31 Great things to do in Darwin

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Great things to do in Darwin for an Epic Trip

Darwin is a city that’s full of surprises and is often an underrated tourism spot in Australia. From visiting a crocodile farm to connecting with the oldest continual culture in the word; your trip will be unique!

In this list, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most quirky and off-the-beaten-path adventures that Darwin has to offer. We will encourage you to venture into the outback, see the National Parks and fall in love with the Northern Territory!

But we’re not just here to show you the weird and wonderful. We also want to make sure that you have a responsible and ethical travel experience. Going beyond the mass tourism destinations, we want you to connect with the locals, culture and land. Every activity on our list will help you experience the Northern Territory as a local, leaving you only with deep and meaningful travel memories.

31 Great Things To Do In Darwin Summary:

Catch a famous Darwin Sunset
See an outdoor film at Sunset
Spend a Day Swimming at Litchfield National Park
Scooter or Cycle the Heritage and Culture Trail at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Swim at the Darwin City Lagoon
Take a Day Trip to Kakadu National Park
Sunset Cruise Darwin Harbour
Stroll Through George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Relax in the shade of Berry Springs Nature Park
Take a bespoke hiking and camping tour with a local
Check Out the World War II Darwin Oil Storage Tunnels
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Take Micro Distillery and Microbrewery tour
Watch a production at Browns Mart Theatre
Learn about indigenous culture on a Tiwi Islands day tour
Take a flight over Kakadu National Park
Take a dip at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs
Navigate to the Magnetic Termite Mounds
Eat Your Way Through Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Check out the wildlife at Fogg dam conservation reserve
Meet the local animals at Territory Wildlife Park
Discover the outback and Katherine Gorge
Explore Charles Darwin National Park
Experience Darwin nightlife
Float down Bitter Springs and Katherine Hotsprings
Check out the WWII oil storage tunnels
Experience a Northern Territory wet season storm
Connect with Aboriginal culture and visit Arnhem Land
Go fishing at Mary river wetlands
Support and Buy Aboriginal Art
Be brave and dive with sharks

1. Catch A Famous Darwin Sunset

Now, you may be thinking, “what is so unique about that?”. If you are, then you haven’t experienced the true beauty of a Darwin sunset! The sky turns an incredible colour of red, pink and orange, deeper than I have ever seen elsewhere in Australia. This top end tropical city provides jaw dropping sunsets that rival the best in the world and deserves to be top of your bucket list.

2. See An Outdoor Film At Sunset

Running through the dry season (May-October), Deckchair Cinema is a unique and affordable outdoor picture house. From Darwin International film festival to blockbusters, there is something for everyone. Get there early to grab a plate of local Darwin food before snuggling down into a comfy deckchair at sunset.

3. Spend a Day Swimming at Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is one of the best things you can do when visiting Darwin. Be picked up from your Darwin accommodation and be guided by a responsible small tour group through the top sights in Litchfield. With a range of waterfalls, natural hot springs and plunge pools, ethical adventures can design a bespoke itinerary to serve you. Discover Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls and even the lesser known Buley Rockhole and see why we love this National Park so much.

4. Go Off Road At Litchfield National Park

If you are looking for more thrilling adventures in Litchfield National Park then an off road experience is for you. Thunder down the dirt roads loved by locals, hike the famous Tabletop track and cool off in a plunge pool. The itinerary is bespoke to you, what could be more unique than that?

5. Swim At The Darwin City Lagoon

A wave pool right in the heart of a tropical city centre? Yes please! If you are worried about being able to swim in the Northern Territory (Crocodiles, yikes!), please don’t fear. This awesome wave lagoon in Darwin waterfront precinct is loved by locals and tourists alike. Secure a deck chair, ride the wave lagoon and check out the multiple restaurants and bars for a great day!

6. Take A Day Trip To Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is the most unusual and unique National Park in the whole world. With a living Aboriginal culture dating back 65,000 years and Aboriginal rock art dating 20,000 years; it is not to be missed.

Join an Ethical small group tour to get to the heart of this land and community. Here are some of the highlights of the Kakadu day tour:

Greet the sunrise on the Adelaide River floodplains
Learn about Aboriginal culture on a Guluyambi cultural cruise
Spot crocodiles at Cahill’s Crossing
See ancient rock art at Ubirr Rock
Visit the Jabiru & Marrawuddi Art Centre

7. Sunset Cruise Darwin Harbour

Remember the incredible sunsets we boasted about? Get EVEN closer to them on a magical sunset cruise! With options for dinner, buffets and champagne, you can relax and sail into the horizon. Trust us, it’s a really special cruise.

