Darwin Attractions
There are many attractions you can visit that highlight our extensive history and culture. Some attractions are free and some attractions charge an admission fee.
Please scroll down over all the information or CLICK HERE to open a printer friendly list of all Darwin has to offer.
Attractions in Darwin City
Aquascene Fish Feeding
Doctor’s Gully, Darwin | 08 8981-7837 | Entry fees apply
Great for families, hundreds of fish come into the shallows of Darwin Harbour to be feed by hand at high tide. The daily ritual began in the 1960’s when a resident started throwing bread scraps to the fish.
Today, trays of bread are provided at regular intervals during the feeding period for you to hand feed the mullet and milkfish. Many other species including catfish, rays, cod, diamond fish and parrot fish may also be seen in the shallows if you watch carefully. As the tide times change every day, it is important to check the opening times first.
Bicentennial Park
The Esplanade, Darwin | Free Entry
Perched high atop sandstone cliffs, the park affords terrific views of Darwin Harbour. Commonly referred to as the Esplanade, Bicentennial Park has many historical monuments scattered throughout its’ grounds including memorials to our intrepid explorers Stuart and Leichhardt; memorials for WWII including the USS Peary monument and the Darwin Cenotaph (War Memorial); amongst many others.
The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the great weather. There are walking trails, picnic tables and plenty of open grasslands for a game of sport.
Chinese Temple & Museum
Litchfield Street, Darwin | 10am to 4pm | Free Entry
During the gold rush of the 1870-80’s, there was an influx of Chinese people to the Top End. Their contribution to our early development was awesome and their descendants and culture is still important in today’s community.
There has been a Chinese Temple on this site since the 1870’s, although damaged and rebuilt several times due to Japanese bombing raids and cyclones. The temple and museum have great displays and artefacts highlighting the important contribution by these pioneers.
Christchurch Cathedral
Smith Street, Darwin | Free Entry
The original church was beautiful sandstone building built in 1902. Fortunately it survived with little damage from the Japanese bombings. A memorial was added to the front of the church in 1944 dedicated to the victims of WWII. In 1974, cyclone Tracy destroyed the building except for the WWII memorial. Today, a new cathedral is incorporated with part of the original sandstone.
Crocosaurus Cove
Mitchell Street, Darwin | 08 8981-7522 | Entry fees apply
Croc Cove is a unique wildlife experience in the heart of Darwin. The attraction has many BIG saltwater crocodiles in clear-water tanks with viewing areas above and below the water level. It’s a great place to get up close and personal with these prehistoric creatures. There are other tanks with smaller crocs and a massive aquarium with fish, rays, turtles and big barramundi. Croc Cove also has a reptile house with the largest collection of Australian reptiles in the world.
Throughout each day, there are regular feeding times and staff bring out some of the wildlife so visitors can handle baby crocs and reptiles.
For more adventurous visitors, the Cage of Death is an opportunity to swim with massive saltwater crocs.
Lyons Cottage
The Esplanade, Darwin | 08 8999-8264 | 10am to 3pm | Free Entry
Lyons Cottage is a beautiful sandstone building built in 1925 for staff work on the submarine communications cable that connected Australia with the UK. Lyons Cottage survived the Japanese bombing raids of 1942-43 and escaped structural damage from Cyclone Tracy in 1974.
Today, Lyons Cottage has a fantastic exhibit of photographs from the early years of Darwin and the Northern Territory.
Parliament House & NT Library
State Square – Mitchell Street, Darwin | 08 8946-1448 | 8am to 6pm | Free Entry
Opened in 1994, the NT Parliament House is a unique mixture of tropical Asian and colonial architecture; and a local iconic building. Located in State Square the site has historical significance because it is in the same location as the original Post Office and Telegraph Station, which were both severely damaged by a Japanese bombing raid on 19 February 1942.
There are many historic memorials and monuments within the building; as well as information displays highlighting the NT’s history and our unusual government past – from South Australian administration (1863-1911) to Commonwealth administration (1911-78) and finally self government in 1978. What’s the difference between a state and the Territory?
The NT library is within Parliament House and open to the general public. It’s a reference library with internet facilities, national newspapers and permanent exhibits showcasing the Territory’s eclectic and unique culture; as well as changing exhibits ranging from historic significance, art and cultural.
There is also a café within the building with a lovely outdoor patio area with spectacular views of Government House and the harbour.
Relaxation Massage
There is many day spas’ located in and around Darwin. Why not enjoy your holiday and relax with a massage or some beauty treatment?
St Mary’s Cathedral
Smith Street, Darwin | Free Entry
The local catholic cathedral is a very unique design with high concaved roof and doors surrounding the entire ground floor; to allow for tropical breezes. Surviving Cyclone Tracy, St Mary’s Star of the Sea is a beautiful building worth a visit.
