Top 15 Things to Do in Darwin: A Self-Drive Guide to the Top End
Darwin is the natural selection of holiday destinations during the middle months of the year (pun intended). It’s a tropical paradise that offers warmth when it’s cold down south, unique and interesting nature, offbeat cultural experiences and festivals, all delivered with a relaxed vibe. One minute, you're enjoying crocodiles basking on a mudflat, and suddenly you are eating laksa from a night market while sitting barefoot in the sand. The city is located on the fringe of the Timor Sea, and a lot of the interesting places it offers (waterfalls at Litchfield, markets, the harbour) can be reached within one day, provided you have your own transport.
Our recommendations are based on the personal experience of locals and regular visitors. If you're hiring a car in Darwin, some of these activities would be better done with a full fuel tank and a very early start, especially those leading to Litchfield and Kakadu.
Around Darwin
Take a dip in Berry Springs
No trip to the top-end is complete without going for a dip in one of the waterholes. Berry Springs is a very accessible freshwater swimming spot, which is only about a 45-minute drive from Darwin. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the topical nature without having to go too far. Expect spring-fed pools, lush greenery and picnic areas, all the essential ingredients for a territory holiday.
Being accessible, it does get busy during school holidays. During popular times, you might want to beat the crowd and get there early. If you visit the nature park, a great tucker-stop nearby is the Berry Springs Tavern. At certain times of the year, you can also watch croc-racing.
Litchfield National Park
A Litchfield day trip is the one almost every visitor puts at the top of their list, and it earns the spot. About 100km south of Darwin, Litchfield is where most people go for waterfalls and swimming holes you can actually jump into. Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockhole each have their own character, and you can realistically hit all three if you leave Darwin by 8am. The magnetic termite mounds near the park entrance are an easy short detour too, some stand over two metres tall and are all aligned north-south.
Check the road conditions before you head out, since several of the access roads close during the wet season between November and April. If you're planning to camp overnight near the falls, it's worth sorting camping equipment before you leave Darwin rather than trying to find gear once you're out there.
Take a Trip Out to Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is roughly three hours from Darwin and deserves at least an overnight stay, though some people do a long day trip. Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia and is home to some of the best-preserved Aboriginal rock art sites in the world, alongside wetlands, gorges, and waterfalls. Jabiru, the small town that acts as the Kakadu gateway, is a sensible place to refuel and grab supplies before heading further in. Ubirr and Nourlangie are the two rock art sites most worth your time if you're working to a one-day Kakadu itinerary.
For the full breakdown of routes, fuel stops, and what to pack, our Darwin car hire and road trip guide covers the Kakadu run in more detail, and it's worth checking the seasonal road conditions before you commit to a date, since some routes flood and close in the wet. A 4WD isn't compulsory for the main sealed roads, but it opens up some waterfalls, lookouts, campsites and gorges that 2WD vehicles can't reach.
Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River
An hour or so out of Darwin, the Adelaide River is home to one of the highest densities of saltwater crocodiles anywhere in the world, and watching jumping crocodiles take meat off a pole is the reason most people make the drive. Guides hand-feed from a boom pole while the crocs launch most of their body out of the water to grab it. It sounds like a gimmick until you see a four-metre croc do it three feet from the boat.
Cruises run year-round, but the dry season (roughly May to October) gives you calmer water and better visibility.
Spot wildlife at Fogg Dam
Fogg damn Conservation reserve is located about 70 km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway. The reserve is very accessible wetland area. The dam is connected to the wetland systems in the Top End.
It is a great spot for watching wildlife, especially birds. You can also spot the occasional crocodile wading across the road or the swamps. Bring your binoculars and a camera, as this scenic and peaceful spot is teeming with wildlife.
The best time to experience the birdlife is from late March to early October. Two walkways let you explore the area without having to get wet. It's an easy walk and includes some shaded viewing platforms as well.
NT Parks Visitor Pass is needed for non-NT residents.
Take a Trip to the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, comprising of Bathurst and Melville Islands, are located around 80 km north of Darwin and can be reached via ferry and also through air travel. There is a distinct Aboriginal culture in the islands that is different from the mainland Northern Territory with a rich tradition of art, especially the practice of screen printing and carving. However, please note that during most of the year, you can only visit the Tiwi Islands as part of a guided tour.
A tour generally includes the visit to one of the communities, followed by a trip to the art center along with a demonstration of aboriginal dot painting and then a dance performance by the indigenous people outdoors at the art center premises, before lunch. Most tours last for a full day because of the duration of the ferry ride, which is around two hours, but one needs to know about the Tiwi Island Retreat on Bathurst Island.
