The Best Things to Do in Darwin: Ultimate NT Guide

This blog post is all about the best things to do in Darwin.

If you’re planning a trip to Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin deserves a place on your itinerary.

Sitting on the edge of the Timor Sea, this laid-back capital city is unlike anywhere else in the country.

It’s a unique blend of tropical lifestyle, fascinating WWII history, vibrant Indigenous culture, and stunning sunsets.

Whether you’re stopping by before a trip to Kakadu or Uluru, or planning a longer stay in the Top End, Darwin is full of memorable things to see and do.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Darwin, especially if it’s your first visit.

RELATED Best Things to Do in Darwin blog posts to read:

You can also see everything that we got up to in Darwin over 24 hours in my Darwin travel vlog on YouTube, which includes some of the best things to do in Darwin from this list.

Table of Contents

This blog post is all about the best things to do in Darwin.

An Introduction to Darwin

Darwin is Australia’s northernmost capital city, known for its balmy weather, friendly locals, and rich multicultural influences.

It’s a gateway to some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders, including Kakadu National Park, Litchfield, and the Tiwi Islands.

Unlike other big Australian cities, Darwin moves at a slower pace. There’s no rush, just relaxed vibes, beachside markets, and endless palm trees.

It’s a place where you can sip sunset cocktails by the sea, learn about Aboriginal culture, or cool off in a crocodile-free lagoon.

Whether you’re here for 24 hours or a week, these are the best things to do in Darwin that you won’t want to miss.

11 Best Things to Do in Darwin

Below is a list of the best things to do in Darwin that I’d highly recommend after my recent visit to the Northern Territory.

1. Watch the Sunset at Mindil Beach

Darwin is famous for its sunsets, and Mindil Beach is the ultimate place to catch one.

Watch the sky explode in pinks and oranges as the sun dips into the Timor Sea.

If you’re here during the dry season (April to October), time your visit with the Mindil Beach Sunset Market on Thursdays and Sundays.

You’ll find:

Street food from around the world
Live music and entertainment
Local handmade arts and crafts
A fun, festival-like atmosphere

Pack a picnic rug, grab dinner from a food stall, and settle in to enjoy the show. This was one of my favourite memories from our time in Darwin, and is one of the best things to do in Darwin for free.

2. Get Close to Crocs at Crocosaurus Cove

Right in the middle of Darwin’s city centre, you’ll find Crocosaurus Cove, home to some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles.

It’s both educational and thrilling.

You can hold a baby croc, feed juvenile crocodiles, or watch the huge adults in action.
The most adventurous can try the “Cage of Death”, a transparent diving enclosure that lowers you into a pool with a massive croc!

It’s a great way to learn about the NT’s most iconic animal in a safe and interactive setting.

3. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)

One of the best things to do in Darwin for free, is visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here, you’ll find:

A powerful exhibit on Cyclone Tracy, which destroyed much of Darwin in 1974.
Stunning displays of Indigenous art, particularly from the Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands regions.
The famous preserved crocodile “Sweetheart”, who became a local legend in the 1970s.

It’s air-conditioned, family-friendly, and one of the most informative stops in the city. Also one of the best things to do in Darwin with kids.

4. Explore the Darwin Waterfront

Just a short walk from the city centre is the lively Darwin Waterfront Precinct, one of the best places to relax, eat, and cool off.

Swim in the saltwater Recreation Lagoon (no crocs or jellyfish!).
Ride the waves at the Wave Lagoon, a safe and fun place for families.
Grab lunch or drinks at one of the many restaurants and bars lining the waterfront.

This area is perfect for a laid-back afternoon, especially during the heat of the day and one of the best things to do in Darwin with toddlers.

5. Discover Darwin’s WWII History

Darwin was bombed by Japanese forces during WWII, making it the only Australian city to come under repeated enemy attack.

