A magnificent harbour city that is also the gateway to several world-class national parks, Darwin is truly an ideal destination for adventure lovers. From lively markets and insightful museums, to majestic wildlife and exotic outback adventures. The laid-back yet colourful city certainly has plenty to offer. Join us as we share with you the Top Things to do in Darwin, Australia! (Based on our Darwin trip in Jun-2018)
See also:
- Kakadu National Park Travel Blog (Northern Territory)
- Litchfield National Park Travel Blog (Northern Territory)
- Nitmiluk National Park Travel Blog (Northern Territory)
Tip: Need helping planning your itinerary? See our blog “10-Days Itinerary for Darwin and Northern Territory“
Advertisements
Things to do in Darwin, Australia
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia. And is the nation’s smallest and northern-most capital city. It has a population of around 146,000.
Best time to visit Darwin
Located on the southern edge of the Timor Sea, Darwin has a tropical savanna climate. The wet (and hot) season starts from November to April. While May to October bring the dry and cooler weather.
Thus, the best time to visit Darwin is June to September. It shouldn’t be a surprise that this is also Darwin’s peak tourist season. Expect to pay more for tourism related goods and services during this period.
Rebuilding the City
As a community, Darwin has had its fair share of anguish and trying moments.
Forces of nature and war had ravaged the city on multiple occasions. Specifically, Darwin had undergone destruction by cyclones in 1897, 1937 and 1974 (Cyclone Tracy). And was left devastated by Japanese air raids during WWII.
However, in all instances, its inhabitants showed remarkable resolve to pick up the pieces and rebuild the city. The efforts reflected in the colourful and vibrant city that we see today.
Planning your trip to Darwin
Relative to other major Australian cities, Darwin is compact. Thus, most visitors to Darwin would usually include trips to nearby national parks for some outback adventure.
Similarly, during our Jun-2018 trip, we planned for 2-days in Darwin while leaving another 8-days to explore three national parks outside the city. For our travel blogs on these national parks, refer to:
- Kakadu National Park Travel Blog (Things to do in Kakadu)
- Litchfield National Park Travel Blog (Things to do in Litchfield)
- Nitmiluk National Park Travel Blog (Things to do in Nitmiluk)
As for the attractions within Darwin city, below are the places and activities you should not miss. (Listed in random order)
Advertisements
Things to do in Darwin #1: Defence of Darwin Experience (Darwin Military Museum)
The Defence of Darwin Experience is a permanent exhibit within the Darwin Military Museum. Through various interesting and interactive mediums, it chronicles the role of Darwin during World War II. Specifically, about the numerous Japanese air raids on the city during the war. In our view the most interesting activity on this list and must not be missed.
Darwin Military Museum
The museum was founded by the Royal Australian Artillery Association (Northern Territory) in 1965. It was built around the 9.2-inch coastal gun emplacements of the East Point fortifications of Darwin. And was part of the most heavily fortified area in Australia during WWII.
Since its establishment, Darwin Military Museum had collected a good range of photographs, articles and war equipment that details Australia’s military involvement in international conflicts.
Defence of Darwin Experience
The Defence of Darwin Experience exhibit was opened on 18-Feb-2012 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. And tells the story of the city’s (and its inhabitants’) involvement during WWII. With specific emphasis on the devastating Japanese air raids on 19-Feb-1942.
Bombing of Darwin: 19-Feb-1942
In the days following the attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese forces planned an air raid on the Allied resources at Darwin. The raid eventually took place at 0957hrs on 19-Feb-1942, approximately ten weeks after Pearl Harbour. In what would be remembered as the Bombing of Darwin.
The Japanese aircrafts attacked in two waves. The first involving 188 carrier-based planes operating out from four aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea. The same fleet that raided Pearl Harbour. Followed by a second wave of 54 land-based bombers. The number of bombs unleashed on Darwin during the raid would exceed that of Pearl Harbour. Resulting in 235 fatalities and 300-400 wounded.
The attack at Darwin on 19-Feb-1942 would go down as the single largest air raid ever on Australian soil. And would be the first of many smaller raids to hit Darwin during the course of the war.
Advertisements
Things to do in Darwin #2: Mindil Beach/Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Approximately 3km from Darwin’s city centre, Mindil is a relatively small beach (~1km long) next to the city’s casino (SKYCITY Darwin). The beach itself is nothing impressive; Australia has far more breathtaking beaches. However, Mindil Beach is home to the biggest and most lively market in Darwin.
Darwin’s best market: Mindil Beach Sunset Market
Following the theme of Asian night markets, the market first started in 1987 at a mall in central Darwin. Over time, it moved to its current location next to Mindil Beach. Hence the name, Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
The market opens every Thursday and Sunday, 4pm to 9pm, during the dry season (last Thursday in April to last Thursday in October). With Thursday being the main event, while the Sunday market operate at a smaller scale.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market has a good mix of food/drinks (mainly Asian-centric cuisines), arts & crafts and entertainment. With more than 200 stalls, the market is extremely popular with locals and tourist. Easily making it the most crowded place in Darwin during its operation.