Watch the Sunset at Gunn Point
Gunn Point is located approximately one hour north of Darwin and attracts significantly fewer visitors than Mindil Beach. There is a boat ramp, a beach, and not much else – that is the charm of the place. Local people fish there, and the journey out takes you through the bushland which is worth seeing on the way. Returning, you may make a slight detour at Nightcliff Jetty if you need some other place to enjoy the sunset view near the town, and there is an Aquascene feeding demonstration at Doctors Gully (just below the Esplanade) on the high tide every day.
In case you happen to be in Darwin during the build-up (October – December) season, Gunn Point and Nightcliff foreshore are good places to watch thunderstorms. Thunderstorms in the Top End are quite impressive, and local people are quite active in their storm chasing most evenings when the clouds appear above the harbour.
Gunn Point is also a great place to camp. Make sure you rent camping equipment before heading to this wonderful place. The image below shows areas where you are allowed to camp.
Within Darwin
Explore the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
The Waterfront Precinct is definitely worth a visit. It comprises a string of restaurants, an artificial beach, and the Wave Lagoon, all located around Darwin Harbour, safe from box jellyfish, which render the rest of the ocean off-limits for most of the year. Family members will usually spend an entire day at Wave Lagoon. Besides, there is a recreational lagoon for swimming and wharves that have some shops to visit, in case one wants to do something else than swim.
It is easy and free to park here in the evening, thus making it an ideal first or last point of your Darwin city tour.
Make friends with a croc
If watching crocodiles from a boat isn't enough, Crocosaurus Cove in the CBD will lower you into a perspex cylinder inside a saltwater crocodile enclosure. It's called the Cage of Death experience, and it's exactly what it sounds like: you, in the water, with a crocodile circling outside the glass. The aquarium also has a reptile display and a fish tank you can swim in if the cage feels like a step too far.
The cove is a great place to learn in depth about crocodiles. Booking a crocodile feeding tour gets tight in peak season (June to August), so lock in your session a few days ahead rather than turning up and hoping.
If you want to see other animals along with crocodiles in one place, you could consider visiting the Crocodylus Park. It is about a 15-minute drive from the Darwin CBD.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Thursday and Sunday evenings, from late April through to October, Mindil Beach turns into one of the best night markets in the country. Stallholders set up food vans serving everything from Filipino barbecue to Thai noodles, and the crowd spreads out across the sand to watch the sunset over the water. It gets busy, so arrive before 5 pm if you want a spot with a clear view and a parking space that isn't a ten-minute walk away. Get a bite to eat, and park yourself on the beach to watch the beautiful tropical sunset that Darwin is famous for.
This is also a good chance to pick up local art and jewellery direct from the artists, rather than from a CBD souvenir shop. If you want to have a more unique Mindil Beach experience, you could consider taking a Camel ride with our friends at Darwin Camel Rides.
Eat Your Way Around Darwin
The food in Darwin reflects is’s proximity to Asia, and there is a lot on offer. This is shown by the Parap market, where, at weekends, you have the likes of laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, and fruit vendors selling fruit that you will not find in supermarkets in the southern region, all in one area less than 100 metres away. Darwin is also famous for its Laksa Festival which takes place in October. Some eateries offer bush tucker food, offering you foods such as wattleseed, kakadu plum, and crocodile.
One of the underrated things about Darwin are it’s cafes. Coffee culture is strong and thriving. There are lots of cafes offering Menus that are vibrant, healthy and include fresh local produce. Some of favourties include Laneway in Parap, 1995 in the city and Besser in Winnellie near our office.
There are also outback pubs that are worth checking out when you go out to places like Litchfield and Kakadu. Humpty Doo Hotel is a place that you may consider if you need a counter food restaurant while travelling to the south side of Stuart Highway.
Cruise Around Darwin Harbour at Sunset
A few operators run sunset cruises out of Stokes Hill Wharf, most including a drink and some finger food while you watch the sun drop over the harbour. Some also offer dinner cruises, which our customers report on favourably. A handful do a boat harbour tour with lunch instead, if you'd rather see the same coastline in daylight. It's a slower, more comfortable way to take in the city skyline and the WWII-era wharf structures still standing along the foreshore. While you're at the wharf, the Royal Flying Doctor Service runs a small tourist facility worth ten minutes, walking you through what the service actually does out here in the Territory and why it matters so much in a place this remote.
If you want height instead of water, a couple of operators run scenic harbour helicopter flights from a heliport near the wharf, which gives you a different read on how the harbour, the Waterfront, and the East Point coastline all sit together.
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The MAGNT, or Museum and Art Gallery of NT, is located just outside of town at Bullocky Point and does a fantastic job of showcasing two things: Cyclone Tracy, which devastated most of Darwin in December 1974 and the Aboriginal Art collection from the Northern Territory, which ranks among the best in the nation. The gallery dedicated to Cyclone Tracy has recordings from that very night, and it is definitely worth a leisurely visit to see what made Darwin's building regulations and existing cyclone shelters the way they are today.
