Five must-dos on a trip to Darwin and the Kakadu

Nestled in the Top End, Darwin is a vibrant city offering travellers a stunning destination and a launch point for a wealth of unique experiences. Here’s five must-dos.

Nestled in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a vibrant city that offers travellers a stunning destination and a launch point for a wealth of unique experiences.

Whether you’re exploring the stunning national parks and waterfalls, learning about the rich Indigenous culture and history, taking in breathtaking sunset views or cage-diving with crocodiles, the city has something for everyone.

With its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder so many travellers fall in love and so many stay.

Here’s five experiences to ensure you discover the magic of Darwin for yourself.

1. Crocosaurus Cove

Yes – you can swim with NT crocs safely. Well, after you’ve signed an indemnity form aptly known as the death waiver.

Cage of Death experience at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove in the Northern Territory. Picture: Crocosaurus Cove Instagram

The Cage of Death involves being lowered into a pool containing a large saltwater crocodile while enclosed in a 4cm thick perspex cage.

During the experience, thrillseekers can observe the crocodile up close and personal from underwater, feeling at times as though the prehistoric predator is within touching distance.

As the diver settles in to the cage and the croc becomes aware of the human presence, it moves and swims as handlers then feed the ancient beast.

You sit on the bottom of the semi-submerged cage and watch as the croc jumps from the water for a tasty morsel.

Cage of Death experience at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove in the Northern Territory. Picture: Crocosaurus Cove Instagram

The crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove are trained and habituated to human contact and trained professionals closely monitor the experience.

Crocosaurus Cove, on Mitchell St in the Darwin CBD, also houses the world’s largest collection of Australian reptiles, with incredible baby crocodile viewing pens that let you pop your head up just centimetres from the young reptiles.

Cage of Death experience at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove in the Northern Territory. Picture: Crocosaurus Cove Instagram

Saltwater crocodiles are apex predators and one of the most dangerous animals in Australia, and swimming in their natural habitat can be deadly.

If you want to see crocodiles in their natural environment, there are many safe and exciting ways to do so, such as taking a wildlife cruise or visiting a crocodile sanctuary.

Cage of Death experience at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove in the Northern Territory. Picture: Crocosaurus Cove Instagram

2. Darwin Harbour sunset cruise

Sail Darwin’s Champagne Sunset Sail offers a breathtaking and picturesque way to experience the natural beauty of the Northern Territory capital.

As the sun sets over the water, you can sit back and relax with bottomless sparking wine and snacks while enjoying the stunning scenery — and wildlife if you’re lucky.

Sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour. Picture: Rae Wilson

Don’t be dismayed if a classic wet season storm moves over the horizon – the fork lightning is impressive to watch and it should disappear to still reveal an artist’s palette of stunning pastels.

This sunset cruise takes you from Darwin Harbour along the coast, giving you breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding waters.

The sun setting over a still Timor Sea off Darwin. The photographer was on a sunset cruise, which takes in some of the city's most iconic landmarks from the harbour. Picture: Caroline Berdon

The three-hour tropical sunset sail is a truly unique Territory experience, with little but the wind lapping the canvas and happy chatter to whittle away the last of the daylight hours.

And Sail Darwin’s Champagne Sunset Sail crew know how to entertain.

3. Litchfield National Park

This stunning park, about an hour south of Darwin, is a nature lover’s paradise, with impressive waterfalls, lush forests, and crystal-clear swimming holes.

Wangi Falls at Litchfield National Park. Picture: Rae Wilson

Don’t miss Buley Rockhole where water cascades down a series of rock shelves and Wangi Falls — both perfect for relief from a hot Darwin day.

The Upper Cascades at Litchfield National Park in the wet season. Picture: Che Chorley

The magnetic termite mounds, some up to 100 years old, in Litchfield National Park are a fascinating natural wonder.

These mounds are aligned north to south to regulate the temperature within the nest because the magnetic termites prefer high humidity and stable temperatures.

The Cathedral Termite Mound nearby is four metres high.

Buley Rockhole and the Cascades at Litchfield National Park are perfect waterholes to cool off on a hot day. Picture: Rae Wilson

4. Nightcliff

Nightcliff Jetty is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike to chill out in the Darwin evenings — or catch dinner off from the ocean.

The jetty offers stunning views of the ocean and sunset while chomping down on some fish and chips or souvlaki from the nearby food trucks.

Nightcliff Jetty in Darwin. Picture: Rae Wilson

While a little quieter during the wet season (October to April), food vendors still park up most weekends to serve locals and tourists there to watch the incredible sunset.

But pro tip: if visiting during the dry season, from May to September, it’s best to get there early for parking purposes.

Nightcliff Jetty in Darwin. Picture: Rae Wilson

Every Sunday, the bustling Nightcliff Markets offer a tempting range of scrumptious food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.

Magnetic Cathedral termite mound at Litchfield National Park. Picture: Rae Wilson

5. Gourmet delights

Darwin is known for its delicious and fresh seafood sourced from the turquoise Timor Sea and beyond.

And with such expansive coastline, it is little wonder seafood – and crocodile – is a must-dine menu item.

The Oyster Bar at Darwin Waterfront Precinct has incredible flavour sensations – try the crab and bearnaise, Thai, chilli and cheese, and the Atlantic.

Darwin’s coastal aspects are gorgeous but tourists must remember to always be croc wise. Picture: Rae Wilson

You can also give the popcorn crocodile and kangaroo spring rolls a whirl.

Other popular places to enjoy oysters in Darwin include the Darwin Fish Market, Stokes Hill Wharf and the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

The double-roasted duckling at Pee Wee's at the Point in Darwin is top notch. Picture: Rae Wilson

Don’t miss the oysters, and the rest of the menu, at Pee Wee’s at the Point either – stunning views over Darwin Harbour combined with gastronomical delights that will satisfy your palate.

The double-roasted duckling at Pee Wee’s is top notch – a crispy skin half duckling, crushed crème fraiche baby potatoes, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, honey glazed baby carrots, pastry fleuron, Kakadu plum and tamarind jus.

For a more chilled out weekend vibe but still with incredible views, try Darwin Sailing Club or Darwin Ski Club which both offer seasonal menus and cold drinks for more budget-friendly options.

If you want to go a fraction further afield to check out Kakadu National Park.

Here’s five must-see spots to the east and south of Darwin.

Originally published as Five must-dos on a trip to Darwin and the Kakadu