Darwin Waterfront/Wharf Precinct
Australian Pearling Exhibition
Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront | 08 8999-6573 | 9:30am to 4:30pm | Entry fees apply
This excellent museum covers the pearling industry from its past of luggers and hard hat diving to modern day farming and cultivation techniques. Pearling has become a major industry in Northern Australia and is recognised for producing international quality pearls.
Indo Pacific Marine
Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront | 08 8981-1294 | 9am-4pm | Entry fees apply
This aquarium facility highlights the local coral reefs of Northern Australia. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique educational facility and learn about the diversity of our coral eco-systems, which is one of the most spectacular, fragile and dangerous marine environments on the planet.
Indo Pacific Marine is named after the two oceans that converge in northern Australia – the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
Coral Reef by Night – Indo Pacific Marine operates a tour/dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. The evening begins with a detailed explanation of the coral eco-systems followed by a 4 coarse seafood dinner. After dinner return to the reef displays which are in darkness which come alive with fluorescing corals and animals.
Stokes Hill Wharf
Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront | Free Entry
Once an industrial wharf which was severely bombed by the Japanese during WWII; Stokes Hill Wharf is now home to a large choice of cafes, restaurants and some shops. The wharf is a hive of activity in the evening when people sit outside under the stars eating Barramundi & Chips.
It’s also a favourite spot with locals, especially during the wet season when you can witness our electric tropical storms roll in over the turquoise waters of the harbour.
Several sunset harbour cruise operators depart from Stokes Hill Wharf.
Wave-Pool & Lagoon
Darwin Waterfront | Entry fees apply
Recently opened and frequently visited by locals is the wave pool. Grab a boogie board and enjoy the consistent surf waves. Otherwise relax in the park by the salt water lagoon. There is a kiosk and a few café/restaurants in the area to purchase food and drinks.
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Kitchener Drive, Darwin Waterfront | 08 8985-6322 | 9am to 4pm | Entry fees apply
Built during WWII, the tunnels were designed and built to store oil underground because the Japanese continued to bomb the above ground storage facilities. Due to delays and water seepage, the tunnels were never used for their initial intention.
Today, two of the tunnels are open to the public and feature a great collection of photographs of life in Darwin during World War II.
Deckchair Cinema
Kitchener Drive, Darwin Waterfront | 08 8981-0700 | April to October | Entry fees apply
The Deckchair Cinema is an open air cinema situated on the shore of Darwin Harbour. The cinema operates every night from mid April to mid November (dry season). The Deckchair screens a diverse range of Australian, foreign, popular, classic and family friendly films. Gates open nightly at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm film under clear skies dotted with stars.
There is a fully licensed kiosk so you can grab a snack, soft drink or beer/wine while you enjoy a movie outside. Program guides are available around Darwin.
Attractions around Cullen Bay & Fannie Bay
Myilly Point Heritage Precinct/Burnett House
Burnett Place, Larrakeyah | 08 8981-0165 | 10am to 1pm | Gold coin donation
Four houses were built on Myilly Point in the 1930’s for Government employees. The houses were specially designed for the tropics; they are elevated and have louvres throughout for natural ventilation and cooling. Burnett House is open to the public and has some interesting period furniture; offering a great insight into life in Darwin before WWII.
On Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy High Tea in the shady tropical garden (charges apply).
Cullen Bay Marina
Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay | Free Entry
Cullen Bay is a multi-million dollar marina, shopping and housing development. There is a wide choice of cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Cullen Bay is only 20 minutes walk or 5 minute drive from Darwin’s CBD. Some sunset harbour cruises, fishing charters, the Mandorah Ferry and Tiwi Island Ferry all depart from Cullen Bay.
There is fantastic alfresco dining available; some cafés/restaurants are situated on the boardwalk overlooking the marina and some cafés/restaurants overlook Cullen Bay Beach with great sunset views out over the Timor Sea. We would highly recommend you visit at least once for a relaxing meal. Choose from Thai, Italian, Greek, Indonesian, seafood, international, buffets and much more.
Ferry to Mandorah
Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay | 08 8941-1991 | several times daily | Fees apply
A favourite past time of the locals is to visit the Mandorah Beach Hotel for a beer and Barra Burger. Take the 20-25 minute ferry ride across Darwin Harbour to Mandorah for lunch. Enjoy the harbour views from the pub; back towards Darwin City and/or cool off with a swim in the pool. A lot of locals take their fishing rods and try to land a snapper or dew fish off the jetty.
SkyCity Casino
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens | 08 8943-8888 | Free entry
SkyCity is set in 18 acres of lush tropical gardens overlooking Mindil Beach; only moments from Darwin's CBD. It is an entertainment complex encompassing a casino with all of your favourite games.
