14 of the best Darwin cafes

Once, it was hard to find a Darwin cafe that didn’t serve its coffee in a mug. Those days are long gone.

Whether you’re after a slow brew, pour-over or a quick ristretto, you barely need to work up a sweat sorting out your caffeine and brunch fix (and that’s saying something in steamy Darwin) when it comes to finding the best Darwin cafes.

Searching for dinner? We’ve lined up the best Darwin restaurants for that too.

The Shortlist

Best Coffee: Mad About Coffee
Most Instagrammable: Laneway Specialty Coffee
Best Dog-Friendly Dining: The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe
Best For Brunch: Ray’s Patisserie and Cafe
Best Pastries: Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery

1. De la Plage

beachfront dining under shady umbrellas at De la Plage, Darwin

Nab a seat under the shady umbrellas. (Image: NT News)

Housed in a disused surf club storeroom, beachside cafe De la Plage occupies a grassy expanse that overlooks Casuarina Coastal Reserve, 25 minutes north of the CBD.

Run by Claire Pirau and Sevan Guzel, a Belgian and Australian-Turkish duo, the cafe’s menu is inspired by the ladies’ respective heritages. Belgian treats include brown sugar and lime crêpes, while a decadent fig and dark chocolate baklava is among the Turkish offerings. Other favourites include the loaded breakfast burger on ciabatta and a refreshing watermelon salad.

Address: Surf Life Saving Club Lot 9316 Darribah Road, Brinkin

2. Kopi Stop

Sip on excellent coffee.

Take a mini break to Southeast Asia at Kopi Stop, which can be found in Darwin City.

This breakfast nook not only serves coffee (some would say the best in Darwin city), including Singaporean Kopitiam-style with condensed milk, but also creative meals like poached chicken and pork floss congee and ‘Singapore breakfast’ with coconut jam—AKA kaya with toast and soft-boiled eggs.

Address: 1/2 Harriet Pl, Darwin City

3. Four Birds

smashed Avocado with crumbed halloumi at Four Birds, Darwin

Smashed avocado with crumbed haloumi at Four Birds.

Four Birds in the historic Star Village Arcade is a perennial favourite. It is known for its great coffee, simple bagels, and laid-back courtyard vibe. Indulge with dishes like smashed avo with crumbed halloumi, or pick a light option like the acai breakfast bowl.

Address: 2/32 Smith St, Darwin City

4. Laneway Specialty Coffee

Score a good brew at Laneway Specialty Coffee.

A little farther away from the city, in suburban Parap, snag a spot at the communal table at Laneway Specialty Coffee for excellent Zest Coffee and slick cafe fare. This cafe feels like it’s been lifted straight from a Melbourne laneway and is a local favourite, whether it’s remote workers during the week or families enjoying a lengthy weekend brunch. Opt for a classic smashed avo or treat yourself to the chilli scrambled eggs with sauteed mushrooms, whipped feta, house chilli oil, fresh herbs, and sourdough.

Address: 4/1 Vickers St, Parap

5. Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery

the strawberry matcha at Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery, Darwin

Sip on a strawberry matcha at Ruby G’s Canteen & Bakery.

If you’re after a light breakfast, Darwin’s artisan bakery, Ruby G’s Canteen in Coconut Grove, is right up your alley. Pick up a buttery almond croissant or settle in with a plate of shakshuka-baked eggs, plus, of course, some great coffee. Visit on a weekday morning and watch locals line up for boxes of crisp pastries for the office – get in early because they do sell out.

Address: 2 Tang St, Coconut Grove

6. Fannie Bay Coolspot

Enjoy a hearty breakfast while looking at the beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/ Allan Dixon)

For some of the best breakfasts in Darwin, head to Fannie Bay Coolspot. This casual brunch ‘n’ lunch spot with aircon is situated super close to the beach, meaning you can go for a stroll on the foreshore before settling in for a plate of pancakes and a fresh tropical juice.

Address: 1 Keith Ln, Fannie Bay

7. The Rabbithole

bacon & egg roll at The Rabbit Hole, Darwin

Tuck into a delicious bacon and egg roll.

