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

a cup of coffee at Kopi Stop, Darwin — 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

a latte cup at 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

sunrise at Fannie Bay Coolspot, Darwin — 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

hot cross buns at Eva’s Cafe, Darwin — 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

smoothies at Karma Cafe, Darwin — 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

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com