19 of the best things to do in Darwin

Discover the best things to do in Darwin with this ultimate guide to unforgettable tours, top-notch eats, cultural highlights and more.

Darwin is a sun-drenched, history-soaked, laksa-loving outdoor playground. It’s where people applaud the sunset, market shopping is a way of life and art is everywhere – on city walls, in buzzing galleries and inside unique museums.

Whether you’re here for the culture, the nature, the warmth or the food, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Darwin.

1. Discover the Cyclone Tracy exhibition at MAGNT

See an impressive display of traditional boats and canoes. (Image: Tourism NT/Elise Derwin)

Step into the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) to experience the newly revamped Cyclone Tracy exhibition, which marks 50 years since Darwin was flattened on Christmas Eve. Walk through a classic 1970s Darwin home, see a Christmas tree salvaged from the wreckage and stand in a pitch-black room where the deafening winds roar around you. And while you’re at MAGNT, explore the museum’s treasure trove of wooden boats, rare wildlife displays and mesmerising Indigenous art – all for free.

2. Relax at Darwin Waterfront

tropical cocktails from Hot Tamale, Darwin

Sip on tropical cocktails. (Image: Tourism NT/Ashley Dobson)

The Waterfront is Darwin’s answer to tropical paradise – safe swimming, great food, free giant day beds and a constant holiday vibe. Splash around in the lagoon (croc-free, we promise), grab a gelato from Trampoline, or sip a frozen margarita at Hot Tamale. There’s even a giant wave pool (inflatable donut optional but highly recommended) and an Aqua Park featuring 4m-high inflatable obstacles.

3. Glide with Darwin Harbour Cruises

sunset viewing with Darwin Harbour Cruises

Experience a Darwin sunset like never before. (Image: Tourism NT/Darwin Harbour Cruises)

Warm ocean air in your hair. A sky ablaze with pink, orange and gold. There’s no better way to experience Darwin’s sunsets than aboard a Darwin Harbour Cruises tour. Go all out with the Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise, where a buffet of fresh seafood is served alongside unbeatable views. Prefer something lighter? The Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise lets you sip and snack while you soak up the Darwin harbour.

4. Watch a movie at Deckchair Cinema

the open-air Deckchair Cinema experience in Darwin

Catch a film at the open-air Deckchair Cinema. (Image: Tourism NT)

This isn’t just a night at the movies – it’s cinema, tropics-style. At Deckchair, you’ll watch films under a starlit sky, with bats swooping overhead and the scent of sea salt in the air. The nightly lineup is as diverse as the food, with local caterers rotating through Indonesian, Sri Lankan and Nepalese dishes – so you might just pick your flick based on what’s for dinner. The snack game is impressive too, with locally made mango ice cream, caramel popcorn and cold beer and wine. Local tip? Drop a cushion on your seat before the movie starts – it’s the Deckchair way of claiming your spot.

5. Explore the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

the greenery at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Find Zen at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. (Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott)

One of Darwin’s most beautiful spots – so pretty, in fact, that people regularly get married here. Wander through the rainforest gully, complete with a waterfall, and discover unusual plants like cannonball trees, ancient cycads and chubby boabs. Keep an eye out for the 5m-long life-like python sculpture draped on the trunk of a magnificent rain tree. Need a break? Cool off with an iced tea at Eva’s Cafe, tucked inside a charming old church.

6. Be a VIP at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market

the food stalls at Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Make a beeline for casual bites at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is where smoky satay grills, bubbling laksa pots and crispy fried octopus fill the air with mouthwatering aromas. Held Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season, it’s packed with everything from handcrafted jewellery and beachside massages to arancini balls and fresh mango ice cream. As the sun dips, the crowd drifts to the beach, settling in to applaud the sunset. Want the VIP treatment? For under $20, reserve a table, an esky, and a spot in a cordoned-off area – perfect for those who love a guaranteed seat or groups who want to roam, grab food and easily regroup.

7. Explore Parap Village

a couple picking fruits at a local produce stall in Parap Village Markets

Fill your basket with fresh fruits at Parap Village Markets. (Image: Tourism NT)

Saturday mornings in Darwin mean one thing – Parap Village Markets, just 10 minutes from the city. This is laksa heaven, with steaming bowls of coconut-spiced goodness flying out of stalls. After your laksa fix, browse handmade crafts and Aboriginal art at the Laundry Gallery, a laundromat turned art space. Also check out Indigenous art at Outstation Gallery, local makers at The Local, or contemporary works at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art. Parap is small, but it’s packed with personality.

8. Get snappy at Crocosaurus Cove

a woman inside the cage of death facing a croc at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin

Face a croc from inside the ‘Cage of Death’. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Ever wanted to lock eyes with a saltwater crocodile? At Crocosaurus Cove, you can – from inside the ‘Cage of Death’, a Perspex tank that drops you right into the croc’s domain. Too intense? Stay dry and watch the feeding frenzy, hold a baby croc or explore the reptile house, a hit with younger visitors. For a less terrifying dip, bring your swimmers and cool off in the pool where you can peer through the glass at juvenile crocodiles – a much calmer way to get up close with these prehistoric predators.

