10 Incredible Things To Do in Parap, NT

For fun-loving visitors to Darwin, the village of Parap gives plenty of reasons to linger. From shops with handcrafted trinkets to a new art space housed in an old laundromat and a famous Saturday market, here are a bunch of reasons to get onboard.

On Larrakia Land in a place once home to locomotive workshops and a civilian airfield, the hub of Parap has surfaced as a funky and fun place to visit (or call home). Located a mere 10-minute drive from Darwin’s city centre, this multicultural suburb is just a hop, skip and jump away from beaches, sea breezes and sunsets. Home to Southeast Asian, Torres Strait Islander and plenty more communities, this cultural melting pot is celebrated each Saturday morning at the market.

“A visit to the market is a big part of the locals’ weekend routine and is a kaleidoscope of cultures," says celebrated Chinese-Sri Lankan restaurateur Jimmy Shu. “Every Saturday the friendly vendors serve up such a great mix of international cuisine, freshly plucked fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, acai bowls and pretty much everything in between."

Once you’re full to the brim with fluffy roti canai, popiah, steaming laksa, stuffed chicken wings and mango smoothies, history buffs might like to go off the beaten track. On Macdonald Street, you will find the heritage-listed former Qantas hangar – now bursting at the seams with dreamy vintage cars thanks to the Darwin Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club. Rewind to 1934, and ladies and gents just arrived from Europe via Singapore on Qantas’ DH86 service could have been disembarking right here. From London to Parap: it is intriguing to think Darwin was a critical link between Europe and Australia before modern aircraft could fly long distances non-stop.

The Traditional Owners of the Darwin region, the Larrakia people, are believed to have originally called this land Bun-Durik after the black cockatoos that visited the waterholes in the area. The village has also been known as ‘Two and a half mile’ (Parap is five kilometres from the city centre) and eventually earned its name in 1919. Fast-forward to the present day, and with a multimillion-dollar ‘village improvement plan’ underway, Darwin’s historical and beloved precinct is a fast-evolving gem worth watching.

1. Shop, dine and be entertained at Parap Markets

This magical market is one of Darwin’s best and it attracts hundreds of people each Saturday, offering a multicultural feast, live entertainment and a laksa worth getting on a plane for. Follow the aroma of lemongrass and galangal and you will soon find Mary’s Laksa. Mary (Guo Yang Lei) has been dishing out exemplary bowls of the noodle soup for two decades. “Everything is homemade, I make everything from scratch each week," Mary says as she prepares my chicken laksa. But the market is more than laksa – it is also an artistic hub with stalls overflowing with tempting artworks, jewellery, bags and clothes.

two cups of food at Parap Markets — Taste your way around Parap Markets. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

2. Brunch at Laneway Speciality Coffee

Parap is home to one of the city’s hottest brunch spots. Snag a spot at the communal table in the aircon or head outside at Laneway Specialty Coffee on Vickers Street for an excellent Campos Coffee and a bite from the all-day menu. Dishes include organic buckwheat hotcakes with native Kakadu plum, heirloom garlic mushrooms and poached eggs with native pepper berry hollandaise.

a plate of food with coffee at Laneway Speciality Coffee — Dine hearty brunch meals at Laneway Speciality Coffee. (Image: Leah McLennan)

3. Soak up tropical vibes at Hudson Parap

Hudson Parap is a short walk from the Parap markets and boasts 84 modern self-contained one- to three-bedroom apartments.

the building exterior of Hudson Parap — Enjoy access to the Darwin CBD when you stay at Hudson Parap.

You will spot plenty of black-and-white photos of aviator and Qantas founder Hudson Fysh adorning the walls. You can walk to the Qantas hangar nearby or, when the tropical heat gets too much, head to Parap Pool or the onsite Hudson pool.

the lounge room facing the balcony at Hudson Parap — Spend a weekend away at Hudson Parap. (Image: Hudson Apartment Hotels)

4. Purchase Indigenous artworks at Outstation Gallery

Venture upstairs at 8 Parap Place to Outstation Gallery , where you’ll find works by local and established Indigenous artists from remote communities across the NT and Kimberley. Outstation has a well-earned reputation for excellence in art and in its fair dealing with artists, art centres and communities. Pieces range from bark paintings and hollow logs to fibre art and acrylic artworks.

indigenous artworks displayed at Outstation Gallery — Immerse in indigenous artworks at Outstation Gallery. (Image: Fiona Morrison)

5. Pick up fresh blooms at Little Miss Flowers

Enter this dreamy pink shop on Parap Road and you’ll find lilies, sunflowers and orchids alongside native seasonal blooms arranged with eucalyptus. Little Miss Flowers is the perfect place to pick up a gift – from candles to pot plants to books – and stocks a large selection of house-dried and preserved flowers, perfect for those hot, humid Darwin days.

a lady holding a bunch of pink flowers at Little Miss Flowers — Get the prettiest blooms at Little Miss Flowers. (Image: Jess Brownlie)

6. Browse artisan items at The Local

If you want to soak up Territory talent by the bucket load, make a beeline for The Local , which boasts a vibrant space where more than 35 local artisans exhibit and sell their work. Think homewares, jewellery, paintings, drawings, sculpture and more.

a woman browsing items at The Local — Make a beeline for The Local.

7. Find curated works at Laundry Gallery

A good day out in Parap must include a visit to this Aboriginal-owned multidisciplinary creative hub that puts a new spin on old stories.

artisan items on display at Parap Laundry Gallery — Browse exhibits at the Aboriginal-owned Laundry Gallery.

Housed in a reimagined 1970s-era laundromat , exhibitions cycle through monthly, with a curated selection of artisan works available in-store and online.

outside the Parap Laundrette — The iconic Parap laundromat from the 70s has been reimagined into a gallery. (Image: Leah McLennan)

8. Refuel at Mad About Coffee

As its name suggests, this cafe takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black or something in between, Mad About Coffee will keep you caffeinated. For a small cafe, this gem punches above its weight. As well as the usual black or white coffees, it offers barista courses, a huge array of tea and coffee paraphernalia and a heap of coffee beans to take home.

a barista pouring coffee into the glass at Mad About Coffee — Get your caffeine fix at Mad About Coffee.

9. Witness art exhibitions at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art

Hidden down Vimy Lane in Parap, the NCCA is an independent arts organisation that boasts a friendly vibe and offers a fabulous respite from the tropical heat.

a man looking at a mural inside Northern Centre for Contemporary Art — Stare in awe at the mural displays in the NCCA. (Image: Leah McLennan)

Its exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something fresh and new to experience.

the Dawn Beasley’s Botanically Porcelain at NCCA — The Dawn Beasley’s Botanically Porcelain at NCCA. (Image: Leah McLennan)

10. Stock up on your picnic fare at Parap Fine Foods

In 1968, Paul and Rene Pantazis established Parap Fine Foods in the heart of the village. And that family tradition continues today, with their granddaughter Larena a proud worker at the store. From the famous deli to the aisles of gourmet groceries, Parap Fine Foods is the place to stock up on your picnic fare.

Select from different varieties of cheese at Parap Fine Foods.

Don’t forget to pop into the wine room that stocks varieties from near and far, from the Barossa Valley to Bordeaux. Once you’ve hunted and gathered, you will be counting down the hours to those sunset drinks on the balcony of your Hudson Parap apartment.

wines and spirits on display at Parap Fine Foods — Grab a glass of wine while you’re at it.

Uncover more of Darwin’s best experiences in our travel guide to the Top End city.

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.

10 incredible things to do in Parap