Full travel guide to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

How to get there and around

It takes just 18 hours of travel – with a single change – to journey from the UK to Darwin, a compact, friendly city where you’ll find lots in the way of sunshine and little in the way of skyscrapers. Overlooking the Timor Sea, it sits closer to Bali than Bondi, which in turn means you’ll find palm trees, long beaches and an easy-going culture with a strong Asian influence. Much of the city is walkable, with bike hire and a good local bus service helping you travel further afield. The area has ancient Indigenous roots as well as an absorbing modern history, having suffered air raids in World War II.  

If you only do three things in Darwin

1. Discover the street markets

Darwin is all about outdoor living, with boardshorts and flip-flops everywhere you turn, so it makes sense that it’s also renowned for its street markets. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets run on Thursday and Sunday evenings, with food stalls, live music and a gorgeous beach on which to enjoy the balmy temperatures. Other great options are the atmospheric Parap Village Markets on Saturdays, and the relaxed Nightcliff Markets on Sunday mornings. 

2. Stroll the waterfront 

Darwin’s modern Waterfront Precinct has become a focal point for the city, with a brilliant range of restaurants and bars, two swimming lagoons and some great accommodation options. Away from this complex, the waterfront as a whole is a wonderful place to spend time, with parkland to wander, historic buildings to visit, and pleasure cruises and other sea-based activities to join. The views along the coastline, meanwhile, provide reward of their own.  

3. See a famous sunset

Nature’s golden hour is an event in its own right in Darwin, which has a number of west-facing beaches from which to revel in the sight of a blood-red sun dipping down over the horizon. And with both the clouds and the sea aflame with purples and oranges, it also makes for photos to cherish. Head to Cullen Bay Marina, Mindil Beach or East Point Reserve to really make the most of the sight.

3 must-eats in Darwin

Darwin’s Asian influence is most readily apparent in its food scene, which ranges from high-end restaurants and top-quality wine to delectable street food. Expect to eat and drink well.

Street food

Whether you’re in search of Korean BBQ, Thai laksa, Vietnamese spring rolls or creative Aussie dishes, you’ll find a whole host of different, fast-and-fresh options to tuck into. The Mindil Beach Night Markets are the obvious place to start – nothing beats a spicy curry and cold beer on the warm evening sands – but all of Darwin’s markets are well stocked with delicious street food options.

Fine dining

From the inventive modern dishes of Pee Wee’s at the Point and the meaty masterpieces of Char Restaurant to the award-winning Australian creations at Pepperberry, Darwin takes its dining seriously. Carefully sourced ingredients – including unusual bush spices and a plethora of seafood – give local chefs the freedom to concoct some truly creative menus. For top-class Thai and Indian food, meanwhile, head to Hanuman on lively Mitchell Street.   

Wine

Being in the tropics, Darwin is a thirsty city, with no shortage of well-reputed distilleries and breweries producing quality drinks. And while there may not be wine regions on its doorstep, that doesn’t stop Darwin offering an extensive choice of premium wines. You’ll find classy bars and fine wine specialists across the downtown area, with a wide choice of red, white and sparkling Australian vintages to savour.   

How to spend three days in Darwin

Day one

In Darwin, it pays to take your time. This super-chilled city is unlike any other Australian capital, being small enough to enjoy almost entirely on foot. Begin your wanderings by heading to the Esplanade for a stroll along the coastal lawns of Bicentennial Park. With tropical birds in the trees and a warm breeze coming in off the sea, it’s a great way of sinking into the pace of life in the NT.

After lunch in a Mitchell Street café, head to the world-class Museum & Art Gallery of the NT, which contains an incredible collection of Indigenous art and a vivid overview of Darwin’s eventful history. The city’s street markets embody its easy-going personality, so when early evening rolls around, make your way out to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Take your pick from the wealth of food stalls, then find a cold drink and a spot on the sands to watch the fiery sunset.  

Day two 

Start your day by getting out onto the water. Early-morning jet ski tours let you see the shoreline from a glorious new perspective, as you speed along the coast with the wind whipping through your hair. Enjoy the scenery, and an iced latte, before returning to Darwin for more exploration. On Stokes Hill Wharf you’ll find the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a fascinating attraction which also details the WWII air raids witnessed by the city.

Keeping by the sea, you’re now perfectly placed to enjoy the swimming lagoons, restaurants and relaxed vibe of the Waterfront Precinct. While away the afternoon on a bar terrace, or take a dip with the locals, before painting the town red in the evening with a meal at one of Darwin’s incredible, Asian-influenced restaurants. Hanuman, where chef Jimmy Shu combines Thai, Indian and Chinese Malay techniques, would be a fine choice.           

Day three

Part of Darwin’s charm is that it provides an easy gateway to some phenomenal natural attractions. One of the closest, being just 90 minutes away to the south, is Litchfield National Park, a 1500 sq km spread of lush woodlands, tropical plains and tumbling waterfalls. It’s beloved by the locals, and for good reason. So after a relaxed Darwin breakfast, pack your swimming costume and prepare to immerse yourself in the outdoors.  

As well as a dizzying array of birdlife, some huge termite mounds and a bouncy population of wallabies and wallaroos, Litchfield is primarily famed for its natural swimming holes. Don’t miss the chance to soak in Wangi Falls or Florence Falls, and be sure to stop and gaze at the photogenic cascade of Tolmer Falls. You’ll also find a number of bush-walking trails to enjoy, before you make the return journey to enjoy the city’s buzzing nightlife.   

Book now with Trailfinders: The No.1 tour operator to Australia

It pays to book with the experts. With extensive experience of the Northern Territory’s many highlights and with a knowledgeable and friendly team on-hand to find your perfect holiday, Trailfinders will help you to uncover the very best of this part of Australia. To book call 020 7795 4551 or visit trailfinders.com