With 4 days in the Northern Territory’s capital city before our guided tour of the Territory’s National Parks, we had plenty of time to discover many unique and fun things to do in Darwin.
The Northern Territory in Australia covers a vast area. Having previously visited Uluru (and no holiday to the Northern Territory would be complete without seeing it at least once), we concentrated on just the Top End this time round.
When to Visit Darwin and the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory only has 2 seasons, the wet and the dry. Much like its’ tropical neighbours, Darwin is not much fun in the Wet Season, so May, June, July & August in the dry season would be the best months to visit the Top End. We were there in July, and the weather was perfect! With daytime temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius and cooling down to the high teens at night, it doesn’t get much better than that in the Top End.
Unique Things to Do in Darwin
As luck would have it, and quite unbeknown to us at the time of booking, we had arrived in Darwin on Territory Day. This leads me to the very first thing to do in Darwin….and it is truly unique to Darwin!
1. Celebrate Territory Day
July 1st is Territory Day, commemorating the day that the Northern Territory became self-governed in 1978. It is a day for Territorians to celebrate all things Top End! It is the only day of the year that locals can legally buy and set off their own fireworks. Yes, I understand that the window of opportunity to experience Territory Day is very narrow, but if you’re able to time it right, it is well worth it.
Personal fireworks have been banned in Australia since the early ’80’s, this being one of only two exceptions. Well, my husband was literally doing a happy dance when he found out and it was straight to the nearest pop-up fireworks shop to stock up. The sun hadn’t even set before it started…. then Darwin just went off!
How to describe Territory Day?? A local told us that ‘if you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like in a war zone, you are about to find out!’ He wasn’t far off it…. crackers went off all through the night – even though they were supposed to finish at 11pm.
One couple we met, who had set up their launch site near ours, had come all the way from Western Australia for Territory Day and they had 2 suitcases full of fireworks – $3000 worth!! It is the one time you can honestly say ‘Only in the Northern Territory!”
2. Go Barramundi Fishing
If you love fishing like I do, then no trip to Darwin would be complete without trying your hand at Barramundi fishing. The Northern Territory is renowned for its ‘Barra’ fishing and there is an art to it. You have to know where and when to find them, and the accuracy of the cast is paramount.
Luckily, we had booked with a local legend and all-round top guy, Robert from Fishseeker Charters. Rob was extremely knowledgeable and patient, teaching us how and where to cast, entertaining us with stories and filleting our catch for us, so we could cook it up for dinner that night.
We did the 4-hour charter, and it was awesome! Highly recommend…. don’t forget the bug spray and sun protection.
3. Explore Mindil Beach Markets and Watch the Sunset
Thursday night in Darwin is Mindil Beach Market night. It is the place to be, with food stalls and local vendors selling everything from satay to sunglasses. The biggest problem would be deciding what to choose for dinner and still be able make it down to the beach in time to catch the iconic Darwin sunset.
Everyone finds their spot, on the beach or in the dunes, sets up a little picnic and waits for the sun to dip over the horizon. When it does, a round of applause rings out, cheering what can only be described as a spectacular celestial show. You can go on a sunset camel ride along Mindil Beach for something a little special.
If sand between your toes doesn’t thrill you, an alternative place to watch the Darwin sunset is from the Zen Hotel rooftop bar. Enjoy 360-degree views of Darwin city, while listening to some tunes and sipping on your favourite beverage!
4. Swim with Crocodiles in the ‘Cage of Death’
Crocosaurus Cove is located right in the centre of town and is home to a variety of Northern Territory wildlife. Visitors can view native reptiles, fish and other animals that can kill you, but the big stars are the crocs! A truly unique Darwin experience has to be swimming with crocodiles in their ‘Cage of Death’. I have to admit, this was my husband’s must-do experience. Not surprisingly, I wasn’t that keen initially, but it was so much fun!
After the safety brief and signing your life away, participants climb down a ladder into the ‘Cage of Death’, which is then lowered into the crocodile enclosure – visions of feeding time at Jurassic Park come to mind. You don’t have to wait long before your croc starts circling, checking you out.
They are SOOO big up close. I had no idea. We paid a bit extra for a photographer to capture all the ‘terror’ on film, but you can take your own waterproof camera into the ‘cage’ if you want to.
We swam with two crocs William & Kate 😁 William was relocated to the aquarium after being captured stalking beachgoers on Mindil Beach! I probably should have mentioned at the start, beach swimming is NOT one of the things to do in Darwin, for that very reason. Swimming is restricted to pools, or the netted Darwin Waterfront. Seriously, the beach and waterways are not safe. 🐊
5. Wander Along the Darwin Waterfront and Pier
The Darwin waterfront precinct is a hub of activity. Located a short walking distance from the city centre, it features a promenade with restaurants, cafes and bars. It is a family-friendly area with a patrolled wave lagoon and saltwater lagoon, where visitors can safely swim or just relax on the lawns enjoying harbour views.
