In the middle of Australia’s northern edge, the coastal city of Darwin is one of the country’s biggest cultural melting pots, where Indigenous culture meets cosmopolitan cool and the laid-back lifestyle typical of the tropics. Some of the best things to do in Darwin include wandering the city’s beachside night markets and taking a jumping croc cruise, but the city’s museums, architecture, and historic sights also are worth visiting. You can reach the Tiwi Islands and Kakadu and Litchfield National parks via a ferry ride or driving tour.
Summers can be sweltering in Darwin, and late spring through early fall (November–March) lands during the wet season, bringing high humidity and tropical showers. Sightseeing and sunbathing are much more enjoyable in the dry season (April–September); this is the best time of year for day trips to Kakadu National Park, and you can check out popular city events such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Darwin is small and compact enough to get around on foot, but regular buses also run up to the northern beaches and the suburbs. Taxis are easy to find, but it’s best to book if you’re heading outside of the city. Otherwise, rent a bike or e-bike and make the most of the city’s extensive bike path network.
If you’re visiting between mid-April and mid-November, head down to Darwin Harbour to catch a movie at the Deckchair Cinema—the nightly screenings always pull in a crowd, and there are back-to-back movies on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Darwin is best known as the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, a sparsely populated expanse of desert and wetlands. In Darwin city, Waterfront Precint, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and Mindil Beach Markets attract visitors. Nearby are Litchfield and Kakadu national parks.
...MoreTwo or three days is ideal amount for visiting Darwin, which is not large. Walk the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, swim at Waterfront Precinct, and view the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Make it a multi-day trip with a visit to Kakadu or Litchfield national parks.
...MoreMay to October is the best time to visit Darwin. Darwin has a tropical climate, so it experiences two seasons: wet and dry. May to October is the dry season—and while the average temperature is still hot, most travelers will find this climate more comfortable than the humid wet season.
...MoreNo. You should not swim at the natural beaches in Darwin. Darwin’s beaches are plagued with deadly venomous jellyfish and croccodiles. To swim in Darwin, head to the Darwin Waterfront Precinct’s Recreation Lagoon, which is an artificial and sheltered waterfront area that’s safe for swimming.
...MoreMany of Darwin’s top attractions are free. There is no fee to visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. It’s also free to enjoy the Waterfront Precinct, with safe swimming areas, and Darwin’s famous sunsets over the Timor Sea.
...MoreYes. Darwin is worth visiting for its many attractions, including the art galleries and museums, parks and gardens. Its tropical climate, sea views, pretty sunsets, and safe water activities at the Waterfront Precinct are draws. It's also an ideal starting point for trips to neighboring national parks.
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