9. Tour in a WWII Army Truck

Immerse yourself in Darwin’s wartime history in a WWII Army Truck. (Image: Tourism NT/Darwin Wartime Experience)

Hop into a restored WWII army truck and roll through Darwin’s wartime history with the wind in your hair. This guided tour takes you past bomb sites, military relics and hidden war bunkers. For those keen to dive deeper, there’s an optional drop-off at the Military Museum at East Point, where you’ll have time to explore before the 1940s truck returns to pick you up.

10. Learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service

a replica aircraft at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Darwin

Experience a virtual reality flight aboard a replica aircraft. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

At Stokes Hill Wharf near the Darwin Waterfront, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility takes you inside the world of Australia’s legendary outback medics. Step aboard a replica RFDS aircraft, experience a virtual reality flight and see how doctors and pilots deliver medical care to some of the most remote corners of the country. Afterwards, grab a table at a harborside eatery or a cocktail at the new Dock One Bar and Food, where you can sip with waterfront views.

11. Visit the Darwin Aviation Museum

Spitfire MK VIII, Darwin Aviation Museum, NT

A replica of Spitfire MK VIII. (Image: Darwin Aviation Museum)

Even if you’re not an aviation buff, it’s hard not to be awed by the B-52 bomber towering inside this museum. The Darwin Aviation Museum is packed with historical aircraft and rare aviation artefacts. Stand beneath the B-52’s enormous wings, see the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in WWII and explore exhibits showcasing famous pilots, aerial missions and military aircraft.

12. Step back in time at Fannie Bay Gaol

Dine at the historic Fannie Bay Gaol. (Image: Tourism NT/Shane Eecen)

Once Darwin’s main prison from 1883 to 1979, Fannie Bay Gaol holds stories that are as grim as they are fascinating. Wander through crumbling cells, stand before the gallows and uncover tales of infamous inmates. It’s a sobering yet compelling look into the Territory’s colonial past and justice system.

13. Snack at Rapid Creek Markets

Peruse the fresh produce stalls at Rapid Creek Markets. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a bustling street market in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Thailand – without leaving Darwin? Rapid Creek Markets is the place, filled with friendly vendors, overflowing fruit stalls and great laksa. There’s nothing more Darwin than slurping up a steaming bowl of laksa on a steaming hot Sunday morning.

14. Walk at Casuarina Beach

Hit Casuarina Beach for a refreshing dip in the dry season. (Image: ourism NT/Paul Thomsen/Wildfoto)

Casuarina Beach is a breezy stretch of sand with shady trees and plenty of space to wander. The laid-back beachfront cafe, De La Plage Cafe, is a local go-to for good coffee and fresh breakfasts. If you’re keen for a swim, Darwin Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach on weekends during the dry season.

15. Speed away on a jet ski

Zip across turquoise waters on a jet ski. (Image: Tourism NT/ Dominique Nuttall & Jesse Coleman)

If you’re looking for high-speed thrills, a jet ski ride around Darwin’s coastline is just the thing. Feel the salt spray on your face as you zip across turquoise waters, past hidden coves and rugged cliffs. Whether you’re on a guided tour or just out for fun, this is adrenaline, Darwin-style.

16. Explore street art

Spot vibrant street art in Darwin City. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Lambley)

Darwin’s buildings, laneways and walls are a canvas for stories, with vibrant murals, bold Indigenous designs and hidden artworks waiting to be discovered. For a true street art hotspot, don’t miss Austin Lane, where dozens of striking artworks bring the laneway to life. It’s a creative, open-air gallery – no museum ticket required.

17. Visit for the Darwin Festival

locals playing musical instruments during a Darwin festival

Discover Darwin’s vibrant music, arts and culture scene. (Image: Tourism NT/@betsybiglap)

If you need an excuse to visit Darwin, this is it – a two-week celebration of music, theatre, comedy and food. Some of the best restaurants in town set up food stalls in Festival Park, where you can grab a bite before catching a show under the twinkling lights. With big-ticket performances, incredible live acts and plenty of free events, it’s Darwin at its most exciting. Mark your calendar – the festival runs from 7 to 24 August 2025.

18. Relax at Mindil Beach Casino Spa

drinking cocktails by the pool at at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin

Sip on refreshing cocktails by the pool at Mindil Beach Casino Resort. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Even if you’re not staying at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, the Lagoon Day Spa is worth a visit. After your massage or manicure, lounge in the lagoon pool, sip cocktails at the swim-up bar or stretch out on a daybed by the private sandy beach.

19. Explore the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels

If you’re a history buff, this one’s for you. Tucked near the Darwin Waterfront, these camouflaged tunnels were engineered during WWII to safeguard vital oil supplies from Japanese air raids. Built into the hillside and hidden beneath lush vegetation, they remain an incredible feat of wartime engineering. You might want to download the interactive guide before you go – there’s no reception inside the tunnels.

Discover the top darwin hotels to elevate your stay

Originally written by Kate Bettes with updates by Leah McLennan

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.

Discover the best things to do in Darwin