Adventure the way you want it
You’d expect an eclectic range of attractions in Darwin and you won’t be disappointed. There’s adventure in spades, everything from water parks, skate parks, cycling, motor cycling, ice skating, go karts, scooters, helicopter and light aircraft sightseeing and of course CROCODILES! There is plenty to do and see around town or simply relax, recharge the batteries and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Enjoy outdoor activities – eating, drinking, shopping, movie-going, sailing and visiting the markets. You can eat laksa on the beach at the sunset markets, catch a band at one of many live music venues, cruise the harbour at sunset or relax in a deckchair watching a movie on the big screen under a canopy of stars.
History
Wander through National Trust Heritage listed houses, take Darwin City Heritage Walk, explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, marvel at the NT Chinese Temple and Museum, the Roadmaster's House and take it in on heritage tours.
Transport
Public transport
The Territory’s public bus service is managed by the Territory Government nt.gov.au/public-transport. Please note: public transport services do not operate on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Private transport
Taxis connect Darwin’s airport, with taxis also servicing The Ghan and cruise ship terminal.
Car rental
A range of 2WD, 4WD and campers are available to hire with unlimited kilometers at the Top End Visitor Information Centre.
Darwin’s WWII History
During WWII, Darwin became the first mainland site in Australia to come under direct attack from the enemy when it was the target of over 64 Japanese air raids, causing huge devastation and many civilian casualties. The Top End played a key strategic role in the defence of Northern Australia and much of its unique military heritage is well preserved. Gun emplacements, oil storage tunnels, bunkers, military airstrips and lookout posts are scattered in and around the city. Most are easily accessible and many are free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to explore this fascinating (and often overlooked) chapter in Australia’s history either independently or on a tour.
East Point Military Reserve
Originally established as Darwin’s main defence point to protect precious oil stores at Stokes Hill Wharf, 9.2-inch gun emplacements, anti-submarine boom net, ammunition magazines, lookout towers, communication rooms, searchlight emplacements and command posts still stand here
Darwin Military Museum
Featuring a unique display of WWII memorabilia and wartime stories, the museum boasts fantastic relics, an extensive photograph collection, displays of war instruments and even restored guns constructed for use during the conflict.
Charles Darwin National Park
This area was part of the network of military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia’s northern defence line during WWII. The site includes an interpretive display outlining Darwin’s role in the Pacific War.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
The WWII tunnels were constructed in 1943 to protect Darwin’s oil supplies. Photographic displays pay tribute to the men and women who served in Darwin during WWII.
Strauss Airstrip
The site, including a information shelter and life-size cut-out plane images, was an important landing strip used by American, British and Australian pilots involved in combat over Darwin and Fenton Airfield.
Darwin Aviation Museum
From the WWII Spitfire to the B52 bomber, the Museum boasts an impressive presentation of aircraft and graphic displays depicting the Northern Territory’s long-standing involvement in aviation history.
Darwin Aviation Museum
From the WWII Spitfire to the B52 bomber, the Museum boasts an impressive presentation of aircraft and graphic displays depicting the Northern Territory’s long-standing involvement in aviation history.
The Cenotaph / War Memorial
The Cenotaph is Darwin's official memorial to members of the armed services, rescue services and civilian personnel who gave their lives in the service of their country in time of conflict.
Darwin flavours
With its diverse mixture of more than 60 nationalities it's not surprising that Darwin offers year-round dining to suit all tastes and budgets.
Choose from fine dining at East Point, the Waterfront and Esplanade, outdoor water side dining along Stokes Hill Wharf, Cullen Bay boardwalk, Fannie Bay and Nightcliff, casual dining along lively Mitchell Street and CBD, fish and chips at Stokes Hill Wharf, Fisherman’s Wharf, Tipperary Waters Marina, Dinah Beach or Cullen Bay and find hidden gems in laneways and arcades. You can even take to the ocean aboard a sunset dinner cruise, the choice is yours. Top End fresh produce like barramundi, crocodile, buffalo, beef, crabs, prawns, mangoes and asian produce are brought to life by chefs who aren’t held back by tradition and have the freedom to craft their own flavours.
Markets
Darwin boasts a thriving market scene throughout the year, a hugely popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. You won’t be disappointed as you discover the sights, tastes, sounds and above all, the hustle, bustle and friendly atmosphere that make our market scene such a unique attraction. Some markets are seasonal and some operate all year round. Please see more details on the listings here.
Darwin Harbour
Larger than Sydney Harbour, Darwin Harbour and surrounds has a huge range of recreational activities including: fishing, crabbing, sailing, turtle watching tours, cruising at sunset, bird watching, cycling, fine dining and scenic walks.
Darwin Harbour allows the unique opportunity to see dugongs in the wild as this is where their favourite food can be found. Scenic mangroves and pristine tidal waters surround the harbour and a significant cultural heritage can be discovered.
A great place to start your exploration is the Darwin Waterfront just in front of the CBD with restaurants, bars and cafes. Cool off at the wave pool followed by a sumptuous lunch at the Darwin Waterfront and relax under the stars and watch a movie at the iconic open-air Deckchair Cinema.
On the open water, you can take a cruise to experience one of the Top End’s glorious sunsets and discover Darwin’s cosmopolitan foreshore, embark the ferry at Cullen Bay Marina and take a trip to Mandorah (20 mins) or Tiwi Islands (2 hours), join a fishing charter and get hooked up on some of the tastiest species and even experience a unique tour to turtle nesting sites on Bare Sand Island.
Darwin city shopping and galleries
Darwin City’s CBD is your gateway to international and national fashion, coveted south sea pearls, Aboriginal art and some of the world’s most unique fine-quality saltwater crocodile accessories.
Piles of cool cotton garments grace wooden tables, shop owners eager to share the Darwin story as well as help with your purchases. Easy to walk around with mall, air-conditioned centres and interesting arcades. Darwin is a relaxing city to shop in.
You’ll be impressed by the range of goods available in a variety of shops, galleries and world class Aboriginal art in and around Darwin City. Take a stroll around Knuckey Street, Cavenagh Street, Mitchell Street and Smith Street Mall to discover just what is on offer.
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to experience a diverse range of art, culture, history and science.
Not far from the city centre, The Waterfront, Cullen Bay and Parap offer interesting shops to discover. At Casuarina you’ll find a shopping centre with department stores and supermarkets.
