Darwin Attractions
Aqua Scene Fish Feeding: It's a rare sight. Every day at high tide hundreds of fish come to shore to be fed by hand. Voted 'the most popular attraction' in tourism surveys, this unique activity is fun for all ages.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre: An impressive presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory's involvement in aviation both civic and military. From the early pioneers and record breakers through WWII and the Jet Age. Guided tours are run daily.
Australian Pearling Exhibition: Located at the Darwin Wharf Precinct, this is a fascinating and informative insight into the history and growth of the pearling industry in Northern Australian Waters.
Crocodylus Park: A unique world-class attraction, brings to you the secret and exciting lives of the world's crocodilians, as revealed through the latest worldwide research. Other wildlife includes - primates, emus, cassowaries, ostriches, turtles, iguanas and a white buffalo.
Charles Darwin National Park: This waterfront park located close to the city was developed to show visitors the rich mangrove habitats of Darwin Harbour. Opportunities for a relaxing picnic just a short drive from the CBD make this a popular recreation spot for locals.
Cullen Bay Marina: Just a short trip from the City Centre discover the unique atmosphere of Cullen Bay. Relax with a cooling drink or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and bars located around the Marina. You may even like to take one of the cruise vessels and experience the glorious sunsets over Darwin Harbour.
Darwin Wharf Precinct: Situated adjacent to Darwin CBD, Stokes Hill Wharf offers the visitor al fresco eateries, seafood restaurant, South Sea pearls, great sunsets, and cool breezes. Throw a line in and catch your own fresh fish.
East Point Reserve & Lake Alexander: East Point Reserve is a 200-hectare recreation area with natural forest and mangroves, open parkland, public picnic and barbecue facilities, and saltwater swimming in the safety of Lake Alexander. Evidence of East Point's role in the defence of Darwin are the WWII gun emplacements and harbour defences located on the Point overlooking the Arafura Sea. East Point at dusk is a 'must visit' experience. Looking south across Fannie Bay towards the twinkling lights of the city, witness the amazing and ever different colours of the sky as the sun sinks slowly below the horizon.
Fannie Bay Gaol: Depicting the early Territory penal system, the gaol was in fact still in use until 1979, when the Berrimah Gaol was officially opened. Come and look inside a cell and see the conditions the prisoners of yesterday had to endure.
Indo Pacific Marine: This is one of only four such living exhibits in the world. The highly acclaimed marine display presents the magnificence of live coral reef eco-systems in their natural beauty without filtration or feeding. Guided tours in airconditioned comfort for maximum visitor appreciation.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: Darwin Botanic Garden's 42 hectares showcase the flora of Northern Australia and other tropical habitats around the world. You can wander through rainforest, coastal fore dunes, mangroves and open woodlands. See orchids, aroids, bromeliads and other striking foliage plants up close; there are over 400 palm species alone growing in the gardens. There is also a self-guided Aboriginal Plant Use walk.
Museum & Art Gallery of the NT: This institution covers many aspects of the region's art, natural sciences, history and culture. Fantastic collections on Aboriginal Art and culture, visual arts and crafts including pieces from the South-East Asia and Pacific regions, maritime archaeology and NT history. Great entertainment for all the family.
Lyons Cottage: Also known as BAT (British Australian Telegraph House), this is a fine example of early Darwin architecture housing a collection of European and Larrakia history.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels: Constructed to protect Darwin's oil supplies from bombardment during WWII, the tunnels extend from the Wharf and run under the city. The Tunnels now house an excellent photographic display of historic images of wartime activity in the Top End.
NT Parliament House: This beautiful building is a magnificent example of tropical architecture. The NT Library is also located here with guided tours departing every Saturday. Tours are free and last 90 minutes. Bookings are not essential.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market: Each year, from April, and running through until the end of October, the Mindil Beach market folk come together for their world-famous 'show and sell'. Held every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon, the Market regularly attracts crowds of up to 15,000. It is by far Darwin's most popular market, with local produce, authentic fare from different countries, some of the most colourful Territorians plying their wares and services, and a galaxy of excellent street performers to keep you entertained.
Parap Village Markets: For 52 weeks of the year, every Saturday morning, come rain or shine, the Parap Markets is open for business. This market has become an institution with locals who just couldn't survive a weekend without their Saturday morning Laksa or choice of soups. It's set at a slower pace than Mindil Beach but possesses a charming intimacy not found elsewhere.
To get close to all the action see our range of Darwin Hotels.