There is a wide range of dining options – the laid back Sunset Restaurant, with sunset/harbour views; Dragon Court Restaurant offers authentic Chinese food; EVOO offers one of Darwin’s best fine dining experiences and il Piatto offers Italian food.
There are also several bars within the complex, yet if it’s cocktails and an evening to remember, SandBar is your venue.
SkyCity is a popular venue for concerts, with regular performances by talented musicians or jazz bands on the lawns. Winemaker’s Dinners are held throughout the year and offer patrons great food and wine.
Darwin Botanic Gardens
Gardens Road, The Gardens | 7:30am to 5pm | Free entry
Established in the 1870s to supplement Darwin's unstable food supply; the area was also used to grow evaluate plants for economic use in the Northern Territory.
Today, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is spread over 42 hectares and showcases the flora of northern Australia and other tropical habitats around the world. You can wonder through monsoon forests, coastal forests, mangroves and open woodlands. See orchids, aroids, bromeliads and other striking foliage plants up close, there is also a great Cycad Garden. The gardens contain over 400 palm species, as well as every Boab species in the world. A self-guided walk devoted to Aboriginal plant use is a feature, explaining the traditional uses of local plants.
The Children's Evolutionary Playground is an award-winning playground that traces the changes in plant groups through time, making an enjoyable blend of science and creative art.
Since its establishment, the gardens have survived severe cyclones, major wildfires and World War II. The Wesleyan Church, formerly located on the corner of Mitchell and Knuckey Streets in the city, has been restored and relocated to the gardens
Museum & Art Gallery of the N.T.
Conacher Street, Fannie Bay | 08 8999-8264 | M-F 9am to 5pm & S-S 10am to 5pm | Free entry
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is a must see in Darwin. The MAGNT collections place our region's art, history and culture in an Australian and international context.
The MAGNT complex consists of five major permanent galleries, a touring gallery, educational facilities for school groups and children, a theatre, the Museum Shop, and the Cornucopia Museum Café – a great location overlooking Fannie Bay for coffee and/or lunch.
There is an amazing collection of Indigenous Art, South East Asian and Oceanic Art. The Cyclone Tracy exhibit is a favourite for visitors showing the stark reality and tragedy of Australia’s worst natural disaster. You can see Sweetheart the crocodile, a 5 metre croc that has an interesting tale and many other natural science exhibits highlighting the diverse environment of the NT.
The MAGNT also has a temporary exhibition program. This comprehensive program is developed incorporating touring exhibitions from other museums and art galleries, as well as MAGNT initiated exhibitions which, from time to time, feature Territory artists.
Fannie Bay Gaol
East Point Road, Fannie Bay | 08 8999-8290 | 10am to 3pm | Free entry
Established in 1883, Fannie Bay Gaol operated as Darwin’s major prison for almost 100 years. Now open, as a historic site, the gaol maintains many original buildings and has fantastic interpretive displays. The building’s grim and oppressive history can be felt as you walk through the maximum security wings, the gallows used for executions until 1952, other cell blocks, a kitchen and a wash house, an infirmary, a watch tower, and a 'native section' for Aboriginal prisoners.
East Point Reserve
East Point Road, Fannie Bay | Free entry
East Point Reserve is a favourite recreation area for locals and visitors alike. There is extensive walking and cycling paths, relaxing picnic areas with free barbecue facilities and playgrounds for the kids. One side of the peninsular has 2kms of beautiful sandy beaches for swimming and expansive views of Darwin City and Fannie Bay. The other side of the peninsular has a boardwalk through the mangroves.
East Point is also well known for its wallaby colony and as one of the best sites in Darwin for watching sunsets over the Arafura Sea.
The reserve was once a military area and many relics lie overgrown in the forest. East Point is also home to the Darwin Military Museum.
Darwin Military Museum
East Point Rd, East Point Reserve | 08 8981-9702 | 9:30am to 5pm | Entry fees apply
Darwin was relentlessly bombed by the Japanese 64 times in 1942-43, during the Second World War. The Darwin Military Museum is Darwin’s premier attraction with extensive exhibits honouring the allied war effort in Northern Australia.
There is an extensive collection of photographs, weaponry, military vehicles and artefacts from Darwin’s war time history. This must see museum will open your eyes to a lot of fascinating information about the sacrifice many Australian’s made as Darwin was the last line of defence.
Attractions in the Suburbs
Aviation Heritage Museum
557 Stuart Highway, Winnellie | 08 8947-2145 | 9am to 5pm | Entry fees apply
The Aviation Heritage Centre has an impressive collection of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation, both civil and military, from the early pioneers, through WWII and the jet age. It also has displays dedicated to the Japanese bombings of Darwin in WWII.
The prize exhibit is a B-52 bomber, one of only two on public display outside the USA. Other exhibits include Mirage and Sabre jets, a Spitfire replica, Tiger Moth, Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters, plus many more.
