0812, Australia +61 8 8927 4199
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 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 Hatfia - Melbourne, Australia

An amazing facility that is completely free! Three main water areas - one with various bits of equipment that tip/spray water, a large round pool with gently sloping edges and three great waterslides. Something for all ages! All surrounded by grassy areas to relax on. Fantastic! A skate park is next door which looked fun too.

19 Conacher St | Bullocky Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801, Australia +61 8 8999 8201
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Museum & 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 Cornucopia 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 itchyfeet2014 - Glasgow, United Kingdom

We walked here from the botanical Gardens as they are fairly close. Good exhibits and fine building. We came to see the aboriginal art but it was under reconstruction. It is still well worth visiting. Great wifi for free. Local bus stops right outside museum.

5. Darwin Aviation MuseumNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

557 Stuart Highway, Darwin, Northern Territory 0821, Australia +61 8 8947 2145
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 702 reviews

Darwin Aviation MuseumNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

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 DamianPursel - Darwin River, Australia

It was great.
The planes are amazing.
I loved the place, the B 52 stole my heart.
F-111s have always been the top gun of the Australian Forces, the one on show here is an ex US nuclear strike capabilities model.
Absolutely awesome.
The gun turrents especially the ball turrent was definitely educational.
The Cobra chopper was also a great piece to look over.
It is a little hot inside if you go late in the day but it is all worth it.
The price was good as well.,
I will be back for the open cockpit day, the sunday after ANZAC day

6. Wave LagoonNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

Darwin Waterfront | Kitchener Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia +61 8 8941 7260
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Wave LagoonNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

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 RogerLowestoft - Oulton Broad, United Kingdom

Apparently waves of any size are not around Darwin, so they built a lagoon and a machine to create them. Its a great place to for all to have fun. Its well managed, clean with life guards in place.

7. Berry Springs Nature ParkNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

Cox Peninsula Road, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia +61 8 8988 6310
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 823 reviews

Berry Springs Nature ParkNorthern TerritoryTop Family Activities in Darwin

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 DaFeena - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I love nature since I landed in Darwin. Everything seems so perfectly blend. Beautiful scenery with the nature forest scents. Recommended for camping and swimming. So awesome!!! The Waterfalls so inviting. There are three pools and you can choose the one that suits you. Getting busy at noon. Experience the water massage like in the SPA.

8. East Point Reserve

Alex Fong Lim Drive | East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801, Australia
Excellent
54%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

East Point Reserve

Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver

The HOHO bus uses the East Point road to get its customers to the Defense of Darwin Museum in East Point and, on its way, passes another tourist attraction, Fanny Bay Gaol. Passengers in vehicles on East Point Road can see the ocean every so often between the mangrove trees growing in the shallow water along the shoreline. Alongside the road, some spots had a grassy area with the occasional picnic table. We were excited to see a huge group of wallabies feeding in the grassy vacant lot beside the Defense of Darwin Museum. The museum is located close to an anti-air bunker the remains of which could be seen through the wire fence. East Point Reserve area probably offers more for locals to investigate; tourists are content to just see the museums in this part of town. Visitors would need a car if wanting to spend time along the waterfront. Good for a drive to the museums.

9. Nightcliff Jetty

Casuarina Drive, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 178 reviews

Nightcliff Jetty

Reviewed By Krakonosh - Australia

Nice to catch a few fish, talk to the locals and look at the sunset. Good parking and a chance to spot a little groovy food van called Needle in the Haystack dishing out tasty meals.

10. Darwin WaterfrontNorthern TerritoryExplore Australia's tropical north

7 Kitchener Dr | Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800, Australia
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 752 reviews

Darwin WaterfrontNorthern TerritoryExplore Australia's tropical north

Reviewed By papillon2020 - Brisbane, Australia

Darwin has done a terrific job creating this area at the waterfront. There's a swimming area, water park, wave pool, wonderful boardwalk and more. You can have a great walk around the area, stopping at one of many restaurants and bars. It's a very pleasant day out.

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