Guide to Darwin
Aboriginal name: Garramilla (pronounced garr-ah-mill-ah)
With everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and sunset cruises, Darwin is as easy going as it is exciting.
If balmy nights, colourful characters and outdoor adventures are on your bucket list, you'll want to visit Darwin, located in the Northern Territory. Along with its crocodiles and cruises, you'll find rich Aboriginal cultures here, evident through the vibrant Aboriginal art that fills the city's galleries, museums and streetscapes. The city's proximity to Asia means you'll also find strong Asian influences, especially in the energetic food scene and buzzing night markets.
Top things to do in Darwin
Go crazy for crocodiles
Get a closer look (safely) at a saltwater crocodile on a jumping croc cruise or get your heart racing on a diving encounter. Despite your safe distance, you’ll feel their power as they leap, snap and roll. Choose your own crocodile adventure.
Explore the museums and galleries
From the legendary Sweetheart (a large crocodile specimen) to traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art, Darwin’s museums and galleries will impress. The city is also home to incredible street art. Discover the art, culture and history of Darwin.
Spend a day at the waterfront
Darwin’s waterfront precinct is buzzing with restaurants, aquatic adventures and events. Catch a wave in a sparkling lagoon, conquer a floating obstacle course or simply stroll through sculptures and street art. Discover the best of the waterfront.
Experience Aboriginal culture
The oldest living culture in the world is thriving in the city of Darwin. Enrich your visit with unforgettable outback adventures and cultural experiences when you immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s vibrant Aboriginal culture.
Plan for family fun
Family fun isn’t hard to find in Darwin. You’ll find kid-friendly experiences for every age, from getting splashed by a jumping crocodile to movie nights under the stars. They’ll love the endless adventures, and you’ll savour their smiling faces.
Explore the national parks
Surrounded by an abundance of natural wonders, this tropical city is perfectly located for day trips and adventures. From World Heritage-listed national parks, to islands, wetlands and waterfalls, set out and explore beyond the city.
Sail on a sunset harbour cruise
One of the best ways to experience this harbour city is on the harbour itself. Bask in the glow of golden hour on a sunset cruise or prolong the experience with a dinner. Discover all the ways you can set sail in style.
Take a Top End Safari
Get a taste of the Top End from helicopter, airboat and cruise boat when you head out on Matt Wright's Top End Safari Camp day tour from Darwin. Discover exclusive vantage points for spotting the incredible wildlife of the Litchfield region.
Catch a movie under the stars
Running from April to November, Deckchair Cinema is a unique outdoor cinema experience on the edge of the harbour. Take in the sunset from the tropical garden before settling in for the film with a night full of stars as your backdrop.
Get a taste of Darwin
Between May and October listen to live music, grab some souvenirs and visit the food stalls to taste local delicacies like barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile. Spend an evening at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
Beat the heat at a waterhole
With family-friendly waterparks and lagoons in the city and natural waterholes and waterfalls nearby, there’s no shortage of places for a refreshing dip in Darwin’s balmy climate. Discover the best spots to cool off around Darwin.
Enjoy a Top End summer
Darwin’s wet season is characterised by epic thunderstorms and pounding waterfalls. Visit the Top End during summer and you’ll be witness to some of nature’s most dramatic displays. Discover the best summer experiences and start planning your trip.
Catch a prized Barramundi
Barramundi Adventures Darwin is a land-based recreational fishing farm where you can drop a line and enjoy the thrill of catching the iconic Top End barramundi, perfect for everyone from beginners to die-hard anglers. Cast a line in Darwin.
Start planning
Hilton Darwin
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$119 to AU$499
Rydges Palmerston
Apartments, Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$149 to AU$899
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Apartments, Hotels, Resorts • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$110 to AU$600
H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
Apartments, Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$109 to AU$1100
DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$105 to AU$959
Ramada Suites Zen Quarter
Apartments, Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$120 to AU$450
Argus Apartments Darwin
Apartments • Swimming Pool • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$150 to AU$1800
Novotel Darwin Airport
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$99 to AU$349
Mercure Darwin Airport Resort
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$119 to AU$255
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks, Resorts, Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$39 to AU$365