From 2005 – 2013 I travelling back and forth a few times a year to Darwin. It has been a few years since I have been back but I have seen enough to give a pretty good picture of what is hot and what is not! Darwin does have a taste of the outback but overall it is a hot city where you can’t swim in at the beach but has an absolutely killer sunset.
Accomodation: As I have always stayed with family, I can’t give advice on an actual hotel/hostel to stay in but rather the areas. Darwin city itself is really not a city at all, its quite a joke particularly for those who live in real cities but Mitchell Street in the ‘city centre’ is probably the best place to stay for tourists as there are pubs/clubs/bars/restaurants/cafes etc. all there. You could also stay along the esplanade which would be more expensive but would look out over the water.
Things to do:
Mindil Beach Sunset Market: The best thing to do in the dry season in Darwin in my opinion. There are so many people around, really cool market stalls, you can get a smoothie or food from around the world and stand on the beach and watch the incredible sunset. Darwin gives Santorini a run for its money in terms of sunsets… truly spectacular. *note* it is only operating from the last Thursday in April to the last Thursday in October due to this being the dry season.
Berry Springs: this is technically out of Darwin as its about 40 minutes out but you can for sure do it while staying in Darwin. It is a beautiful natural spring that you can soak in and cool off. It really is my favourite place up there.
Wave pool: Basically the only place near the beach that you can swim. There are waves made in this huge pool that are lots of fun. You can either pay to go in and do that or just go next to it at the ‘Lagoon’ and lay on the grass and get a tan.
The Esplanade: along the esplanade you can have great ocean views but there is also a War Memorial to have a look at for those who are interested in that sort of thing. Similar to esplanade’s in most places, there are nice restaurants and plenty to see and do.
Lee Point: great views of the ocean as well as the rocky scenery. A really nice place to go for lunch and there are areas for kids to run around etc.
Parap Markets: another good market in Darwin, this one is during the day however and there are lots of cool stalls as well as plenty to eat.
Crocodylus Park: Darwin is known for crocodiles and this is a great place to check out heaps of different animals but in particular… crocodiles! Last I was there, you could go in a cage and be in the water with a crocodile. They also had a huge albino Croc which was really cool to see!
Travel Guide 