8. Stroll Through George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a lush oasis in the heart of Darwin. With over 4000 plant species from around the world, the gardens are something to admire. Take a walk through the different themed gardens, such as the African-Madagascan Garden, the Rainforest Garden, and the Cycad Garden. Don’t forget to stop by the waterfall and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of the lookout tower for stunning views of the city.

9. Relax In The Shade Of Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs nature park is a favourite of ours! Our Litchfield Day trip always starts with a morning massage in the natural hot springs waterfall, followed by a homemade breakfast tea. It’s the perfect start to any day! Join our small group tour or make a trip to Berry Springs to experience the tranquil waters surrounded by monsoon forests.

10. Take A Bespoke Hiking And Camping Tour With A Local

What better way to experience a holiday like a local than with an off-trail hiking and camping adventure? Let ethical adventures pack all of your camping equipment, food and pick you up from Darwin for a bespoke Litchfield National Park camping tour! Star gaze at night and awake in the wild, away from the tourist traps and well trodden paths.

11. Check Out The World War Ii Darwin Oil Storage Tunnels

Built in 1942, the world war ii oil storage tunnels are a fascinating part of Darwin’s history. Located 30 feet beneath the cliffs of Darwin city, you can explore the tunnels used during the Japan bombings and learn about Darwin’s role in the war.

12. Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The museum’s collection is vast and varied, with over 200,000 objects from around the world. You’ll find everything from Aboriginal art and artifacts to dinosaur fossils to WWII memorabilia. With many changing exhibitions throughout the year and cool events, the Museum and Art gallery is the place to go to appreciate Darwin’s history.

13. Take Micro Distillery And Microbrewery Tour

Not many people know that this cool Top End city has a growing distillery and microbrewery community. With unique bush foods and flavours, Northern Territory gin and beer are crafted with distinctive notes you may not find anywhere else. Join a local on an evening taste safari on a micro distillery and microbrewery tour to learn about the Indigenous history bing used in modern drinks today.

14. Watch A Production At Browns Mart Theatre

Browns Mart Theatre is an awesome performance space in a transformed warehouse. Showcasing a range of shows from comedy to live music to Australian theatre. Check out the program when visiting Darwin and support local artists!

15. Learn About Indigenous Culture On A Tiwi Islands Day Tour

Visiting Tiwi Islands gives you the extraordinary opportunity to connect with the oldest living culture on Earth. Engage with the Tiwi people, whose deep connection to the land and sea spans countless generations. Witness mesmerising ceremonies, captivating dances and songs that tell stories of creation and spirituality. At only a short ferry ride, you could be immersed in the tropical and historic Island for a truly rare day trip.

16. Take A Flight Over Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is the world’s second largest National Park, spanning almost 20,000 squared kms. To fully take in the sheer magnitude of this UNESCO World heritage site, jump onto a cool scenic flight. Appreciate the connection Aboriginal people have to their land and why Kakadu National Park is so sacred. If you want to get up close and personal with the land, then why not book a 2 day Kakadu tour and scenic flight together? Stay in the park, connect with the community and learn all about the Indigenous art and history.

17. Take A Dip At Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs

About 130km South West of Darwin in the heart of the Australian outback is Douglas River and Tjuwaliyn hot springs. It will be worth the day trip to rejuvenate in the mineral-rich hot springs, surrounded by a picturesque landscape.

18. Navigate To The Magnetic Termite Mounds

Located in Litchfield National Park, the giant Magnetic termite mounds set out impressively like tombstones. The unique structures are made by termites using century-old techniques and can stand up to eight metres tall. Some house over one million termites and they live together harmoniously. It is a special site to see whilst in the Northern Territory.

19. Eat Your Way Through Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Mindil Beach markets are a famous Darwin attraction but totally unique. Watch the sunset as you stroll through a diverse array of cuisines, tasting your way through many countries. Why not book a bespoke small Darwin day tour, taking in all the best sights, learning the history and ending with a Mindil beach market feast?