Crocodylus Park
815 McMillans Road, Berrimah | 08 8922-4500 | 9am to 5pm | Entry fees apply
Crocodylus Park is one of Darwin's premier tourist and educational attractions. The park is home to about 10,000 crocodiles ranging from 30 centimetres to a massive 5 metres long and weighing half a ton. There is also other Australian animals including wombats, dingos, wallaroos and more; plus exhibits of lions, tigers, monkeys, iguanas and snakes.
The world class crocodile museum is packed full with interesting artefacts, photographs, cultural items and fascinating displays revealed by decades of scientific research and providing amazing facts about the crocodile’s biology, killer instinct and their attacks.
There are guided tours where you'll get a close-up view of the crocodile snapping jaws, while you have the chance to feed a five metre jumping crocodile. There are also chances to hold and have photos with baby crocodiles.
Charles Darwin National Park
Tiger Brennan Drive, Winnellie | 8am to 7pm | Free entry
Charles Darwin National Park protects part of the Port Darwin wetland, one of Australia's most significant wetlands, as well as important local woodlands. The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the land and their shell middens within the park prove they have used the area for thousands of years. During World War II, this area was part of a network of military sites that formed Australia’s front line of defence, and as a result there are many bunkers and storage facilities remaining.
Today, the park is a great place for a picnic with fantastic views of Darwin’s city skyline. There is a WWII interpretive display highlighting the importance of the area and several walking trails to explore.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
Trower Road, Brinkin | Free entry
Casuarina Coastal Reserve protects a large coastal area between Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek in Darwin. The highlights of the reserve are white sandy beaches and beautiful sandstone cliffs. Behind the beaches are mangroves, monsoon vine thickets and paperbark forests.
The reserve also protects areas of cultural significance and the Larrakia people speak for this land. Off shore is Old Man Rock, Dariba Nunggalinya, which is a registered Aboriginal sacred site. WWII observation posts provide a reminder of the areas wartime involvement.
The reserve is a great picnic spot with free BBQ’s, tables and plenty of shade. Enjoy a stroll on the beach or along the track to Sandfly Creek. There are also cycle paths throughout the reserve and along the main roads.
Wildlife such as ospreys, brahimny kites, red-tailed black-cockatoos, cormorants and gulls can be seen along the dunes or soaring overhead. You can see a variety of marine life in the rock pools at low tide.
Attractions within Darwin region
Territory Wildlife Park
Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs | 08 8988-7200 | 8:30am to 6pm | Entry fees apply
This must-see eco-park showcases the wildlife of the Top End in their natural habitats. The world acclaimed Territory Wildlife Park is nestled in 400 hectares of natural bushland and is only a 45 minute drive south of Darwin.
Highlights of the park include an extensive aquarium, representing a Top End river and flood plain systems from the escarpment down to the mangroves on the coast; the daily birds of prey display; the nocturnal house; the Monsoon Forest walk and expansive bird aviaries; as well as the regular animal encounters and presentations by rangers.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own vehicle, a couple of tour operators provide transport to this terrific eco-park.
Berry Springs Nature Park
Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs | 08 8999-4555 | 8:30am to 6pm | Free entry
There is several expansive rock pools for swimming, set amongst monsoon rainforests and grassed areas for relaxing with picnic tables and bbqs. This pristine water hole is popular with locals for a refreshing swim, particularly on weekends.
An interpretive centre provides a brief description of the area, including some historical references, photographs and information on flora and fauna. During World War II, Berry Springs was part of a rest and recreation camp set up by the armed forces.
Berry Springs is right next door to the Territory Wildlife Park and only 45 minute drive south of Darwin.
Manton Dam Recreation Reserve
Free entry
Manton Dam was built in 1942 and was Darwin's first reliable water supply. Today the dam is a popular recreation spot, with picnic and barbecue facilities set amongst shady trees. A designated area has been set aside for swimming, with fishing, water skiing and power boating also being favourite activities. Its undisturbed drainage area is also a valuable catchment and conservation region, and some sections of the dam are closed to protect water quality.
Manton Dam is a 1 hour drive south of Darwin off the Stuart Highway.
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Free entry
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of several parks in the lower Adelaide River catchment that provides a haven for wildlife amongst Darwin's developing rural fringe. These wetlands have international importance because of their beauty, natural systems and cultural significance. The Adelaide River catchment is one of several connected catchments which make up the Top End wetlands.
The Limilngan-Wulna Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the area, and the Dreamtime journeys of their ancestors are recorded in the landscape.
There are several walking trails through the monsoon rainforest and along the dam wall; as well as viewing platforms for wildlife spotting.
Fogg Dam is 1 hour drive south of Darwin off the Arnhem Highway.