Sunset during the dry season is around 6.30pm. And many visitors love taking in the glorious sunset on Mindil Beach while enjoying the food/drinks from the market.
For those driving, ample free parking is available at the field in front of the market.
Our visit: Mindil Beach Sunset Market
During our Jun-2018 trip, we happened to be in Darwin city on a Thursday. Thus, making it the perfect opportunity to check out Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
We arrived at the market around 5-6pm and the place was already quickly filling up. Making it a hassle to find seats for our meal.
Our first impression was that the market wasn’t exactly large. This is probably due to our Asian background where we’re used to night markets on a larger scale. Having said, we agree that this market is relatively sizeable (and certainly lively) by Australian standards.
We had visited the market with the main intention of checking out its much talked-about Asian cuisines. However, after looping the food alleys, we felt that the variety was slightly lacking. And many of the food are fried.
Price-wise, most meals start at around AUD10-12. This is reasonable by Australian standards. And we’re probably having unrealistic expectation when we were looking for rates found in famous night markets of Asian cities like Bangkok or Taipei.
All said, we recommend visiting Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Probably not for the food, but definitely for the lively atmosphere and a charming sunset on the beach.
Mindil Beach
Advertisements
Things to do in Darwin #3: Darwin Harbour Cruise
Darwin has a lovely harbour that is best viewed via a cruise along its coast. During the dry season, SeaLink operates a 45-minutes cruise that starts from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal and sail pass the Darwin city centre, before looping back just after Stokes Hill Wharf.
Passengers are afforded a good coastal perspective of Darwin’s business and administrative district. While the informative commentary by the skippers give passengers a good understanding on past major events such as the WWII Japanese air raids and Cyclone Tracy.
From the perspective of budget travellers like ourselves, the cruise (as with most things in Northern Territory) isn’t exactly cheap. Having said, the cruise does prove to be interesting and informative. And is definitely worth experiencing.
Cruise details
The cruise operates seasonally from 1-April to 30-Sept (refer to SeaLink website for confirmation). It sails from Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal at 11.55am from Monday to Friday (no sailing on weekends or holidays). Tickets can be bought online or at the ferry terminal (from 11am on the day of sailing). Free parking is available adjacent to the ferry terminal.
Advertisements
Things to do in Darwin #4: Stokes Hill Wharf
Stokes Hill Wharf is a stone throw off Darwin’s city centre. It used to be the main wharf for Darwin. And the first wharf was built here between 1885-1886. The current wharf is its third iteration and was built in 1956. Nowadays, the wharf has relinquished much of its former logistical duties to take on a more leisurely function.
Activities at Stokes Hill Wharf
Restaurants and alfresco food courts occupy the far end of the wharf, specializing in fresh local seafood. These F&B establishments are by far the most common reason for visitors to the wharf. A fact that is evident by the amount of dining tables/chairs lining the edges of the wharf.
In the adjacent building, the famed Royal Flying Doctor Service operates a visitor centre (RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility). Educating visitors on its founding stories and growth since.
There are also a number of tour companies that operate their harbour cruises from the wharf. And for those keen anglers, there are dedicated spots here to indulge in their hobby.
Our visit: Stokes Hill Wharf
Due to our trip schedule, we only managed to explore Stokes Hill Wharf on a weekday noon. The restaurants and food courts were relatively empty then, probably an indication that the wharf is more popular during the evenings.
We did manage to try a bit of seafood at the food court. Though not enough for us to make a fair review.
However, we do enjoy strolling along the edges of the wharf and taking in the scenery and breeze. This experience alone is worth the visit.
Stokes Hill Wharf
Related posts:
- 10-Days Itinerary for Darwin and Northern Territory
- Litchfield National Park Travel Blog
- Nitmiluk National Park Travel Blog
- Kakadu National Park Travel Blog
- Litchfield National Park to Darwin Self-Drive Time-Lapse
- Top 9 Places to visit in Gold Coast for families with kids
- 11 Great Places to visit in Sydney
- Exploring Western Australia (Best of Perth & Fremantle)
- Exploring Western Australia (Highlights beyond Perth)
- Motorhome & Car Rental (Western Australia)
Find this article (free) in GPSmyCity app
Download this article to your mobile device for FREE. This article is available within the GPSmyCity travel app. Once the app is installed, search for the article name and save it for your offline usage! You could also upgrade (small fee) the article to get a map with GPS navigation to the sights. The map + GPS navigation can be used offline. Thus saving you money from mobile data!
Disclosure: We do receive a small royalty fee whenever someone upgrades our travel article. This fee goes a long way in helping us to maintain this travel blog. So that we can continue to do what we do best; inspiring the traveler in YOU!
Advertisements
Have something to tell us? Leave a comment!