Top things to do in Darwin all year round

Whether it’s Tropical Summer time or the Dry Season, there is plenty to see and do in Darwin all year round.

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

This is the place to be in Darwin for that resort holiday feel. Complete with a beautiful man-made beach lagoon and separate Wave Pool, the vibrant waterfront is surrounded by retail shops and a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, perfect for a coffee, relaxing meal or sundowner drinks. You will generally find something on here too, from free Asana yoga, free aqua fitness classes and fantastic events year-round.

Street Art

After just a few steps in the city streets you will be presented by the iconic Darwin Street Art, that adorn the building walls throughout the city. There is an interactive app, available to download on Apple or Android, for this free public art gallery, which will guide you through the art trail consisting of 11 public artworks and spaces, including murals, mosaics, sculptures and glass work.

Shopping

Retail therapy in Darwin is always going to be unique. From stunning Aboriginal paintings, sculptures and textiles, elegant jewellery from world-renowned Paspaley Pearls, local designs from stylish boutiques to bags, belts and shoes made from Australian saltwater crocodile skin or exotic homewares.

Fishing

Fishing in Darwin is an angler’s paradise with the huge Darwin Harbour, Timor Sea and Shoal Bay all feeding into the Darwin peninsula with numerous boat ramps providing easy access to the surrounding blue waters. Prime catches here include barramundi, reef fish, jewfish and golden snapper with a variety of fishing charters available for extended fishing tours or you can even try your hand at the annual Million Dollar Fish competition (from October to March). 

Crocodiles

A great introduction to the iconic Territory reptile – the mighty crocodile can be found at Crocosaurus Cove, located right in the centre of town. Here you can get up close and personal and learn about the mighty Saltwater Crocodiles, Australian reptiles and local marine life. For the thrill seekers, you can also attempt the Cage of Death!

Art & History

The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNt) in Darwin, is in a beautifully scenic and serene location on Larrakia Land at Bullocky Point overlooking Fannie Bay. With free entry, you can wander through internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections, plus learn of their research programs and view some of the best travelling exhibitions from around Australia. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Darwin Tourist Facility is another must do while in Darwin, along with the Bombing of Darwin exhibition. Here you can experience two of Darwin’s iconic history pieces in the one visit. Learn of the incredible and hugely important work of the RFDS through the decades and hear of the stories through immersive experiences and the pinnacle of virtual reality of Darwin’s resilient wartime era. This is all located adjacent to Stokes Hill Wharf – loved by locals and visitors for year-round waterfront alfresco eateries and casual restaurant dining.

Gardens

Explore the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens on the outskirts of the city for a lush change of scenery. Enjoy a magnificent display of plants from northern Australia and tropical areas around the world, take one of the self-guided tree walks, relax on the shady lawns or discover the waterfall from deep within the rainforest. There is a café here where you can enjoy a nice lunch or a coffee to break up your day.

Explore further

Being only an hour’s drive from Darwin, the tropical capital is also the gateway to visit Litchfield National Park. Explore the stunning waterfalls and waterholes and monsoonal forests of Litchfield on an easy day trip from Darwin.

Click here for our Top End holidays featuring Darwin or contact the NT Now team on 1800 854 897 or deals@ntnow.com.au

Image credit: Tourism NT

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