Entry is an art gallery free exhibition for the permanent collection, which makes it an easy addition to a city day, even on a tight budget. There's also a maritime gallery and a natural history wing with Sweetheart, a 5.1-metre taxidermied crocodile that's something of a local celebrity. The adjacent botanical gardens are worth twenty minutes if the weather's kind. Ask at the visitor desk about the botanic garden guided walk through the monsoon rainforest boardwalks, it's free with your museum visit.
Immerse yourself in Darwin’s War History
Darwin has a rich and proud defence history. It played a pivotal role for Australia during WW2, and it currently serves as a major hub for defence exercises. You can see and explore the remnants of wartime history across different parts of the city.
Darwin boasts several defence history facilities and museums, including the Darwin Military Museum plus Darwin Defence experience located in East Point. The Darwin aviation muesum in Winnllie showcases several aircraft, including those involved in the WW2 and Vietnam War efforts We also recommend visting the WW2 Oil Storage tunnel located underground in the CBD at Kitchener Drive.
Catch a Movie at the Deck Chair Cinema
Open during the dry season only, the Deck Chair Cinema sits on a cliff above Darwin Harbour and screens a mix of arthouse, documentary, and mainstream films under the stars. Bring a jacket even though it's the tropics, the sea breeze picks up after dark. Tickets are cheap, the bar sells local beer, and the setting alone makes it worth going even if the film isn't your usual pick.
Bonus Tips:
The Infinity Pool at Mindil Beach Casino and Resort
If you are in Darwin, a pool can greatly improve the enjoyability of your stay. If your accommodation doesn’t include a pool, then consider visiting the Mindil Beach Resort. You don't need to staying at Resort to enjoy the view, though you will need to book a day pass or a table at one of the bars overlooking the pool. The infinity edge looks straight out over Mindil Beach and the Arafura Sea, and it's one of the better spots in Darwin to watch the sunset with a drink in hand instead of standing in sand. The resort itself is also a reasonable family-friendly base if you're not fussed about camping, with the casino, restaurants, and Mindil Markets all walkable from the front door on market nights.
East Point Reserve
If you have some free time, you can head to East Point Reserve, which lies just outside Fannie Bay and is an area that cannot be covered by any of the other 15 reserves. The military history at East Point dates back to World War II, where Darwin received bombing raids more than any other city in Australia, and the gun emplacements and East Point Military Museum are still intact. You can enjoy a mangrove walk around the wetlands at the reserve or alternatively, if you fancy something else, there is also a stinger-free and croc-free swimming hole called Lake Alexander.
Check Out the Local Street Art
Darwin’s CBD laneways have slowly developed what is now one of the most impressive street art spots in northern Australia, and a leisurely stroll down here is possibly the only free attraction in this list. Bennett Street and the laneways branching off from Smith Street Mall are among the best starting points for exploring Darwin’s CBD laneways, where there are murals painted on large canvases, ranging in topics from indigenous Aboriginal culture to wildlife around Darwin. Most of the street art pieces in Darwin were created since 2018.
Planning Your Own Darwin Itinerary
Most of what is included on this list can be used as a general guide to a week-long travel plan, whereby you spend a few days in the city exploring the markets, Waterfront and museum, one day at Litchfield, another day at Kakadu or so or a harbor cruise. Dry season (May to October) makes travel easier due to the presence of sealed roads, good weather conditions and all tourist spots are open. Wet season limits the choices available, but it still has its advantages such as flowing waterfalls and some photography tips recommended by Darwin residents in relation to capturing photos of storms are usually based on visiting the foreshore prior to 4 pm.
For those who are travelling to the city via interstate travel or plan to stay around for some time, Discovery Parks Darwin and a few other caravan parks which are similar in nature serve as popular base points for self-driving travellers who prefer to have access to their own kitchen facilities instead of using those available in resort strip. No matter where you are staying, our road trip guide for self-drive visitors and seasonal driving conditions guide are worth a read before you map out the week.
Before you plan your itinerary, our ultimate Darwin car hire guide discusses everything you need to know about licences, insurance requirements, and road rules before you leave the car hire company's depot. If you plan to camp in Litchfield or Kakadu, it will make sense to sort camping gear prior to leaving the city because that will be difficult to find in the bushlands. After that, grab a rental car for your Top End trip and start checking off the list.
Ready to start your adventure in Darwin?
Exploring Darwin and the Top End is best done with the freedom of your own vehicle. From the vibrant Darwin Waterfront and CBD to the wild landscapes of Litchfield National Park, Kakadu, and the Adelaide River, many of the region’s most memorable places are reached by road.
With the right vehicle, local advice, and a bit of planning, your Darwin road trip will be memorable.
