Are you looking for interesting and fun things to do in Darwin, Australia? You’re in luck because I am an expert!
Darwin was my home for more than two years. There are over 35 things you can do in Darwin, and I recommend that you check them out.
Darwin is a quirky city. There are no skyscrapers or a grand Opera House in Darwin (you will have to visit Sydney to see that). It’s actually quite dangerous to go swimming in the ocean. And it gets hotter every day than 30 degrees Celsius!
This blog is written with love for this city. The many Darwin tours that I have taken and the vibrant marina nightlife at sunset are all memories that I would never trade.
Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is often forgotten by tourists. It shouldn’t. Darwin has won over many of my friends and family members. Darwin is a great place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors, waterfalls and sunsets, wildlife, or culture. Territorians also love a cold beer.
Daniel and I both lived in Darwin for about two years. We fell in love with it. Every weekend, we explored the area, trying to see as much as we could. This blog is a result of two years of studying, and we hope that you will be able to experience some of these activities yourself.
Mindil Markets – a must-visit
The Mindil Markets is my favorite! Every Sunday and Thursday during the dry season, there are vibrant night markets at Mindil Beach. The calls begin at 4 pm and continue into the night until around 9 p.m.
We are no exception! There is a huge variety of food, including Indian, Chinese, seafood, crepes, and wood-fired Pizza. We didn’t get bored at all!
Also, there are street performers and musicians, as well as many market stalls that sell all kinds of random and fun items. This is the perfect place to find some unique souvenirs that you can surprise your friends with.
I recommend eating before the sunset. Watch the sunset from the beach while enjoying a drink. The Mindil Markets allow public drinking, so grab a glass of wine or cider and watch the Darwin sunset.
The hop-on-hop-off bus is a good option if you don’t own a vehicle. You can hop on and off the bus all day long, visiting many attractions, before finishing at Mindil Markets to watch the sunset. The stop at Mindil markets is only available during the dry season. Another option is to rent a vehicle.
Darwin City Lagoon – Swim in the Lagoon
Darwin City Lagoon is situated on the waterfront next to the Wave Pool. The lagoon is the only safe place to swim in Darwin. As we said at the beginning of this blog, swimming in Darwin can be dangerous (mainly because of Crocs), and it is located right next to the wave pool. The lagoon is a small bay with a net around it that prevents those annoying stingers and crocodiles.
Lagoons are open year-round, and lifeguards patrol the area daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lagoon is pumped with water to keep it cool. In the wet season (November to April), extra precautions are taken to prevent stingers from entering the swimming area.
The water temperature in the lagoon is not very refreshing. In the dry season, it is the perfect place to relax and work on a tan. It’s also a great spot for bringing a picnic.
Darwin Lagoon has also added a Mobi-mat to accommodate those who use wheelchairs. The new addition allows even more people to enjoy the lagoon. This is fantastic.
Jumping Croc Cruise
The jumping Crocs cruise is my favorite thing to do in Darwin. It is so thrilling that I would do it again and again! It’s one of Darwin’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is no surprise that great minds are alike!
What is a jumping-croc cruise? It’s a riverboat tour on a river that is literally full of saltwater crocodiles. The tour guide will hang some raw chicken on a stick over the water in order to attract the crocodiles.
They are hungry! The crocs jump out of the water in order to grab the chicken. It’s a thrilling experience to see the speed and power with which they hold it. You might even take a few steps back!
You can get close to some wild Crocs. These crocs are amazing, fascinating, and a bit scary.
After attending a number of croc-jumping tours, I have noticed two major differences: the size of the boat and the knowledge of the guides. Some boats have multiple levels, and the guide speaks on a loudspeaker. In a vessel of this size, it would not be easy to see the crocs being fed. It’s important to choose the right jumping-croc cruise!
If you want the best experience, I HIGHLY recommend booking THE Jumping Croc Cruise. It’s my favorite, Dan and I did it twice. This tour is also a great value and includes a visit to Litchfield National Park. The crocodiles are really there, and your guide is a typical Australian “outback” who loves crocodiles. (Say hi to Pat when you visit).
This is a small tour with a maximum of 24 participants per trip. You will have plenty of time to ask questions. Bring a water bottle and plenty of sunscreen. Also, a hat!
Wave Pool Swimming
Darwin Wave Pool is a great alternative if the Darwin Lagoon doesn’t satisfy your desire to cool off. The wave pool is just a few steps away from the lagoon. It’s a great place to relax and is popular with families.
In Darwin, the Wave Pool offers a great way to cool down because it is much cooler than outside air temperatures. There are plenty of grassy areas with shade around the pool. You’ll definitely need it after spending a few hours in the Darwinian heat.
It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. We recommend visiting during the weekdays as the weekend can be very busy. Try to arrive by 10 am if you are visiting on the weekends to avoid the rush at midday.
Wave pool tickets are AUD 8 per adult (15+) and AUD 6 each for children under 15 and seniors. Kids under three years old can enter for free. Tickets for the wave pool can be purchased online at or from the Wavefront kiosk. We recommend buying tickets online if you plan to visit during a busy time.