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Sunset on Mindil Beach
Photograph: Tourism NT/Aude Mayans

Your ultimate guide to the best things to do, eat (and nicest places to stay) in Darwin

How to do a trip to the Top End's tropical heart right – whether it's for 24 hours or two weeks

Maya Skidmore
Written by
Maya Skidmore
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We're calling it – Darwin is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. A florid tropical paradise that sits in summer year-round, this city is full of mammoth frangipani trees, rainbow birds and zesty food. It's been shaped by the vibrant influence of the local Larrakia people, combined with a vivid mix of cultures from all over the world. If youre looking at heading up the Top End way for a few days, but aren’t sure what the best things to do, eat and see in Darwin are – we have you covered. Whether you’re going for a 24-hour stopover or a week-long adventure, this guide is designed to help you get the most bang for buck. 

So, get up, get to it and get north. Take it from us, you won’t regret it. 


What’s the best time of year to go to Darwin? 

The best (and busiest) time to go to Darwin is during the dry season, from May to October, because the southern summer months often mean a whole lot of tropical storms and humid heat for our northern compatriots. August is the glittering month in Darwin’s crown – its the time when you’ll experience the world-famous Darwin Festival; perfect summery weather; and easy access to river cruises, (croc-free) waterholes, and pristine gorges that disappear during the wet. That being said, the wet season (November to April) is full of its own sparkling drama, with wild rains and tropical storms making for thundering rivers, tumbling waterfalls and striking green landscapes. Also, travel and accommodation during the wet is a whole lot cheaper and less crowded – so really, it all depends what you’re into. 

Want to juice the most out of your Top End trip? Take a few days out and change your life at Kakadu National Park

Best Things To Do in Darwin

For another wild experience that you can’t get anywhere else, think seriously about doing a Helicopter Pub Crawl. This is just as insane as it sounds, and for those with cash to spare, we cannot recommend it enough. You and your mates can charter a private helicopter that takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime eagle-eye tour of the NT’s most remote pubs, where you can land and get acquainted with the wild publicans who own them.

Down a schooner at the turquoise water paradise of Crab Claw Island, and then fly over to Goat Island, where you can drink a cold one with King Kai (who once hit his resident croc over the head with a frying pan). Chuck some wild brumbies, crocodiles and incredible views into the mix and you have yourself a winner.

Go croc-watchin'
Photograph: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Go croc-watchin'

Ah, the crocs. Dangerous yet fascinating. Darwin has these creatures of the deep in spades, so there are ample opportunities to get up close with them. If you have a day free, book in for the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River, where a professional crew ferry you out onto one of the NT’s most crocodile-infested rivers. Sit (far) back as a brave crew member chucks them chunks of meat, which makes these prehistoric predators ‘jump’ out of the water with full, reptilian force. There ain’t nothing like it, but just know you can’t do it during the wet season for the simple reason that there are too many crocs and too much water for a boat to safely go out. Yikes. 

If you’re short on time but want to see some teeth, head to the Crocosaurus Cove in the CBD where you can take a selfie with a baby saltie – or, if you’re more into the big, bad and dangerous, you can hop into their ‘Cage of Death’ and get lowered into a tank with a gigantic saltwater crocodile. Adrenaline? Who is she? 

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If you’ve got a few days, consider doing a day trip to Litchfield National Park. Just 60 minutes from Darwin, you can drive or get a bus out there year-round from Darwin’s CBD. Entry to the park is free, and there are a bunch of campsites you can camp at. Note: camping is the only accommodation available in Litchfield, so make sure you bring gear. In the dry, you can swim in numerous pristine water holes that are completely croc-safe. In the wet, many of these waterholes and 4WD access roads are closed, but the waterfalls are thundering and there are less tourists buzzing around, which makes for an entirely different (yet equally spectacular) experience. 

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If adrenaline is your MO on holidays, and you have a few hours to spare, look no further than a jet ski tour of Darwin Harbour. Led by the James Bond-esque 00Seven Jet Ski tours, you'll zoom across the flat turquoise expanse of the harbour in a cinematic jet ski group. Expect to skim over WW2 wrecks, speed past mangroves, hang out on sandbars, and maybe (if you're lucky) get up close to some dolphins.

To really learn about the rich and varied stories of Darwin’s traditional custodians, consider doing a day with Larrakia man, Trent Lee, owner of the family-run Saltwater Cultural Tours. You will experience a beautiful Welcome to Country, learn how to throw spears, make fire from scratch, gather and braid natural grasses, and learn all about the intricate stories and natural world that make this land so special. This one is definitely worth your time. 

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Get lost at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Photograph: Supplied

Get lost at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Darwin is also an important spot for Indigenous Australians from all throughout the Top End. The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair that pops up once a year in August is a notable must-see. If you are going up during the dry and you love art, do not miss this jaw-dropping showcase of First Nations art from all over the country in one, stunning place. You’ll want to buy everything. 

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When it comes to Darwin’s showiest and most epic cultural event of the year, the Darwin Festival probably takes the crown. Expect shimmering fairy lights, incredible street food and a vibrant array of epic live performances, music and art that all need to be seen to be believed. Going down every year in August, (in 2023 it'll be lighting up from August 10 to 27), this vivid festival is all about long, hot summer nights while the rest of the country is deep in the middle of winter.