This CBD cafe celebrates Darwin’s culinary scene, which is a melting pot. Dishes include black sticky rice with coconut cream, miso brown butter eggs benedict, tropical fruit salad, and refreshing drinks like yuzu iced tea with pearl jam and matcha iced lattes.

Address: Paspalis centre point building, M19 48-50, Darwin City

8. The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe

a spread of food and coffee at the Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe, Darwin

Order generous brunch plates at The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe.

Down by Nightcliff Beach, the The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the jetty, sea, and sand. Come here bright and early for a plate of avocado smash or their Foreshore benedict, and you may find yourself back again come sunset for a strawberry mojito and live music.

Address: 259 Casuarina Dr, Nightcliff

9. Eva’s Cafe

Pair delicious hot cross buns with your coffee.

A cute pit stop after taking the family for an exploration of the famous tropical Darwin Botanic Gardens. Eva’s Cafe is located in what was once a Wesleyan Methodist church, built at the end of the 19th century. Today, the air-conditioned establishment serves breakfasts and lunches, as well as tropical high tea with scones and jam during the dry season.

Address: Gardens Rd, The Gardens

10. Karma Cafe

Treat yourself to guilt-free smoothie bowls at Karma Cafe.

In Parap on a non-market day (or still peckish after perusing the market stalls)? Head to the fresh and funky Karma Cafe. There, have a breakfast of chocolate protein pancakes or vegan corn and zucchini fritters. The smoothie bowls are not to be missed, with delectable options like the ‘Nut Lover’—frozen banana, coconut flesh, peanut butter, granola, and goji berries.

Address: 119/12 Salonika St, Parap

11. Boatshed Coffee House

food and drinks at Boatshed Coffee House, Darwin

Boatshed Coffee House is a lovely spot by the water for all-day breakfast. (Image: Tourism NT/ Christopher Nayna)

Feed shimmering shoals of fish off the jetty before heading into Boatshed Coffee House for your brunch. Located at Cullen Bay, this marina-side cafe has an all-day breakfast available, with classics such as corn fritter stacks and big breakfasts with all the trimmings.

Address: 56 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah

12. The Cyclone Cafe

a breakfast bowl at Cyclone Cafe, Darwin

Enjoy healthy breakfast bowls at The Cyclone Cafe.

This relaxing eatery for locals and visitors alike in the village of Parap has been around since the mid-90s and remains one of the best cafes in Darwin. Nab one of their comfy sofas to ease back into with an iced latte, and pair this with a lunchtime plate of bulgogi or kimchi fried rice.

Address: 2 Parap Pl, Parap

13. Ray’s Patisserie and Cafe

pouring milk over coffee at Ray’s Patisserie and Cafe

Sip on top-notch coffee.

This sprawling cafe has ample indoor and outdoor seating, so whatever the unpredictable Darwin weather throws at you, you’ll find the perfect seat at Ray’s. Enjoy a full breakfast with plenty of options for vegetarians, or pick up a delicious pastry to go with your oat latte.

Address: 66 Smith St, Darwin City

14. Mad about Coffee

Many locals will tell you that Mad About Coffee, a Parap staple, is the best coffee in Darwin. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you – inside, you’ll find exceptional coffee that rivals the best this country has to offer, plus a few takeaway goodies if you feel like a sweet snack to pair with your fresh brew.

Address: 3 Parap Pl, Parap

In the mood for a pint of ice-cold beer or zesty cocktails? Hop to the best bars in Darwin here.

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Melissa Mason

Darwin’s beaches stretch out in shades of soft turquoise, easy on the eyes and tempting in the heat. In the dry season, locals and visitors alike wade in, but swimming here comes with a few caveats best not ignored.

The risks? Crocs and stingers – because, well, this is the Top End. But on a dry season weekend, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve teleported to Bondi Beach, with 30 or so people splashing about at Nightcliff Beach and plenty more braving the ocean at Casuarina for a proper swim.

Swimming at the beach in Darwin is a personal call. Weigh up the risks, get informed, stick to patrolled areas when surf lifesavers are on duty, wear protective gear if it makes you feel better – and jump in if it feels right.

