Darwin is a small city located the very top of Australia and is the capital of the Northern Territory. There is two climates here wet season and dry season. The most popular time to visit is in the dry season as the weather is warm days and cool nights. Also most waterfalls and places are open, in the wet season some places will close. If you love the outdoors, waterfalls, sunsets, wildlife, culture, or drinking, Darwin is the place to visit. With the the temperatures reaching over 30 degrees for most of the year, it is the perfect place to head to a beautiful swimming hole.
Enjoy the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
During the dry season (May to October), there are lively night markets held at Mindil Beach. every Sunday and Thursday night. The markets start at 4 pm and go on into the evening until about 9 pm. Most people go to the Mindil Markets for dinner and dessert, as the selection of food is amazing. from seafood to Indian, Chinese, crêpes, wood-fired pizza, laksa, and so much more. There are also street performers, musicians, and many market stalls selling all sorts of random and fun things here. We would recommend going before sunset and having something to eat. Then, watch the sunset on the beach with a drink in hand. At the Mindil Markets, drinking in public is actually allowed, so bring a cider or some wine.
Swim at the Darwin City Lagoon
The Darwin city lagoon is located on the Darwin waterfront and it’s completely free. It can be dangerous to swim in Darwin, mostly because of the crocs and jellyfish. The lagoon is the only place in the city where it is actually safe to swim. It’s a small bay that has a net surrounding it to prevent those stingers and crocodiles from entering the area. The lagoon is open all year round and is patrolled by lifeguards every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Water is actually pumped in and out of the lagoon to keep it fresh and extra caution is taken in the wet season (November to April). There is also the Aqua Park which is located in the lagoon which is from $28pp (2023) Click here for more information. Wave Pool which is also located on the waterfront entrance is from $8pp (2023) and is open 10am to 6pm daily.
Jumping Croc Cruise
There is many companies that offer the 1 hour boat tour up the Adelaide river, which is located 30 minutes from Darwin. The jumping croc cruise is basically a riverboat cruise on a river (this one is on the Adelaide River) which is literally full of saltwater crocodiles (the most dangerous type in the world). The tour guide will tie some raw chicken onto a stick and hang it over the water to tempt the crocodiles to come out for food. We went with Adelaide river cruises-Jumping crocodile experience. Although they were located a little further away they were very knowledgeable on the crocodiles. Click Here to book your cruise. Ticket’s are from $55pp. You can also go on a tour from Darwin if you don’t have your own transport. Click Here to book your tour which also includes Litchfield National Park.
Walk the Nightcliff to Casuarina Coastal Walk
Looking for a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy some gorgeous views in Darwin. The best place to start is from the Nightcliff Jetty. If you follow the trail, you will head along the beach, over a river, through some mangroves, and finish at Casuarina Beach. There is also a bike trail along here to the Mangrove Boardwalk just past Casuarina beach. The coastal path takes you to Lee point. You will also pass MTB trails too most of the trails are blue and there is a few green tracks.
Day Trip to Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is located 90 minutes from Darwin city. You can either take a tour or self drive and spend the weekend here. The best places to visit is Buley Rock Hole, Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and Tjaetaba Falls. Click Here for more information.
Berry Springs
Berry Springs is one of the most beautiful parks to cool off and relax in close to Darwin. It has great shaded picnic and barbeque area close to clear swimming pools surrounded by trees and Fish. It is located 40 minutes from Darwin City. Bring your flotation device and head to the top pool where there is a waterfall you can then float down to the bottom pool.
Crocodylus Park
This is the Darwin Zoo, to be completely honest, we haven’t been ourselves. The park has Birds, Reptiles, Mammals including buffalo and Meerkats, Monkeys and they also offer a croc jumping cruise. Taking place daily at 11 am and 1 pm, the cruise follows along their man-made river system that’s actually home to over 50 saltwater crocodiles. Adult tickets from $18 and children from $12. The park is located about 20 minutes from the city center in the suburb of Berrimah. There’s also free parking located on-site too. The park is open 9am to 4pm daily and entrance is from $44 per adult and $24 for children. Click Here for more information.
For more travel Blogs around Australia Click Here.