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Capital city of Northern Territory, Australia
Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Darwin, a small yet cosmopolitan city, is the tropical capital city of the Northern Territory. People from more than 50 nations make up its population of 147,255 (2019). It sits on the Northern Territory coast, with the Timor Sea (a branch of the Indian Ocean) to the west, and the Arafura Sea to the north in Indonesian waters. Darwin is the only city of its size to have a north coast in mainland Australia, with the rest being small settlements.
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At 9:58AM on 19 February 1942, the wharf was a target for Japanese bombs, which claimed the lives of many service personnel and waterside workers. Many of the historical landmarks remain and can be explored today. See also Pacific War.
Fannie Bay Gaol operated as Darwin’s major prison for almost 100 years from 1883. Two maximum security wings were added during the 1950s and the gallows were used for executions until 1952. The building’s grim and oppressive history can be felt as you walk through.
Architect B.C.G. Burnett designed homes adapted to the climatic conditions of the Top End, which included the use of lightweight materials and natural ventilation. It is worth leaving your visit to Myilly Point until Sunday afternoon, when you can take High Tea in the shady tropical gardens at Burnett House.
Browns Mart is a stone building that was opened in 1885 as the store ‘Solomon’s Emporium’. It played many roles over the years, but today has become a cultural and historic icon of the city that is regularly used for theatre and performances.
Lyons Cottage, overlooking Darwin Harbour on The Esplanade, was built in 1925 to house staff working on the submarine cable that connected Australia with Britain. Also known as British Australia Telegraph (BAT) House, Lyons Cottage survived the Japanese bombing raids of 1942 and 1943 and escaped structural damage from Cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Cottage today houses the local indigenous tourism booking service.
Built in 1884 for the South Australian Government, these colonial style buildings made from local stone have housed criminals, the Navy and today the NT Administrator’s Offices. Restored after damage by Cyclone Tracy, these buildings are a stark reminder of the Darwin of yesteryear.
The Aviation Heritage Centre has an impressive collection of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation from the early pioneers to the jet age. The prize exhibit is a B-52 bomber on permanent loan from the United States Air Force, one of only two on public display outside the US. The centre is 8 km from Darwin city and is on the site of fierce air combat that took place overhead during World War II.
Long tunnels bored into the cliff to store oil during WW2. Now they contain historic photos and an eerie atmosphere.
This scenic stretch of parkland along The Esplanade overlooks Darwin Harbour. It’s a great place to kick a footy, soak up some rays or have a picnic while watching the sun set.
A stone’s throw from the city centre are 42 hectares of gardens that showcase local flora and that of other tropical habitats around the world. Explore monsoon forests, coastal foredunes and open woodlands on a stroll through the botanic gardens.
An ideal spot for swimming all year round, Lake Alexander is popular for picnics and barbecues. Spend the day by the water, have a game of volleyball and tire the kids out on the playground.
The Reserve encompasses 1500 hectares, including 8 km (5 mi) of sandy beaches bordered by dramatic cliffs. Stretch your legs on one of the walking paths or grab a table and settle in for a barbecue under a shady casuarina tree.
Shell middens in the area indicate that it has been used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the land. During World War II, this area was part of a network of military sites that formed Australia’s front line of defence, and as a result there are many bunkers and storage facilities remaining.
MAGNT
- set on a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour is this, the Northern Territory's premier cultural institution. The MAGNT collections place the region's art, history and culture, and natural history in an Australian and international context through research, interpretation and collection development. These collections encompass Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences. The MAGNT complex consists of five major permanent galleries, a touring gallery, educational facilities for school groups, a theatre, the Museum Shop and the Cornucopia Museum Cafe. All contribute to providing an entertaining, diverse and educational experience for the local community and visitors to Darwin. Marvel at the 18 foot saltwater crocodile known as "Sweetheart", who was responsible for attacking multiple boats in the 1970s and is now on display in the museum.
Northern Territory Parliament House is Australia’s newest. Opened in 1994, it was built on the site of the old Darwin Post and Telegraphic Office, which included the Post Office, the telegraph office, the telephone exchange, cable company offices, stores, staff residences and staff messes. Public tours are conducted regularly at no charge, although booking is essential.
Exactly what it says on the tin (oh wait, can)! Wacky races which happened in the water at Mindil Beach annually in July, if you drink enough VB you could always enter yourself!
East Point Reserve, just north of the city, is filled with walking trails and cycling paths. The area is also home to Darwin’s East Point Military Museum. Here you can check out WWII relics and watch footage of the Darwin bombing. Go near dawn or dusk to see Agile Wallabies.
You feed the fish by hand and they're not little fishies, so luckily they don't bite hard! Feeding is dependent on the tide, so check the website or call for the schedule.
Only 5 minutes from the airport, the park is home to more than a thousand crocodiles. It also houses exotic birds, primates, big cats and lizards. Children under 4 years have free entry.
