Best things to do during your next trip to Darwin
Darwin is a city unlike any other in the world. And these are the most exciting ways to experience all that this tropical wonderland has to offer.
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Somehow exciting and easygoing at once, the harbour city of Darwin should be on every Australian holidaymaker’s to-do list.
As well as being the Northern Territory’s most cosmopolitan hub, Darwin is also the gateway to the Top End — a natural oasis that’s home to some of the country’s greatest treasures, including Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Park.
There are so many ways to experience a capital city as culture-rich as Darwin, whether it’s in town, around the magnificent harbour, or a short trip outside the city in the glorious, rugged Top End.
DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DARWIN
Here are some of our favourite experiences to have in and around Darwin.
BEST DARWIN FOOD EXPERIENCE
Sunset Fish’n Chips Cruise, Travello, from $69
There’s nothing like a spectacular Darwin sunset. And there’s no better way to experience it than with a harbour cruise. Just before the sun sets, you’ll be taken on a fast boat from Stokes Hill Wharf for a 90 minute journey that lets you take in the glorious tropical sunset and the stunning surrounds of Darwin Harbour. There will be photo opportunities along the way and expert commentary from the crew. The cruise includes a dinner of fresh-caught fish with chips and a glass of bubbly, wine or beer. There’s also the opportunity to see some marine wildlife along the way, and you’ll go home happy with a souvenir stubby holder or wine glass.
BEST DARWIN ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Top End Day Tour, Red Balloon, $395
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the wild Top End with this action-packed day trip to a safari camp on the edge of a billabong in the Litchfield region. The tour picks you up in Darwin and takes you out to the camp, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery on a 10-minute scenic helicopter flights over the flood plains, and then sit back and look out for crocodiles, birds and buffalo on an airboat ride through the channels and into the rainforest. The tour also includes a billabong cruise and the opportunity to swim in a lagoon that is Australia’s only nature-based croc-safe swimming pool. Learn more about the mighty reptiles in the crocodile feeding show and enjoy a gourmet barbecue meal before being taken safely back to Darwin.
BEST DARWIN SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCE
Big Bus Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Klook, $38.30
There’s so much to see in the Northern Territory capital and the to-do list might be a little overwhelming — and this is the best way to knock them all off. These Big Bus tickets are valid for two days, and you can choose between three tours that take you to all the best parts of Darwin. You’ll be able to see festivals, attractions and open-air markets, the city’s most famous buildings and landmarks, World War II sites and places showcasing Indigenous art and culture. As well as taking in the sights from the open-top tour with expert commentary, you’ll be able to get off the bus at any stop you want to make the most of. It’s a brilliant way to navigate the big city and learn everything about why it’s so special.
BEST DARWIN ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Sunset Turtle Nesting Island Tour and Cruise, Adrenaline, $295
Experience the magic and joy of sea turtles on the beach with this night-time adventure on (Njulbitjlk) Bare Sand Island. The journey begins in Darwin at 4pm — yes, it’s going to be a late night, but very much worth it — and you’ll be taken on a 90-minute fast-boat ride to the island, where you’ll learn about its unique war history and its significance to the Kenbi people, its traditional owners. But the main event is the sea turtles. On the island, you can explore the beach as marine specialists teach you about the Flatback and Olive Ridley turtles. As the sun sets, you’ll be on the lookout for the turtles — there’s no guarantee when they’ll emerge or how many you’ll see, but the tour operator says the sighting success rate is close to 100 per cent. The experience includes dinner and a drink, and you’ll be back in Darwin between 10.30pm and midnight.
BEST DARWIN HISTORIC EXPERIENCE
Bombing of Darwin Cruise, Wotif, $45
Darwin is famous for many things — its gorgeous tropical climate, outdoor markets, multicultural food and rich culture. It’s also known for the events of February 19, 1942, when the city was targeted by Japanese forces in a bombing attack that killed around 250 people and destroyed military aircraft, ships and facilities. This one-hour cruise on the harbour takes you back to that fateful day during World War II on a journey taking in the historic wharf areas, Pearling Luggers, oil tanks, SS Neptuna and USS Peary wreckage sites, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, HMAS Coonawarra and the Emery Point gun emplacement. It’s an incredible way to engage with this deeply important part of Australia’s war history.
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R.M. Williams Maya Ankle Boots, THE ICONIC, $595
Make the transition from Darwin’s cityscape to the Top End with ease - and no degree less style - with these R.M. William Maya Ankle Boots. Crafted with the attention to detail and quality genuine leather that the Adelaide company has staked its reputation on, this contemporary iteration of the classic gussted ankle boot is destined for heavy rotation.
szade Seidler, THE ICONIC, $79.99
Keep your eyes shielded from harmful UV rays on your travels with these unisex shades from Melbourne-based label, szade. Commited to rescuing and repurposing sunglasses that were destined for landfill, szade has designed the Seidler to move between His and Her closets seamlessly, courtesy of an androgynous, square acetate frame. Jump through to choose from four available hues - though we’re much taken by the pictured Collard Greens & Moss option.
When is the best time to visit Darwin?
The dry season between May and October is considered the most popular and comfortable time to visit Darwin — the weather is generally sunny and sits between around 20C to 33C, making it the perfect escape from the southern winter. There is also more happening in Darwin during that time, such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Darwin Festival. Wet season is hotter, more humid, and of course, marked by rain and storms — but there’s still heaps of things to see and do, and it also showcases how tropically lush and green Darwin can be.
What are some other places I can visit from Darwin?
There is so much to explore across the Northern Territory’s Top End. Darwin is an excellent base from which to head out and enjoy Kakadu National Park, which is about a three-hour drive away, and Litchfield National Park, which is only 90 minutes away. You can also head out to the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, as well as Arnhem Land to the east, and Nitmiluk National Park, which is about a three-and-a-half hour drive away, near Katherine.
Should I be cautious of crocodiles in Darwin?
Definitely. Crocodiles are common throughout the Top End, including Darwin, and saltwater crocodiles — which can be found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats — can be extremely dangerous. Only swim in areas which are designated as safe, and never enter water where there may be crocodiles, even if there is no warning sign. Most crocodile attacks in the Northern Territory have happened when people entered water outside designated swimming areas. Avoid standing on riverbeds or by the water’s edge if there may be crocodiles in the water, and never feed crocs — it is both dangerous and illegal.
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