Treat your taste buds and indulge your sense of fun and adventure in the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city.
From the sparkling harbour and WWII history to the city’s Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle, Darwin is an adventurer’s paradise.
Food, glorious food
Our close proximity to Asia and ocean of fresh catches combine to make Darwin a modern dining delight.
Savour the flavours at our most superb places to dine out in Darwin. Here, food takes inspiration from our land with local produce such as mud crab, barramundi, Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle and even green ants.
There are plenty of options when dining around Darwin.
Things to see & do in Darwin
Magical markets
Local markets are a big part of Darwin’s personality.
At the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, sample international cuisine from over 60 food stalls, including Indonesian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Turkish, Greek, Cambodian, and Japanese just to name a few.
Known as the laksa capital of Australia, you’ll find plenty of food stalls serving up the spicy noodle soup. If you’re looking for Australian fare, look no further than the local barramundi fish or even a crocodile dish.
Enjoy dinner on the beach as you watch the sun setting into the ocean. Darwin is famous for its spectacular orange sunsets over the Arafura Sea.
After dinner, browse the art and craft stalls, then relax with a local ice-cream or mango smoothie as fire twirlers, musicians and street performers entertain the crowds.
Sense of adventure
Step outside your everyday and open your eyes to adventure.
See prehistoric crocodiles as they launch from the water to catch food on a jumping crocodile cruise. Feel how soft crocodile skin really is as you hold a baby crocodile (with its mouth safely closed).
Take a scenic flight and see waterways winding through wetlands. Savour a sunset as you sail on the sparkling blue waters of the Arafura Sea on a harbour cruise. No matter what your pace, Darwin has something for you.
What’s on around Darwin
Rich in history
Immerse yourself in the history of Darwin. From ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and the pioneering spirit of the early settlers, to survival stories of WWII, the bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracy. Darwin’s history and heritage is vast, diverse and captivating in every way.
Travellers’ stories
How do I get to Darwin?
All major airlines operate short daily flights into Darwin International Airport from Australia’s capital cities. International flights arrive from Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia. Alternatively, you can take the Ghan train journey, or drive north from Adelaide along the famous Explorers Way.
When is the best time to visit Darwin?
From May to October, the dry season weather is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit during the Dry to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding national parks, and experience the buzz of the sunset markets.
From November to April, the wet season is warm and tropical, with stunning summer thunderstorms. Travel in the Wet to experience flowing waterfalls and smaller crowds.
How do I get around Darwin?
The city centre is walkable and well connected with foot and bike paths. You can find Spinway NT bike hire stations at a number of locations around the city, as well as Neuron scooters.
There are a number of transport hire operators where you can hire cars, campervans, four-wheel drives and more.
For public transport, a bus network runs throughout the city and suburbs connecting to popular destinations. Taxis and ride-share company, Hi Oscar, are also convenient ways to get around Darwin.
How far is Darwin from other NT towns?
The drive from Darwin to Jabiru – the heart of Kakadu National Park – takes around three hours, as will a trip south to Katherine.
Alice Springs is just a couple of hours’ flight south, or take some time to drive the 1,500km to Alice Springs via the famous Explorers Way.
What are the major attractions in Darwin?
Take a walk through the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Thursday and Sunday evenings between April and October), enjoy a dip at the Waterfront Wave Lagoon, learn about the city’s fascinating WWII history, take a harbour cruise, enjoy world-class fishing or find out some interesting facts about Australia in Darwin’s museums.
Check out the day trips and guided tours on offer for the chance to explore Darwin with a local.
What day trips can be done from Darwin?
Darwin is the perfect base for day trips to Litchfield National Park, Berry Springs, Adelaide River, Mary River, Lake Bennett and the Tiwi Islands. Popular activities are fishing trips, harbour cruises, scenic flights, cultural experiences, historical tours, walking tracks, and swimming.
What should I bring with me to Darwin?
Darwin is equipped with modern facilities and shopping options, so whatever you need you can find here. Bring some laid-back apparel suitable for warm weather, and make sure you protect yourself against the sun and heat with lightweight clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and if you’re visiting from November to April, you should also bring a light rain jacket.
Do I need any passes or permits to visit Darwin?
Visiting Darwin itself doesn't require any special passes or permits.
Recreational fishing in most areas does not require a licence.
You’ll need a permit while on Aboriginal land in areas outside Darwin such as the Tiwi Islands. For more information, check with the Northern Land Council or the Tiwi Land Council, or at the Tourism Top End Visitor Information Centre in Darwin.
Additionally, you will require an NT Parks Pass to visit the nearby national parks and reserves. This is a separate pass to the Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes.
Where should I go next from Darwin?
To the east of Darwin lie Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land with some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. To the south, Berry Springs and Litchfield National Park are stunning, as is the township of Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge. You can explore these regions in a single trip by following the Nature's Way driving route – give yourself at least a week to get the most out of your adventure.