To learn more, visit:

The Darwin Military Museum at East Point, which offers immersive exhibits, original footage, and historic artefacts.
The RFDS and Bombing of Darwin Experience at Stokes Hill Wharf, where you’ll find holograms, interactive VR experiences, and stories of heroism during the 1942 air raids.

These museums are eye-opening and offer a unique side of Australian history that many people don’t know about.

6. Take a Day Trip to Litchfield National Park

If you’ve got time for a day trip, head to Litchfield National Park, about a 90-minute drive from Darwin.

It’s known for its:

Beautiful swimming holes like Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole
Towering magnetic termite mounds
Scenic walking trails and tropical waterfalls

It’s one of the easiest national parks to visit from Darwin, with tours available if you don’t have your own transport.

We visited Litchfield National Park on our road trip from Uluru to Darwin and would highly recommend it as a place to cool off and swim in the incredible swimming holes. One of the best things to do in Darwin for couples!

You can see this in my Uluru to Darwin YouTube vlog below:

7. Browse Local Markets

Darwin is famous for its open-air markets, which reflect the city’s multicultural roots. Even if you’re not planning to shop, they’re worth visiting for the food and atmosphere.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market – As mentioned above, this is a must in dry season.
Parap Village Markets – Held on Saturday mornings, with amazing laksa, tropical fruit smoothies, and local art.
Nightcliff Markets – Great for brunch, secondhand clothes, and live music on Sundays.

Markets are a big part of Darwin life, so don’t miss out, and are one of the best things to do in Darwin on a budget.

8. Learn About Indigenous Culture

Darwin is a fantastic place to learn about Aboriginal culture, with deep connections to nearby regions like Arnhem Land, Kakadu, and the Tiwi Islands.

Visit Aboriginal Bush Traders, a social enterprise selling ethically sourced art, bush food products, and gifts.
Take a guided Indigenous cultural tour to learn about bush medicine, Dreamtime stories, and traditional practices.
If you’re staying longer, consider a Tiwi Islands day tour to meet local artists and elders.

These experiences offer a meaningful look at Australia’s oldest living culture and are some of the more unique and unusual things to do in Darwin.

9. Enjoy Darwin’s Food and Nightlife Scene

Darwin’s dining scene is small but diverse, thanks to its multicultural population. You’ll find everything from Asian street food to modern Australian seafood.

For casual dining, check out Stokes Hill Wharf or the Darwin Waterfront.
For something fancier, try Pee Wee’s at the Point, one of the most scenic restaurants in the NT.
After dark, head to Mitchell Street for pubs, bars, and backpacker nightlife.
Or sip a cocktail on the rooftop at Charlie’s of Darwin, the city’s own gin distillery.

These are some of the best things to do in Darwin without a car!

10. Relax at East Point Reserve

End your Darwin visit with a trip to East Point Reserve, a peaceful area just outside the city.

It’s perfect for sunset walks, spotting wallabies, and having a picnic by the sea.
There are coastal walking trails, WWII relics, and grassy areas to unwind.
It’s also home to the Darwin Military Museum, so you can combine the two in one trip.

11. Road Trip Through the Outback to the Red Centre

If you want to make the most of your trip to Darwin, why not make it the start of a Northern Territory road trip adventure.

While we worked our way upwards from Uluru to Darwin, you can do the opposite and start in Darwin, making your way down the Stuart Highway to end in Uluru.

You can create the itinerary yourself, or you can join an organised tour with Mulgas Adventures (like we did). Use my code ‘ORLAGH25‘ to get $25 off any Mulgas Adventures tour!

The Best Things to Do in Darwin Today

Darwin is often overlooked in favour of Sydney or Melbourne, but it offers something completely different.

It’s tropical, raw, and full of character. The people are welcoming, the pace is relaxed, and the connection to nature and culture is strong.

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or a full Top End adventure, Darwin is a city that surprises and inspires.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about the best things to do in Darwin.

An Introduction to Darwin