Fancy getting up close and personal with a giant croc? Darwin is an intoxicating blend of laid-back vibes and thrilling encounters. From sunset cruises to thundering waterfalls, here’s what to do in Darwin. Choose from many Darwin tourist attractions from wildlife to a city escape.
Crocosaurus Cove
Most people run screaming at the sight of a saltwater crocodile. But, those with a thirst for adventure can deliberately enter the domain of the prehistoric creature, at Crocosaurus Cove.
Housing about 200 crocodiles, the aquarium’s show-stopper is the Cage of Death experience – a 15 minute enclosure dive, whereby you’re surrounded by the terrifying reptiles. First, the cage hangs suspended above the crocs, so you get the experience of being lowered into the deadly pen. Just like a real-life horror movie.
The Territory Wildlife Park
Walk among wildlife in their natural surrounds, at The Territory Wildlife Park. Here, you’ll learn about your favourite creatures from a team of passionate zoo keepers, with wallabies, crocodiles, birds of prey and snakes.
Goose Lagoon is a natural feature where encounters with magpie geese, egrets, herons and ducks are common. Oollo Sandbar exhibits barramundi, archerfish and freshwater rays, while the Monsoon Vine Forest lets you experience forest life that’s dependent on the monsoonal rains of the wet season.
Bird Watching
If bird watching is your thing to do in Darwin, you’re in luck. With approximately 400 species in a variety of landscapes, your binoculars will definitely get a workout. The Fogg Dam Conservation Area showcases rare birds and offers ranger-guides to help you spot them.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is a sandy paradise on a backdrop of soaring cliffs, where you’ll see wading and migratory birds, along with nesting turtles. Head to George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens for mangroves and woodland teeming with feathered friends.
Litchfield National Park
Spend a day hiking and cooling off under cascading waterfalls, at Litchfield National Park. Along the way, discover otherworldly termite mounds and the sandstone pillars of the Lost City.
Take a short walk or venture out on the 39 kilometre Tabletop Track for remote wilderness and crystal-clear watering holes. Or, four-wheel drive to Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek. Overnight campgrounds ensure you’ll be well rested, after a long trek among the ancient gorges.
Darwin Aviation Museum
If you’re unsure about what to do in Darwin, you can get your teeth stuck into history, with 19 aircraft, 21 engines and 38 relic displays, at the Darwin Aviation Museum. You can take a happy snap next to a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, a replica Spitfire, a Royal Australian Navy Wessex helicopter and the famous B52 bomber.
Female aviation takes centre stage, with the history of Amy Johnson, the first female pilot to fly alone from Britain to Australia in 1930. You’ll also see the only known colour footage of the first air-raid in Darwin.
Darwin Harbour Cruise
Darwin’s harbour paints a pretty picture, while offering a kaleidoscope of experiences. Different cruises give you the opportunity to see marine habitats, mangroves, shipwrecks and sites of aboriginal significance.
However, if you just want to feel the breeze in your hair and relax, a sunset cruise is a must. Sail Darwin offers a champagne sunset cruise on board a 50ft luxury catamaran. All you need to do is lounge on deck, sip your sparkly and breathe the refreshing salt air.
Dine out by the Sea
The Darwin Waterfront is the perfect setting for alfresco dining, where you can watch the water action and nibble on delectable seafood. Stokes Hill Wharf houses fine dining, casual cafes and entertainment.
Down a cold craft beer at The Precinct Tavern, dine on modern Greek cuisine at Antiquity and taste the exotic at Chow Vietnamese Restaurant. When it’s time for a sweet treat, Trampoline Gelato and Crepe Escape have you covered.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
What could be better than the smell of sizzling market stall food on the beach? Do your souvenir shopping under swaying coconut palms, at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. It’s held every Thursday between May and October at dusk, during the dry season.
Bring your picnic rug to watch the sun sink in a dramatic display of colour, before joining the locals hunting for treasures at market stalls. There’s local entertainment and cuisine from more than 30 cultures to tempt your tastebuds with.
Adelaide River Cruise
Ever heard of a jumping crocodile cruise? Get ready for gnashing teeth and thrilling shocks on the Adelaide River. This is your chance to see territorial crocs for the photo of a lifetime, as they jump for their dinner. The saltwater croc is the most dangerous reptile in Northern Australia and the highlight of what to do in Darwin. This is the way to see them in the wild – and get out alive.