 

Every year at the start of the dry season, the epic Bass in the Grass festival arrives in Darwin, heralding in a perfect storm of sequins, disco and quality music acts that draws in great crowds and even greater times. Blazing sunsets, incredible street food, stunning music, a whole plethora of parties, silent discos and rainbows galore make Bass worth your salt. Although this one-day festival does only happen once a year,  if you're planning on making the trip up north, think about making it coincide with this big and fabulous day out. 

Best Things to Eat and Drink in Darwin

Get a steaming bowl of laksa (no matter the weather)
Photograph: Sharnee Rawson

Get a steaming bowl of laksa (no matter the weather)

You may have heard talk of Darwin being the laksa capital of Australia – and once you get there, you'll understand why. While there are truly hundreds of options to choose from, we particuarly lost our minds at the laksa on offer at Parap Markets (breakfast laksa is better than any laksa) and at Chok's Placea tiny institution of a food court joint that has been awarded the ‘Golden Laksa’ award two years running. 

Going for a morning stroll in search of breakfast at Parap Village Market is basically heaven, and we're not even being dramatic. It's rare to find yourself in a place so stuffed with so many perfect food options that there are no wrong turns or bad decisions. Whether it was guzzling plump Cambodian rice balls stuffed with shallots straight out of the griddle, slurping laksa heaped with chilli, biting into fresh sugar-dusted donuts, sipping on fresh lemonade, or snaffling freshly seared satay squid, Parap has a little bit of everything, and no trip to Darwin should go by without a visit to it. Warning: Arrive hungry. 

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There's nowhere quite like Aboriginal Bush Traders. This 100 per cent non for profit business is Indigenous-led and  committed to selling sustainable (and ethical) products that directly help out Indigenous communities Australia-wide. Pop in for a stellar coffee and a delicious array of bush foods that you don't usually get the chance to try anywhere else. Whether it's roasted kangaroo, a buffalo and egg wrap with bush tomato relish, pavolva with rosella cream or a lemon myrtle protein ball, this place will probably blow your mind. Pop over to the art gallery next door to pick up something gorgeous that'll last the trip home. 

Creamy, zingy kiwi-fruit curry? The most wonderfully crispy and salted fresh roti? Curry leaf cured snapper? A passionfruit martini? For an unforgettable Sri Lankan fusion meal by a former MasterChef contestant, look no further than this genuine food paradise in the heart of Darwin. When every dish makes you exclaim "holy shit that's so bloody good", you know you haven't made the wrong decision. 

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Picture this: You're walking down a tropical beach boulevard in soft, warm dusky air. The sunset is crimson, gold and purple and you can hear the gentle lapping of the turquoise bay nearby. You are eating some of the best laksa of your life, and you're about to follow it up with some fresh NT Barramundi and chips. This is not just a fever dream – it could be your reality if you decide to head to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Running only during the dry season (April 27 to October 26, specifically), these vibey and vibrant night markets bring live music, international food and local artisans all together in one, joyful place. 

Want a solid cup o' coffee? You're not alone. Tucked away a little out of the centre of town, Sweetbrew is a plant-filled paradise full of cosy corners and seriously quality cafe treats. Whether fresh pastries and sourdough, zingy savoury breakfasts or tropical flavours are your jam, Sweetbrew has you sorted. Plus, there's a cute shop inside the cafe for everyone that likes a little browse after their morning brew. 

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If you're in Darwin and in the mood for Mexican, head to Hot Tamale. For zingy margaritas, oozy jalapeno poppers and really delish Mexican, this is the bright, punchy and festive flavour sensation that you may want/ need after a long day in the heat of the tropics. 

If you want to feel like you're in an airy, tropical paradise, look no further than Charlie's. This open rooftop bar is bestooned with floating white lanterns, full of gigantic whirling fans and stuffed with comfy nooks perfect for late summr nights. At Charlie's, gin is the main event. Locally produced using native Territorian ingredients (think Kakadu plum, water lillies and native lemongrass), their gin is made in Darwin and sparkles on its own legs. You can see the working bronze distillery from the cocktail lounge, giving a whole new meaning to 'farm to table'. Cheers to that. 

Best Places to Stay in Darwin

In our experience, the Adina Apartment Hotel on Darwin's waterfront is probably the best value hotel-esque accomodation in Darwin. The rooms are clean and classicly hotel-y, the location is excellent (it's right on the water, and a 15 minute scenic walk into the centre of town), and you even get your own private mini beach. In a town where it's so hot, and where the ocean is so very un-swimmable (crocs, etc), this tiny beach can't be dismissed.

Okay, so it's part of a casino which isn't everyone's thing – but Mindil Beach makes up for it in other ways. This four-star resort comes with its own turquoise infinity pool and private white sand beach. Spacious rooms, private balconies and a secluded, tropical feel are the MO at Mindil. Plus, you're just a stone's throw from the Mindil Sunset Markets. Love it.

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The H on Smith is in a less scenic part of Darwin, but it gets the job done. The pool is small, and the rooms were a little dark, but they are still extremely spacious with very comfy beds. This is a great place for those who care more about convienent location than a luxe hotel room. Across the road from Woolies, and just a few minutes walk from pretty much everywhere in Darwin's city centre, the H is good for the budget-conscious Darwin explorer. Read: Rooms are generally less than $300 a night. You can't beat that.

The Hilton Darwin is (like Hiltons everywhere) a bougie white space full of luxe hotel finishes that will work for you if you like luxury living. In primo location smack-bang in the middle of Darwin city, the Hilton offers an open-air pool, spacious rooms, silky robes and stretching ocean views across Darwin's azure harbour. For all those who like the bougie side, this one's for you.

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