Darwin In The Wet Season – Why The Locals Love It

Over the wet season Darwin delights adventurous souls and nature enthusiasts with its labyrinthine waterways, mangrove communities, biting barramundi and abundant mud crabs.

As a Darwin local, I find Northern Territory’s capital offers nature-based experiences over the rainy months like no other. But if the great outdoors is not your jam, Darwin over the wet continues to dish up its bucket list items – like swimming with crocodiles – and local favourites, such as grazing at the markets (rain or shine).

What is the wet season?

Darwin has two seasons – wet and dry. The wet season (Australia’s summer time) is characterised by high humidity, monsoonal rains and storms. Average temperatures range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.

When is the wet season in Darwin?

The rainy season occurs from November to April.

Top reasons to visit Darwin in the wet season

Rob Woods, guide and owner at Ethical Adventures tour group, sums up the top reasons to visit Darwin in the wet season: “Everything’s greener, the animals are happy, the plants are happy!"

an aerial view of the Darwin Walking Tour - Botanic Gardens — Green is the colour of Darwin in the wet season. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Nature lovers, rejoice. Over the wet season electrical storms create a dramatic brilliance and charge the night skies. Exotic trees, like the Poinciana, burst into colour, making it a perfect time to visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens. Saltwater crocodiles are active, with males travelling big distances to find a suitable mate. And meanwhile, at backyard dinner parties across Darwin, conversations are drowned out by the crawk-crawk-crawk of gorgeous green tree frogs.

a top view of crocodiles in Darwin Crocosaurus Cove — The wet season in Darwin coincides with the crocodile breeding season. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Traditional owners of the Darwin area, the Larrakia people (who recognise seven main seasons) call these months Balnba (season of the first rains) and Dalay (monsoon season).

a Darwin Walking Tour in the Botanic Gardens — Explore the gardens on a walking tour. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

1. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Dripping with flowers, lush and green – the gardens are at their best in the wet season. Start at the tranquil lily pond, before exploring the orchid house, waterfall and the mangrove community.

the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens — Stroll along the lush greenery in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. (Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott)

For an escape from the rain, head to Eva’s Café in the heritage listed Wesleyan Church for some of Darwin’s best coffee and breakfast.

an old couple having breakfast at Eva’s Café, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens — Take a break at Eva’s Café. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

2. WW2 Tunnels Darwin

Exploring the WWII oil storage tunnels with its 100 wartime photographs is a unique adventure when the rain is thundering outside. Incredibly, these tunnels near Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct were hardly known until 1992, when one was opened as a tourist attraction for the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Still today, the tunnels leak from the vast underground water supply, which adds to the adventure.

two students walking along the Darwin Waterfront Precinct — WW2 Tunnels Darwin are situated near the waterfront precinct. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

3. Mud Crabs at Mindil Beach

Larrakia coastal walk takes you from Mindil Beach onto a boardwalk, through natural mangrove forest and up to Bullocky Point. In the wet season there’s plenty of crabs around, so make sure you pause on the boardwalk to look down at the creek.

Chase the sunset on Mindil Beach. (Image: Mindil Beach Markets/Kevin Phan)

Keep your eye out for painted poles indicating the uses of various Larrakia coastal plants. From here, keep walking to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

a look inside the Museum and Art Gallery NT — The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is home to scientific and cultural collections. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

4. Barra are biting – it’s the perfect time for fishing in Darwin

The build-up months (October to December) can produce the best fishing of all the seasons in the Top End. Increasing cloud cover and rainfall ignites the barra action, especially in the saltwater estuaries and the lower tidal river reaches. During the monsoonal rains (January to mid-March) barra can take a bit more hunting, but they are usually on the bite in the mangrove creeks and estuaries around Darwin Harbour.

Fishing over the wet season gives you the opportunity to win big. The Northern Territory Government’s Million Dollar Fish has tagged barra to catch worth $1 million (make sure you’re registered before you go fishing).

a man out fishing in Darwin Harbour — Try your luck and catch some fish in Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

5. Mangoes at Darwin’s markets

It may be wet season but there are still markets to explore. Head to the Rapid Creek Markets on the weekend for tropical fruits and fresh juice; or check out Parap Village Markets to try one of Mary’s award-winning laksa soups.

mangoes on display at Parap Village Markets — Pick fresh mangoes at Parap Village Markets. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Over at Nightcliff Markets, locals dine on warm Nutella crepes and fresh rice paper rolls. From late October onwards, mangoes are plentiful -but be warned, you might find the mango smoothies and mango sticky rice a bit addictive.

Mary's Laksa in Parap Village Markets — Don’t miss out on Mary’s award-winning laksa soups. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino)

6. Fly over the waterfalls

Heavy rains mean the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park and Kakadu are at their most impressive, particularly from November onwards. One of the best ways to see them and get an appreciation for their size and power is by stepping aboard a scenic flight.

an aerial view of Jim Jim Falls — Jim Jim Falls looks spectacular from above. (Image: Tourism NT/@helloemilie)

For wet season guides check out Ethical Adventures’ Pure Litchfield tour or take a private tour with Venture North to Litchfield, Katherine and Kakadu.

a group of people visiting a waterfall during Ethical Adventures' Litchfield National Park tour — Tour the majestic sights at Litchfield National Park with Ethical Adventures. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

7. Flix in the Wet

For a perfect wet season night out head along to the Darwin Entertainment Centre to catch a show, such as Jessica Mauboy or The Teskey Brothers, or a movie as part of Flix in the Wet . You might want to dine next door at Hanuman, one of the best restaurants in Darwin before trotting off to one of Darwin’s top city hotels for a night cap.

food at Hanuman restaurant Darwin — Dine next door at Hanuman. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

One of the most accessible places to see the wetlands and wildlife over the wet season is at Fogg Dam, a 45-minute drive from Darwin. A haven for water pythons, freshwater turtles and birds, Fogg Dam is famous among naturalists for having one of the world’s highest biomass of predator (water pythons) to prey (dusky rats) ratio.

9. Wetland View Top Centre

For a stunning panoramic view of the Adelaide River floodplain, head to Wetland Top View Centre , an hours’ drive from Darwin on the way to Kakadu. Run by Aboriginal-owned tourism venture Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours , the two-level visitor centre building, constructed to represent the form of a dancing brolga, is complete with amenities, cafe, and interactive display with the top-level viewing deck providing an uninterrupted view of the wetlands.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

Darwin in the wet season – why the locals love it