The 8 things to do in Darwin

Visit Darwin: What are the best things to do and see in Australia’s largest city? Here are our 8 essentials!

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory region, in Australia , of which it is also the most populous city. Located on the sea of Timor, all north of the island, a regional economic centre with its 150,000 inhabitants, it was first a colonial outpost before becoming, through its history, one of the most modern, flourishing and cosmopolitan cities of the Australian continent. The place does not lack character: Darwin is famous for being the city where the most stormy lightning occur worldwide, but also.. the city knowing the most accidents involving marine crocodiles, monstrous reptiles up to seven meters long and weighing almost a ton!

A young and urban city, it is among the Australian capitals that has the highest proportion of Aboriginal people: they have also set up trade routes between South-East Asia and South Australia, well before the arrival of the first European settlers.

Are you wondering what to do in Darwin during your stay? Here is the answer with our must-sees to visit Darwin and enjoy your passage without losing a crumb!

1. Smith street and its Aboriginal art shops

Located in the heart of downtown, Smith street is a charming and vibrant shopping street: it is Darwin’s authentic artery! Its tourist attraction is linked to the massive presence of traditional choppings presenting the artisanal products created by the aborigines, many in the city. Why don't you take a tour of Darwin?

The communities come to sell picturesque souvenirs and accessories, sometimes made of surprising materials - kangaroos, or crocodile skin! Numerous small gastronomic establishments serve a varied and delicious food and the place will surely delight small and large.

2. Crocosaurus Cove

What do you do to Darwin when you like to chill? The Crocosaurus Cove is an animal park dedicated to reptiles, local stars. Inactive, it offers many workshops that will seduce the smallest, and presents the different characteristics of crocodiles, lizards, turtles, last descendants of the dinosaurs! Guided tours can be enjoyed in several languages and, for the hardest, a unique attraction of its kind is offered: a cage immersion in a basin with.. a crocodile of the seas, gigantic and scary mastodon!

And if you especially love crocodiles, why not do it « jumping crocodile » cruise on the Adelaide River, another Darwin must? You can observe wild crocodiles in their natural habitat and see them jump out of the water to catch meat hooked to a fishing rod!

3. The Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery

The Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural space not to be missed for anyone who wants to visit Darwin; located in the near suburbs of the city, Fannie Bay , it is one of the largest museums in the Australian continent, and a must-see tourist stop.

It presents the specificity of the aborigine culture, the rites and customs of this particular people but also its fascinating ability to live in harmony with nature. Along the alleys, discover the boats that allowed the first settlers to land on the island, then the animal species of the country, including the famous Sweetheart crocodile, which had the particularity of attacking the boats that had the misfortune of crossing its path!

4. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

A heartburn that really worth the shot for who wants to visit Darwin: the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is an unmissable stop, a well-deserved break in a 42-hectare nature reserve highlighting the local tropical flora, countless varieties of flowers and an orchid greenhouse among the most beautiful in the world.

In addition, the visit is very pleasant because the warmth is absorbed by lush vegetation, and this space looks like a must for those who still seek to do in Darwin. Ah, and don’t forget to taste one of the delicious tropical fruit muffins sold in the shaded aisles!

5. Darwin Military Museum

Did you know? During the Second World War, the city of Darwin was bombed 64 times in the space of two years! Foretoldly, the conflict marked the collective memory of the inhabitants and the Darwin Military Museum , created by the association of Australian artillery, now acts as a memorial site.

He is very popular with students and college classes in the country, as well as visitors to passages who have come to discover photographs of times, as well as many objects each having their own history. Ready to make the great jump in history? Come and visit Darwin through this memorial!

6. Leanyer Recreation Park

Coming to Darwin with your children? Or, if you haven’t lost your kid’s soul, go to Leanyer Recreation park and its gigantic slides to refresh you during the hot days of Southern summer. For young and old, the place is a bubble of freshness in this northern territory known for the harshness of its summer temperatures. If you don’t know what to do in Darwin, know that he’s stormed during the weekend, where the people come to enjoy it. So prefer to spend the week in order to avoid the queue and the waiting of the most popular amusement parks.

7. Mindil Beach and its market

What to do to Darwin when we love... doing nothing? It’s very simple: passing through Mindil Beach during your stay! This beach, located close to the business district of the city, is a popular place for the locals who come and take care of it with family and make their shopping.

We need to know that Mindil Beach is home to a small picturesque market , open during the dry season (April to October), which presents the particularity of being open until sunset... that you can admire, once your purchases are made, sitting on the beach. The place is taken by lovers and all romantics who came to visit Darwin.

8. To do also in Darwin

• Litchfield National Park - The Litchfield National Park is a natural and sensational water theme park where you can enjoy waterfalls, natural swimming pools and hiking trails, and less than 1h30 from Darwin!
• Berry Springs Natural Park – A true little paradise of nature just 40 minutes from Darwin!
• Darwin Waterfront – This is the place that can satisfy all those who are looking for relaxation: large lawns for the bronzette, palm trees and a pool lagoon with waves... If you are lucky, you can even attend an outdoor cinema session or participate in Tai Chi in the morning!
• East Reserve – Locals love this place. Located next to the Military Museum, you can go by bike to walk in the 200 hectares of trails!

Good to know: The Darwin Attraction Pass gives you access to four main attractions of Darwin at reduced prices!

How to go to Darwin?

Darwin has an international airport located in the suburbs of Marrara 13 kilometres north of the centre of Darwin. The air network remains the best solution to get to this remote location, and our partner Skyscanner you will be able to find a flight at preferential rates. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, your trip will be rhymed by at least one stopover (very often in Singapore) and should take you at least 7pm!

In addition, modern and efficient infrastructure (several railway lines providing the south/north connection with the rest of Australia’s territory, a tram, as well as a road network of excellent quality but not very dense) allow to vary the means to get to the city, and once on site to visit Darwin easily. For more autonomy in your stay, you can also rent a car at Darwin Airport .

Where to stay in Darwin?

Darwin is a city of good size that offers several types of accommodation each with their own benefits, to choose according to your traveler profile that came to visit Darwin. For typical and family accommodation, choose without hesitation the many guest houses, in the centre and outside of the city, held by authentic and warm Australians.

Junior clientele will enjoy the many youth hostels, which are very widespread in Australia (the destination being taken by young backpackers, or seasonal workers), while those with a comfortable budget will opt for a room in the downtown area and its wide alleys typical of Australia: you can find the hotel of your dreams in Darwin by doing a search on this Compare hotels . And if you prefer a flexible and affordable solution, opt for housing Airbnb , in order to benefit from a foot-to-ground that looks like you to feel like home. Finally, our article on the best areas to stay in Darwin should help you too!

Now you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Darwin, and the charms of this particular region during your stay. But will you manage to choose what to do in Darwin and.. will you prefer to go there winter, or summer?