Australia’s closest city to Bali has lots going for it. From world class national parks to speciality museums and croc experiences, find the best things to do in Darwin here.
Darwin is one of Australia’s underrated gems. Whether you’re going for a long weekend or a short month away, there’s plenty to see and do that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Darwin’s top 5 landmarks
While many people visit for the national parks, there’s lots of cool things to do in Darwin itself.
Crocosaurus Cove
Get up close with a live croc
An animal sanctuary dedicated to just one animal: the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Go here to see everything from hatchlings and juveniles up to fully-grown crocs. If you’re brave enough, you can go in the Cage of Death — a glass contraption that lets you enter the tank with nature’s ultimate killing machine.
Mindil Beach
Beautiful sunsets and weekly markets
Just five minutes from the city centre, Mindil Beach is a favourite spot for locals. The palm-fringed beach has stunning sunsets over the water. From April to October, the sunsets are complemented by evening markets on Thursdays and Sundays. More than 200 stallholders set up to sell food, art, crafts and more.
Museum and Art Gallery of the NT
Learn about the past and see traditional local art
Perfect on a rainy day (or when you need some air con), the MAGNT is the Northern Territory’s biggest collection of historical and cultural artifacts. Learn about Cyclone Tracy and famous croc Sweetheart and browse the ever-changing artistic showcases. Best of all, entry is free.
Darwin’s military past
Step away from the city and into nature at these manicured gardens
Find out more about the heavy bombing the city suffered in WWII at the Defence of Darwin Experience. Built in 2012, it’s a history lesson like no other. Next door, you can see the Darwin Military Museum which showcases army weapons, vehicles and artillery. If you want more, you can see a B-52 bomber at Darwin Aviation Museum as well as the wreckage of a Japanese plane shot down in a 1942 raid.
Darwin waterfront
Parklands, food and the Wave Lagoon
Darwin’s waterfront has undergone heavy redevelopment to turn it into a hub of dining, nature and manmade water attractions. With so many cuisines and styles of dining, it’s easy to eat every meal of your holiday here without ever having to repeat yourself. The waterfront is also home to the Wave Lagoon, created as a swimming safehaven away from hungry crocs.
Crocodiles can be seen in captivity and in the wild
Darwin enjoys warm weather year-round
Taste delicious seasonal fruits like mangos, bananas and guava
What other attractions are there in the Northern Territory?
If you’re visiting Darwin, chances are you’re also looking to explore the NT – and there are a whole host of incredible attractions found on Darwin’s doorstep.
Visit Kakadu
Enjoy one of Australia’s most stunning national parks
Reminiscent of many of the filming locations in Crocodile Dundee, Kakadu has some of the purest Australian landscapes you could hope to see. From lush forests and huge waterfalls to dry landscapes and ancient cave paintings, there’s much to see and (kaka)do here.
See crocs in the Adelaide River
See the famous jumping crocs
One of Darwin’s favourite tourist activities is joining a tour of Adelaide River. While we’re normally encouraged to leave the crocs well alone, highly trained operators have found a way to interact with crocs to encourage them to jump and entertain their boat passengers.
Cruise through Katherine Gorge
Take a trip to see natural beauty
Katherine Gorge, in Nitmiluk National Park, is a bit of a trek from Darwin, but it’s well worth a visit. If you have the time, you may want to spend a night or two in the area. The twisting sandstone gorge is best seen from a boat, but make time for bushwalks and a trip to Edith Falls as well.
Trek through Litchfield
Join a tour to see
Like Kakadu, Litchfield is a national natural wonder. Hire a guide to take you on bush walks, see towering termite cathedrals and swim in croc-free zones. Litchfield is home to the incredible Wangi Falls and Florence Falls, too.
Darwin costs
A rough guide to costs in Darwin:
Accommodation: Budget hotels can cost around $100 per night, while luxury hotels start from $300.
Food: A meal at a local restaurant may cost around $25 per person.
Drink: A local beer usually costs about $10.
Transport: An average 10-minute taxi journey costs around $10-15.
Planning a trip to Darwin? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