Here’s the lowdown on where you can swim, where to stay dry and how to enjoy Darwin’s blue waters safely.

Where’s the safest place to swim in Darwin?

people swimming in Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

Nightcliff Beach is one of the patrolled beaches in Darwin that is considered safe for swimming. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

Zero stress, zero surprises? Head to Darwin Waterfront Lagoon. It’s man-made, croc- and jellyfish-free and patrolled all year. There’s even a netted section and grassy banks for lounging. The Wave Pool is nearby, with timed swells for boogie boarding. It’s the safest splash you’ll find.

Top beaches for swimming in Darwin

From June to August, things shift. The water’s clearer, jellyfish numbers drop and locals start dipping their toes – and more – in the ocean.

Nightcliff Beach

The picturesque Nightcliff Beach feels like a hidden gem. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

At high tide, Nightcliff Beach is magic. The water turns turquoise, locals swim and wade, and confident swimmers jump from the rocks (safely). The Darwin Surf Life Saving Club patrols on Sundays during the dry season, and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a hidden gem.

Early riser? Join the Wednesday Dippers at 6.30am for a group swim and post-dip coffee at The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe. Want to float instead of swim? Hire a paddleboard from Fun Supply.

Casuarina Beach

Witness a pretty, pink-hued sunset at Casuarina Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/ James Maddock)

Part of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, this wide 4.5km beach is home to Darwin Surf Life Saving Club and its little nippers’ training sessions (Sundays, June to September). It’s also where ocean swims happen each August, with lifesavers patrolling on boards and watercraft.

No rock jumping here – just calm waves and wide-open space. After your swim, refuel at De La Plague Cafe – one of the city’s best spots for post-beach brunch.

Mindil Beach

Soak up magnificent sunsets at Mindil Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

People do swim at Mindil Beach during the dry season, but let’s be honest – you’re really here for the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Lifeguards patrol from 2pm to 6pm, Thursday to Sunday (and during incoming tides earlier in the week). Grab a laksa, sit on the sand, and soak up that famous sunset – swimming optional.

East Point Beach

East Point Beach is surrounded by dense and thick mangroves. (Image: Tourism NT)

Patrolled by Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Sundays in the dry season, East Point Beach is part of the East Point Recreation Reserve, a curved 1.5km stretch ending in mangroves and rocky outcrops. Bonus: Lake Alexander is right behind the beach, offering a croc-free alternative if you’re not keen on the ocean.

What about stingrays?

Box jellyfish and Irukandji are no joke. They’re dangerous, sometimes deadly, and hard to spot. Stinger season runs from October to May, but stings have happened year-round. Kids are more at risk, and since 1975, all 14 recorded stinger-related deaths in the NT have been children.

Box jellyfish are clear with a boxy body and long venomous tentacles and their stings can be fatal. Irukandji (a group of smaller, highly venomous species) are tiny, but nasty. Some species are only the size of a thumbnail. If stung pour vinegar on the area (not fresh water) and call 000 or find a lifeguard.

Are there crocs at Darwin beaches?

a wild saltwater crocodile swimming in the Northern Territory

Darwin is home to dangerous saltwater crocodiles. (Image: Caroline Brundle Bugge)

Yes, saltwater crocs live in Darwin’s waters, but there hasn’t been a fatal attack at these beaches in over 120 years. Why? Because lifesavers manage the risks and beaches close immediately if crocs are spotted. But always check the water before you enter when swimming at the beach. Any natural body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.

What about tides?

an aerial view of Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

Nightcliff Beach is moderately steep and narrow at high tide. (Image: Tourism NT)

Darwin has some of the biggest tidal shifts in the country, with changes of up to eight metres between low and high tide. At low tide, beaches can turn into vast stretches of exposed mudflats, making swimming tricky (and unappealing). High tide is your best bet – the water is deeper, clearer, and safer, with fewer sharp rocks and critters underfoot.

Top tips for beach swimming in Darwin

Stick to patrolled beaches.
Swim in the dry season (June–August).
Check signs for warnings and the water for crocs before diving in.

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