Welcome to Garramilla, Larrakia country. You might know it as Darwin, where more than half the Northern Territory resides. There's a world-class museum and gallery, a calendar of vibrant cultural events, and bars and cafes to rival those in Australia's eastern cities. Darwin is on the doorstep of Litchfield National Park, the Tiwi Islands and Asia. The first two are accessible during thrill-seeking, croc-spotting, tradition-revelling day trips. The latter is why Darwin's markets burst with tropical produce and its residents make unbeatable laksa. So, as southern Australia heads into the winter months, here are 10 reasons to visit the brilliant north.

1. Multicultural markets

During April to October, crowds gather at Mindil Beach for the sunset market. There are more than 200 stores and food vendors, serving everything from Indonesian satay to loukoumades (operating every Thursday and Sunday, 4pm until 9pm). If you don't dig crowds, enjoy your food picnic-style on the beach and soak up that sunset. Head to Parap Village Markets on Saturday (8am-2pm) to compare laksa from stalwarts Mary's and Yati's, or visit Rapid Creek Market (Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm) for tropical produce (think durian and dragon fruit), which you can take home or add to smoothies.

2. Heli pub crawl

The only thing more Australian than a pub crawl is one that shows off Darwin and surrounds in all its glory: the harbour, coast, billabongs, termite mounds and more. Airborne Solutions has been running full and half-day helicopter pub crawls since 2007. Strap in, take off and visit up to five, character-filled pubs. Highlights include landing on the beach at Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern's next-level pub grub and eating buffalo burgers on Goat Island while remaining vigilant around the resident croc (and we don't mean politically incorrect owner Kai Hansen).

airbornesolutions.com.au

3. Darwin Waterfront & Stokes Hill Wharf

From its restaurants and wave lagoon to free weekly yoga and live music, the Darwin Waterfront is a hub of activity. During the dry season, stuff yourself with tacos and margaritas at Hot Tamale before seeing a film at the nightly deckchair cinema. When you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility at Stokes Hill Wharf, time it with a seaside bite at one of the casual Asian restaurants, where you can order dishes like pla tod (Thai fried turmeric fish) made with local barramundi. Book a sunset cruise on your first night for a picturesque orientation.

waterfront.nt.gov.au

4. Hanuman restaurant

If you can only eat at one Darwin restaurant, make it Hanuman. It's as relevant as it was when chef Jimmy Shu first opened in 1992. Thirty years later, his Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai and Malaysian flavours have made it an institution. Start with the signature lemongrass-spiked oysters served on custom clay platters. Mains see ingredients like local prawns cooked in coconut and wild ginger curry and a brilliant barramundi curry, but if the season permits, order ahead for whole mud crab.

hanuman.com.au

5. Art for everyone

Whether you want to see some 30,000 pieces of art and material culture at the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT) or take yourself on a street art tour, Darwin is a mecca for art lovers of all persuasions. For Indigenous art, check out Mbantua Fine Art Gallery Darwin and Aboriginal Fine Arts in the CBD, or Outstation Gallery in Parap, which works closely with Indigenous art centres. Don't miss Austin Lane, a 400-metre street art strip in the middle of the city featuring large-scale murals up the side of apartment blocks.

6. Cafe culture

Darwin is the dark horse of Australia's brunch scene. Postie, a small takeaway cafe slinging Karavan Coffee and toasties (pictured right), is the pick if you're checking out Austin Lane. For a more extensive menu and undercover outdoor area, try Ray's Cafe and Patisserie, or nearby KOPI Stop for Singaporean breakfast sets of kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs. Over in Parap, Laneway Specialty Coffee has you covered for nourishing bowls with turmeric hummus as well as full Aussie breakfasts with hash browns, chorizo and bacon; while De La Plage is a relaxed cafe at the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club, northeast of the centre, with colourful beanbags and hammocks.

instagram.com/postie_darwin; facebook.com/rayspatisserieandcafe; facebook.com/kopistopdarwin; lanewaycoffee.com.au; delaplagecafe.com.au

7. Gin o'clock

Gin lovers rejoice! Darwin has two bars dedicated to your poison. The newest is Charlie's of Darwin: part distillery, part restaurant-lounge and part lantern-laden terrace. It's off Austin Lane with an elevator entrance. The signature Darwin Gin (look for the croc on the label) is made with sustainably harvested kakadu plum, water lilies and native lemongrass. The Trader Bar is another hidden gem. Head under an archway of vines and through a steel door for 45-plus varieties of gin, monthly guest DJs, nu-disco Saturdays and relaxed Sunday sessions.

charliesofdarwin.com.au; thetraderbar.com

8. The clubs

Watching the sunset at one of Darwin's seaside clubs is a rite of passage. Whether you choose the Ski Club, Darwin Trailer Boat Club or Darwin Sailing Club, you don't need water skis or a boat to throw back a beer as the sun disappears over Fannie Bay. Families and groups of friends gather in the spacious outdoor areas, toasting to another burnt-orange sky. Check the websites for live music and special events.

darwinsailingclub.com.au; dtbc.com.au; darwinskiclub.com.au

9. To the Tiwis

A day on Bathurst Island is a leisurely and immersive introduction to the Tiwi Islands and the Wurrumiyanga people. After a 2.5 hour boat ride, the day starts with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and totem dance. Next you'll load up on damper and coffee, before taking part in a screen printing workshop, admiring the art at Tiwi Designs and sitting with women weaving dried pandanas leaves into baskets. A local guide will take you through the Patakijiyali Museum and Mission Precinct, too. The Tiwi island residents share their culture and stories with wide grins and enthusiasm. Watch Top End Wedding before visiting and try to time your visit with the annual Tiwi Islands' football final or art sale.

sealinknt.com.au

10. Day tripping

Spend a day exploring Litchfield National Park with a family-run, small-group day tour from Ethical Adventures. It's the only one that starts with warm mango muffins, continues with a homemade lunch in tranquil wetlands and provides iced towels in between waterfall visits. For something high-octane, National Geographic's Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright, is behind Explore the Wild Tours. A day tour includes wildlife and croc spotting across Finniss River in an airboat, a scenic helicopter flight and a billabong cruise complete with barbecued barramundi burgers for lunch. There's also an overnight option with an outback glamping experience, as well as heli-fishing tours.

ethicaladventures.com.au; topendsafaricamp.com.au