Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Markets return

Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are set to reopen, with over 150 stalls offering a wide variety of food, drinks, arts, and crafts.

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is the heart of Darwin's cultural melting pot. Photo: Tourism NT

Darwin’s much-loved Mindil Beach Sunset Market returns to the city on Thursday for the opening of its 2023 season, with a wide selection of food, drink, arts and crafts on offer.

The markets will host more than 150 stalls with a backdrop of live music and an enviable view of Darwin’s sunset.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market general manager Howard Halter said part of the market’s enduring appeal came from the wide variety of cultures on show.

“They do appeal to everyone because it consists of so many cultures all bundled up in one area. There’s food from around the world,” he said.

The not-for-profit community market began in 1987, with the name derived from the Larrakia word “min-deel”, meaning sweet nut grass.

Today, it supports over 300 small businesses, providing employment for more than 1000 locals.

By some estimates, it brings in $15m to the Northern Territory economy annually.

“It is on pretty much the majority of tourists‘ lists when they come to the NT and Darwin area, they all go to see Mindil Beach markets,” Mr Halter said.

“There’s large numbers of people that come through that area and they’re all coming into the Darwin CBD area to have a look around.

“There’s a massive cash injection that comes into the Darwin regional area because of that.”

Mr Halter said the markets averaged between 3000 and 5000 visitors per night.

Enjoy the tropical night air at Darwin's Mindil Beach Sunset Markets every Thursday and Sunday evening between April and October. Picture: Tourism NT/Helen Orr

Darwin resident Meika Wright attended the markets on numerous occasions last year, and is looking forward to another season.

“The atmosphere and vibe is amazing, along with the aroma of the food plus the ambience of the sun setting in the background,” she said.

Stallholders will also be gearing up as the events season gets underway.

Lauretta Ridgers, from Readback Aboriginal Art, has been a stallholder for 20 years and said she enjoyed the “positive energy” of the event.

“We get our artwork from Arnhem Land, [and] Central Australia,” she said.

“The good thing too is that we showcase young up and coming artists as well, we try and get a cross section of as many artists as possible.”

Mindil Beach Sunset Market features a variety of artists and performers. Photo: Instagram

As one of the largest markets in the country, Ms Ridgers said it was a great opportunity to network and attract more customers.

“We give out cards and try and get people to come to our shops, we do sell some artwork there but we’re more there for the networking,” she said.

Stallholder Ratree Ryan, from Yum Sab, will be selling a range of Thai food delicacies, including her popular laksa soup.

Ms Ryan said although prices are going up, the market was still a great way of sharing culture with the Darwin community.

“It’s a good way of getting people together,” she said.

“I enjoy talking to customers, talking to people, meeting different people.”

Mindil Beach Sunset Market will continue every Thursday and Sunday, from 4pm to 9pm, throughout Darwin’s dry season.