Walk or catch the free shuttle bus from the waterfront to the nearby Stokes Hill Wharf for fresh seafood, sundowners and access to all the harbour cruises.
The waterfront district was our first stop in Darwin and where we chose to spend our last evening before embarking on our sunset dinner cruise.
6. Visit Darwin Military & Aviation Museums
Darwin has a very interesting military history. The city was bombed by the Japanese in 1942, the largest attack on Australian soil. The Darwin Military Museum offers a powerful insight into Darwin’s critical role in the war. Set amongst tropical gardens at East Point, it has an extensive number of displays, artifacts and interactive exhibits.
The museum is located on the site of the original command post and some of the buildings used to house the exhibits were buildings used by the military during the war. Highlights for me were the two large bunkers with anti-aircraft gun emplacements and the very moving display on the treatment of the Jewish people during the Second World War (signage warns this particular exhibit may be a little confronting for children).
The nearby Darwin Aviation Museum showcases the city’s aviation history, with the star exhibit being the enormous B-52 bomber. Any history enthusiasts like me, should add these museums to their Darwin itinerary.
7. Visit Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory
I love my history almost as much as I love my art! So, a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT) was a must for me. Entry is free and there is a cafe onsite for a cool drink or a bite to eat.
The Museum and Art Gallery offers a diverse range of Aboriginal art, natural history and local cultural displays. The 2 highlights for me were the Cyclone Tracey display, which gives an insight into the natural disaster that flattened Darwin on Christmas Day 1974, killing 66 people. There is a room set up to simulate the sound of the cyclone hitting, so visitors can get a sense of how terrifying the experience must have been for the residents.
Don’t miss meeting Sweetheart at the museum, a famous crocodile that was harassing locals by chomping on their boats. In trying to trap him, he was accidentally drowned and is now on display in the museum.
8. Discover Darwin Street Art
Several cities I have visited have a mural trail with wonderful street art to admire. Glasgow for example, has a very famous mural trail. What makes Darwin street art so unique is that the subjects are very specific to Darwin and the Top End. Magnificent paintings of native flora, fauna and inspirational local residents are displayed on buildings and walls all around the city.
Thanks largely to the annual Darwin Street Arts festival (DSAF), scattered throughout the city, are 149 murals! You can do a self-guided mural trail by picking up a map from the Tourism office or some of the local cafes, as well as online from the DSAF website.
9. Feed Wild Fish
There are several locations in Darwin that offer fish feeding. We opted for wild fish feeding at Aquascene in Doctor’s Gully. Perhaps it was because we visited during school holidays, but it was very crowded. It was difficult to get the fish to actually feed, such was the volume of bread floating in the water. The fish were full! It was also difficult to get to the water’s edge as the crowds were dense.
Regardless, it was fun to watch the variety of fish that venture into the shallows for an easy feed. A quieter day would have generated more excitement from me. I really wanted the fish to feed from my hand or from between my toes, but they just weren’t interested.
10. Cruise Darwin Harbour on a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Last but not least, one of the top things to do in Darwin is a sunset dinner cruise. I have already mentioned how stunning the Darwin sunsets are, but seen from the bow of a boat, while sipping bubbles with friends, is an unforgettable experience. There isn’t really a winter in Darwin, the nights are mild, perfect for being on the water.
There are several companies that offer sunset cruises, we booked on Darwin Harbour Cruises and would recommend them, the food included in the buffet style dinner was delicious and well stocked. The same company offer bubbles and tapas style cruises, either one, you will love it!
This was the ideal way for us to end our time in Darwin. As the sky burned orange, the lights of the city twinkled to life, and we raised our glasses toasting to the amazing time we had in Australia’s sun-drenched Top End. 🥂
If you’re looking for some other ideas of things to do in Darwin that I haven’t mentioned, here is a link to some other activities that might interest you.
A little extra bonus idea for things to do in Darwin, especially if you want to have a giggle, is visit the Library & Archives NT. Not your obvious comedy venue, but they house a collection of past editions of the iconic NT News. The Northern Territory newspaper is famous in Australia for its often hilarious, very Australian front pages. Guaranteed to give you a chuckle, browse through iconic headlines that could only be about one place…. the Northern Territory.
Where to Stay in Darwin
Darwin is a compact Capital city and most of the places mentioned in this post are within easy walking distance of central Darwin. Here are a few hotel options within a 1 km radius of central Darwin.
Getting around in Darwin
Due to its small size, buses, Ubers or taxis will get you where you want to go for not much cost. The Military and Aviation Museums are out near the airport so may require a bus or taxi, but the taxi fare was less than $20. Alternatively, hiring your own car will enable you to get out of the city and explore some of the stunning natural landscapes of the Top End.
This was my first trip to Darwin, and I can’t believe it took me so long to make the journey up there. We really enjoyed everything Darwin had to offer. If you haven’t been before, I encourage you to start planning a trip for the next dry season.
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