The Northern Territory's only butterfly farm is in the heart of Batchelor, gateway to the Litchfield National Park. You can view rare and beautiful butterflies and a diverse range of birds, and there is also a petting farm with lots of rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, fish, peacocks and native galah birds. A secure play area for children is provided. There is also a cafe and licensed restaurant on premises.
The Territory Wildlife Park is a popular attraction, home to monsoon and paperbark forests and a wetlands walk. You can stand nose-to-nose with a 3.7 metre saltwater crocodile on a walk through the aquarium tunnel. Twice-daily birds of prey show or animal encounters presentation.
Crocodiles in the middle of the city.
Just a 20 min drive from the city, the Casuarina Coastal Reserve comprises sandy beaches fringed by casuarina trees and sandstone cliffs. The Reserve protects areas of cultural significance, including Old Man Rock, a registered Aboriginal sacred site. The Reserve also features a large grassy area with barbeques and tables.
Relax outdoors in the deckchairs on Darwin Harbour and enjoy a movie under the stars. Deckchair Cinema screens quality Australian, family, foreign and popular films every night of the dry season. There is also a licenced kiosk.
The Darwin Festival program provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain. The festival includes everything from free outdoor events to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshops and comedy, not to mention the sensational cuisine. Running for 18 nights, the Darwin Festival reflects the indigenous, Asian and Pacific cultures of the region. August.
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is the premier national indigenous event on the arts calendar. The Award attracts a broad range of artistic talent and showcases up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Aug–Oct.
This Rugby 7’s competition is held over two days with local teams competing against the best from overseas, interstate and intrastate. It ranks as the leading prize money 7’s event in Australia with $60,000 up for grabs.
Every year, thousands of Darwin locals and visitors flock to the Darwin Amphitheatre to rock to their favourite Australian and International bands. Previous line-ups include Powderfinger, Hilltop Hoods, Wolfmother, Gyroscope, Jet and Eskimo Joe. This is a sell out event every year, so make sure you get your tickets early. The event is normally held in May.
Share in the excitement of Darwin’s premier horse racing calendar. The Darwin Cup Carnival features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous luncheon and a glass of bubbly and culminates in the Darwin Cup race. The picturesque Fannie Bay Racecourse track is one of only a few dirt tracks in operation on the circuit, and the Darwin Cup Day witnesses 19,000 people bursting the rails. 4 Jul–3 Aug (2009).
The Darwin Entertainment Centre has an unmistakable presence on Mitchell Street. Complete with playhouse, studio theatre and exhibition gallery, the centre hosts concerts, dances and performances from Australia and overseas.
Darwin’s youthful population adds energy and zest to the city’s vibrant night life. After dark there’s plenty of culture, music and entertainment to keep you busy.
Shags
At Mitchell St and Peel St, for pub-style food and live music
Has good value meals.
In the middle of Mitchell St. Sit down and relax and watch the world walk by.
Thai, Indian and Malaysian dishes with local ingredients, though in more recent times, this restaurant has started to specialise in Asian and South Asian food in general.
Chinese dining prepared by Chinese chefs. Good service, elegant decor, a fully licensed bar and an extensive wine list.
A mixture of Asian cuisine and the aroma of fresh coffee. Great place to shop and a favourite among locals and visitors. Browse the markets, winding through stalls of local produce, local arts and crafts, entertainment and delicious cuisine from around the world. This Saturday morning market has become an institution and ritual among locals who just couldn’t survive a weekend without their Saturday morning laksa, satay prawns or fresh tropical smoothie.
A self-serve, fully licensed restaurant with relaxed, casual dining in a tropical atmosphere. Indian cuisine including traditional Tandoori, North and South Indian dishes.
Fully licensed cafe is located adjacent to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Fannie Bay, harbour side overlooking the tropical museum gardens and the Timor Sea.
Amongst tropical palms with a quiet natural ambiance. Fresh local produce and ingredients including local saltwater barramundi, tiger prawns, tropical fruit and locally grown Asian vegetables. Dine al fresco on the patio and take in the sunset views across Fannie Bay or inside in the fully licensed restaurant.
On the edge of the agricultural area surrounding Darwin, 47 km and approximately a 30-min drive from the city. The township of Humpty Doo has attracted people who want to live beyond the city limits, but within easy commuting distance. A favourite stop for both locals and travellers on their way to Kakadu or visiting Fogg Dam, popular for bird watching. Mangrove Jack’s Bar provides air-conditioned comfort, or you can enjoy a light ale in the tropical outdoor beer garden. There’s live entertainment, and lunch and dinner is served daily.
Live entertainment including local bands and entertainers. Savour one of the cold tap beers as the sun sets, relaxing at the bar inside or kick back on the deck.
