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Subscribe The Best Things to Do in Darwin for an Unforgettable Time in the Top End
Tropical, vibrant and seriously laidback—here are the best things to do in Darwin.
Fringed by mangroves and bathed in tropical light, Darwin is a city with a bold spirit and laidback charm. From its thriving art scene to bustling food markets and beach swims in the middle of winter, the Northern Territory capital is full of unexpected delights. Tropical, creative and totally unpretentious, this is a city full of contrast and character.
Whether you’re feasting on fiery curries, floating in a beach lagoon, or chatting with locals at the markets, there’s a certain magic to life up north. Slow it down, soak it up, and make space for the unexpected—because in Darwin, that’s where the real fun begins.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Darwin—from where to eat and sip to where to stay and play.
Best Things to Do in Darwin: Eat
Aboriginal Bush Traders
Aboriginal Bush Traders is a 100% not-for-profit organisation in Darwin that proudly champions Indigenous culture through its gallery, retail space, and bush food-inspired cafe. Menu highlights include roasted kangaroo with native spices, bush-spiced chickpea salad, and pavlova with rosella cream. For an immersive experience, try the ABT Tasting Plate, which includes bush spice samples and a guided gallery tour.
Shop 4, 19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre
De La Plage
Tucked inside the surf club at Casuarina Coastal Reserve, De La Plage is the brainchild of Claire Pirau and Sevan Guzel—a Belgian and Australian-Turkish duo serving up fresh, organic dishes with flair. Their menu blends heritage and local produce, with everything from coconut charcoal sourdough to watermelon salad with feta.
It’s a go-to for weekend beachgoers and anyone keen to chill out with good food and ocean views from a bean bag. With live music and patrolled beaches during the dry season, this spot is pure Darwin coastal magic.
Surf Life Saving Club, Darribah Road, Brinkin
Ella by Minoli
Where Sri Lankan heritage meets the bold flavours of Australia and Darwin. MasterChef alum Minoli De Silva has created something seriously special here—a warm, stylish space where the food sings with spice, creativity, and local produce. Kiwi fruit curry, twice-cooked eggplant moju and roti? Yes, please.
And the cocktails are as considered as the food. Try the passionfruit martini, made with makrut lime from Sri Lanka, fresh passionfruit and pineapple. It’s tropical, tart and as good as it looks.
Sitchu Tip: Got a crew? If there’s six of you, book the Green Room—a private dining space that feels like your own little flavour-filled hideaway.
20/12 West Lane Arcade, Darwin City
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Hanuman
A true Darwin institution, Hanuman has been serving up the sweet-salty-sour trifecta for over 30 years. Helmed by chef Jimmy Shu, this buzzing restaurant sits right next to the Darwin Entertainment Centre (ideal for a pre-show feast).
It combines flavours from Malaysia, Thailand and India, all grounded in local produce. Think oysters with zingy chilli jam, slow-cooked beef rendang and desserts like black rice brulee that demand a second visit. The space is big and breezy, flowing between indoors and out with plant walls and an atmosphere that’s equal parts Southeast Asia and Top End tropical—just like the food.
93 Mitchell Street, Darwin City
Best Things to Do in Darwin: Drink
The Trader Bar
Tucked into a character-filled old Darwin home, The Trader Bar is a leafy, intimate hideaway perfect for after-dark drinks. It’s all mismatched furniture, lush greenery and carefully crafted cocktails. Try the Green Ant Gin Spritz for a punchy, effervescent tipple.
3 Harriet Place, Darwin City
Dock One Bar and Food
This is seaside, breezy Darwin at its best. Dock One sits along the waterfront with a laid-back feel that’s all about sunshine, salt-scented air and ice-cold drinks. The Croc One cocktail is a standout with white rum, lemon juice, orgeat syrup and spinach (yes, spinach).
It’s the kind of place you park up for the afternoon, maybe with a grilled barramundi and mango vinaigrette situation on the side, and see where the evening takes you.
Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin City
Lola’s Pergola
Part tiki bar, part carnival, Lola’s is a colourful Cullen Bay favourite with a cheeky drinks list and a casual setting that’s pure magic. Beautifully perched on Cullen Bay Marina, just a few minutes’ scooter ride from the CBD, it’s all open air, with live music and craft beer on tap. Lola’s is where conversations happen easily—with locals, travellers, and anyone who’s up for a laugh. It’s a little bit wild, a lot of fun, and very Darwin.
48 Marina Boulevard, Larrakeyah
Best Things to Do in Darwin: Stay
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers contemporary rooms with stunning harbour views and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site gym, and the Curve Cafe and Bar, which serves delicious meals and drinks. Located in the heart of Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, the hotel is steps away from boutique shops, cafes, and the popular Wave Lagoon.
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City
Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites
For a sophisticated, apartment-style experience with all the high-end comforts you could need, Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites have it covered. Enjoy stylish self-contained suites featuring spacious balconies, designer kitchens, and stunning water views.
With access to the wave pool, fitness centre, and a bustling dining precinct, it’s an ideal choice for extended stays, families, or travellers seeking space and luxury in the heart of Darwin.
Building 3/19b Kitchener Drive, Darwin City
Book now via Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites
Adina Darwin Waterfront
Modern, comfy and perfectly placed, Adina puts you in the heart of Darwin’s captivating waterfront precinct. With spacious rooms, a lagoon-style pool and everything from sunset drinks to splash zones at your doorstep, this is the city stay that makes life easy.
Sitchu Tip: Request a balcony room with a view of the wave pool, it’s made for sundowners after a day of exploring.
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin City
Novotel Darwin Airport
Forget everything you think you know about airport hotels. Just 270 metres from the terminal, Novotel Darwin Airport Hotel combines convenience with resort-style appeal. It features a lush pool, tropical gardens, and art by Indigenous artists throughout. Whether you’re flying in, out, or staying a while, it’s a stylish and comfortable base.
2 Henry Wrigley Drive, Eaton
Best Things to Do in Darwin: Play
Soak up a Darwin Sunset
Sunsets in Darwin just hit different. For the best seat in town, head to the Darwin Sailing Club, which offers unparalleled sunset views over Fannie Bay. Its open, airy clubhouse provides a stunning setting to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. Guests can relax with a drink while watching the sky blend into reds and oranges over the water.
5 Atkins Drive, Fannie Bay
Art, Culture & Retail Therapy
Darwin might be small, but its creative scene packs a punch. Start at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (the Cyclone Tracy exhibit is powerful) before diving into the city’s Aboriginal art offerings.
In Parap, the Outstation and Laundry Gallery showcase both contemporary and traditional works, while in the city, the House of Darwin combines gallery, streetwear, and social goods in one cool space.
Market Days (& Nights)
Darwin does markets differently. Saturday mornings are for Parap Market laksa and tropical fruit, while Rapid Creek is your Asian grocery dream. Sunday at Nightcliff means smoothies by the sea, but the main event is the Mindil Beach Sunset Market on Thursday night. Come for the food, stay for the sunset and soak up the buzzing, beachside atmosphere.
Swim Spots Worth a Splash
Darwin’s heat calls for regular dips, and there are plenty of places to cool off. The Waterfront precinct has a wave pool, beach lagoon and floating fun for the whole family. Leanyer Recreation Park is great for kids (and kids at heart), while locals love a dry season ocean swim at Nightcliff or Casuarina–stinger-free and full of coastal magic.
If you loved our edit of the best things to do in Darwin and are looking for more travel inspo, you might also like our picks of the best White Lotus-inspired Australian stays or Australia’s coolest motels for luxury on a budget.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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