20. Check Out The Wildlife At Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

The Northern Territory is home to a wild diverse ecosystem of wetlands and monsoon forests. These beautiful landscapes are the natural habitat of a huge species of birds and reptiles and it is well worth exploring. Book personalised wildlife tours with a an eco-tour guide to learn about using natural resources, bush foods and medicine.

21. Meet The Local Animals At Territory Wildlife Park

Witness awe-inspiring bird displays, get acquainted with iconic marsupials, and learn about fascinating reptiles and marine life. Engaging educational presentations and interactive experiences provide valuable insights into conservation efforts and indigenous culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Territory Wildlife Park promises an unforgettable journey into the remarkable wildlife of the Northern Territory.

22. Discover The Outback And Katherine Gorge

Scheduling in time for a 3-day Katherine and Outback tour should be high on your list. Experience Aboriginal culture, cutta cutta limestone caves, a historic gold mining town and a sunset cruise on the magnificent Katherine Gorge. This tour takes you into the heart of the outback and immerses you into Australian culture and history with a responsible tour company.

23. Explore Charles Darwin National Park

At just a stone’s throw away from Darwin city, Charles Darwin national park offers a captivating escape into the beauty of the Australian wilderness. Lace up your hiking boots and wander the park’s scenic trails, winding through diverse ecosystems. Marvel at the rugged landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and panoramic views of the city skyline.

24. Experience Darwin Nightlife

For a small city, the nightlife is vivid! The Pink Floyd Club is the number one place to go. With a long history of hosting some of the biggest names in Australian music, the atmosphere is always electric. If the beach is more your vibe, step into Mindil Beach sunset bar to dance the night away with an incredible view.

25. Float Down Bitter Springs And Katherine Hotsprings

Visit Katherine and Mataranka for warm water therapy in the natural thermal springs. The pristine water is so calm, you can relax on a floatie and be fully immersed in the therapeutic water.

26. See The Darwin Symphony Orchestra

Performing at Darwin Entertainment Centre, the Symphony Orchestra is beautiful show to witness. From classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, the DSO’s intimate chamber concert will blow you away.

27. Experience A Northern Territory Wet Season Storm

Visit Darwin in the wet season (November to April) and feel the electricity of a tropical storm. Many people believe you can’t visit in the wet season, but we believe it is an experience to behold. Witness nature’s symphony as thunder rubles and echoes across the landscape.

28. Connect With Aboriginal Culture And Visit Arnhem Land

Arnhem Land is the largest Aboriginal-owned land in Australia and preserves the traditional Indigenous way of life. To get there you need a permit or can join an ethical tour and immerse yourself in the oldest culture in the world. The fascinating history includes the birthplace of the didgeridoo, the oldest known stone axe in the world and centuries old ceremonies and dances.

29. Go Fishing At Mary River Wetlands

Bursting with barramundi, the Mary river wetlands is a pristine waterway for all levels of fishing enthusiasts. Cast your line and feel the thrill as you reel in a large fish among the breathtaking landscape. Open to complete beginners, catching your own dinner would be a truly unique holiday experience.

30. Support And Buy Aboriginal Art

The city is home to a rich tapestry of galleries, exhibitions, and art centres that showcase the depth and diversity of Aboriginal creativity. From traditional dot paintings to contemporary sculptures, each artwork carries the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage of its creator. By buying Aboriginal art, you directly contribute to the economic empowerment and preservation of Indigenous cultures as an ethical tourist.

31. Be Brave And Dive With Sharks

Are you brave enough? Summon your courage and embark on an exhilarating adventure by diving with sharks in Darwin. Plunge into the depths of the ocean and witness the grace and power of sharks as they glide effortlessly through the water. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and importance of these misunderstood predators while learning about their conservation efforts.

Unleash The Epic Side Of Darwin

We hope we have inspired you to get to the heart of your travel experiences and have an epic Darwin adventure! From exploring national parks to connecting with Indigenous culture, your journey will be filled with unforgettable experiences. By immersing yourself in the local culture, engaging with Aboriginal art, and participating in sustainable activities, you’ll create deep and meaningful travel memories. Seek out the responsible tours from Darwin and your holiday will go beyond mass tourism and support the community.

So, pack your sense of adventure, open your heart to new experiences, and embark on a journey that embraces responsible and ethical tourism in Darwin.