Quality accommodation centrally located in tranquil surroundings on Gardens Hill with views over the Botanic Gardens to the Arafura Sea. 2 or 3 bedroom fully self contained apartments, as well as motel rooms, also have four three bedroom, self contained townhouses, situated opposite the main complex. A stroll through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens leads to the Skycity Casino, Mindil Beach, restaurants, golf course, tennis courts and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Nestled on the waters edge in a Balinese style reflecting a fishing village with elevated A/C cabins connected by walkways through the trees and palm gardens. Swimming pools a restaurant and fully licensed bar with harbour views. A limited number of powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites are situated 75 m from the waters edge and boat ramp.
Set on 28 acres of lush tropical gardens and located just 15 min from Darwin city on the Stuart Highway. An independent member of BIG 4 Holiday Parks. 1 and 2 bedroom villas and cabins Powered and unpowered sites for caravans, recreational vehicles, motorhomes and campers. Facilities include; swimming pools, a poolside bistro and bar, internet cafe and a giant jumping pillow for children.
One of Litchfield’s premier safari camps, close to all major attractions of the Litchfield National Park. Good base from which to explore the region. Has a range of permanent safari tents and tented cabins equipped with comfortable beds. Includes dinner and breakfast at Litchfield Cafe.
Self contained house with 3 bedrooms available. Quality artwork and luxurious furnishings. Offers privacy and comfort for up to six people sharing the fully equipped kitchen, views of Darwin Harbour from the balconies and swimming pool.
Overlooks Darwin Harbour to the Arafura Sea and the city skyline. 4 star hotel offers 140 one, two and three bedroom suites, 64 hotel rooms. Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Apartments have large private balconies. The hotel is adjacent to the Mitchell Street restaurant hub and within walking distance to the central business district.
This property offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, with restaurant facilities, an outdoor lap pool, gymnasium and onsite restaurant (O.A.K)
An exclusive wildlife experience at Swim Creek Station on the Mary River floodplains, Safari-style camp is surrounded by savannah woodland teeming with wildlife, reptiles and birds. Spacious free-standing rooms expose guests to the sounds of the floodplains. The dining area has good views across the vast wetlands. 10 m wet edge pool and a library. Wide variety of activities are available including trips on the Sampan River, animal viewing, crocodile cruises, airboat trips and four wheel drive safaris. Helicopter flights are available at an additional cost.
Immensely popular, are by far the largest in the NT and runs from May to October on Thursday and Sunday. They cause the largest traffic snarls and most parking hassle you are likely to encounter in Darwin. Bring a bottle of wine and blanket, find a spot on the sand and watch a famous Darwin sunset. For a sweet fix, try chocolate-filled churros, or a flame-grilled Malaysian satay stick for something savoury. Vegetarians should try the Lucky Cow’s felafel wrap. There are many stalls, heaps of food choices, and even avid market haters will like these markets.
On Sunday visit the Nightcliff Markets, start with a visit to the crepe stand for a strawberry and nutella breakfast, while listening to the beat of live music. There are some interesting stalls offering eco-friendly soaps, hemp products and locally designed clothing.
Relax and enjoy a stress-relieving massage or cool tropical juice. Darwin's oldest market is situated only 20min from Darwin city, in the Rapid Creek Business Village.Good location for a relaxing Sunday brunch or browsing the stalls for fresh organic produce. Asian fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, exotic plants, flowers and seafood are available. You’ll also find a range of local handmade crafts.
Casuarina Square is the largest shopping complex in Darwin, offering a wide range of specialty stores, a food court and a seven screen cinema complex. Browse the stores, treat yourself to a movie or sit down and relax with a coffee. There is a public bus station at the centre, which also runs its own free shuttle from leading hotels between April and September. Casuarina Square is a popular spot for locals and travellers looking to enjoy retail and entertainment.
Artist Leslie Nawirridj
Leslie is a traditional owner of Mand-dedj-ka-djang outstation on the Liverpool River. He paints in the way of his ancestors whose original work is the rock art of Western Arnhem Land. Leslie has perfected the technique called rarrk, or fine-line cross-hatching, to present the traditional "x-ray" style of painting. You can find him at the markets at Mindil Beach, on Thursdays, and Parap with his original paintings and prints.
By road
The Stuart Highway is the only highway into Darwin; heading directly into the city centre and extending southwards all the way to Alice Springs (about 1,500 km) and Adelaide (3,042 km or 1,886 mi).
By train
The Ghan is a tourist train that crosses the continent from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs twice a week.
By ship
Cruising has increased in popularity in the Northern Territory and the schedules for several international cruises include a day stopover in Darwin.
By car
Driving is the best way to comprehensively see Darwin. Many of the sights are spread out, parking is easy and traffic is usually free flowing.
By foot
Walking can be very hard work for those not used to the climate in Darwin. Dress to stay cool, and carry water.
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