When to go
The best time to visit Darwin is over the Autumn and Winter months. This is when the heat and humidity aren’t too high and the weather is the most stable.
If you’re willing to brave the summer months you will be rewarded with wildlife at its most active and the waterholes and waterfalls at their peak due to tropical summer storms.
What to do
Midil Beach and Sunset Markets
Although swimming is not advised at any time of the year, the west-facing wide bed of sand makes Midil Beach a front-row seat for that spectacular sunset over the water. And if your timing is right (each Thursday and Sunday from May to October) you’ll also get to peruse over 200 specialty stalls and food vendors making up the Mindil Sunset Markets. The markets are a true reflection of Darwin’s melting pot of multiculturalism.
Cocosaurus Cove
Boasting the largest display of saltwater crocodiles , Crocosauraus Cove is a must-see attraction in Darwin. For the brave you can don your swimwear and swim with the crocs in the terrifying Cage of Death. For the more timid the Turtle Billabong might be more up your ally. Crocosaurus Cove is located right in the heart of the city, easy access for those staying in the city.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility
A worth-while stop for both kids and adults, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility showcases the first iconic story of the RFDS through virtual reality, holograms, interactive storytelling and touchscreen portals.
Nearby on Kitchener Drive you can walk through the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels built to replace the naval bunker oil tanks at Stokes Hill that were destroyed in the first air raids.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Affectionately known as MAGNT, there is so so much to see and learn and entry is free for most exhibits. Listen and learn from the survivors of Cyclone Tracy, the day that changed the urban landscape and lives of Darwin’s residents forever. Visit MAGNT’s most famous resident, Sweetheart the saltwater crocodile. View a stunning display of boats and canoes each imparting a fascinating seafaring story.
Katherine Daytrip from Darwin
Although it’s an early start and long day, it’s a journey well worth taking. Stop into the Adelaide River War Memorial on the way down the Stuart Highway where you’ll have time to stroll through the memorial dedicated to the many men and women who lost their lives in the north of Australia during WWII. Enjoy the beautiful memorial surrounded by lush gardens and native plants. Head further south where you will head into the amazing Nitmiluk National Park. Previously known as Katherine Gorge National Park the park spans more than 292,000 hectares. Nitmiluk is a haven for nature lovers. Thundering waterfalls, spectacular sandstone cliffs, broad valleys and numerous, significant cultural sites. You’ll be drawn into the majestic beauty and sheer size of the gorge. Whatever time of the year you visit, Edith Falls always has refreshing water to enjoy. If conditions are right you can take a swim in the waterhole beneath the falls among the paperbark and pandanus trees.
Where to stay
Cullen Bay Resorts – 3.5 stars
Overlooking Cullen Bay Marina and within walking distance to some of Darwin’s best restaurants and alfresco cafes, Cullen Bay Resorts is a modern 3.5 star hotel. Cullen Bay Resorts offers a variety of modern and spacious rooms and fully self-contained apartments. Relax by one of the 5 swimming pools and spas including a children’s only pool, take advantage of the outdoor BBQ facilities or soak up the stunning marina views. Cullen Bay Resorts is even walking distance to famous Mindil Beach where you can enjoy those stunning Darwin sunsets. Parking onsite is complimentary. The resort is ideal for families, couples and business travellers looking for quality accommodation in a central location.
Bamurru Plains – 5 stars
For an upmarket safari lodge experience you cannot go past Bamurru Plains. Located on the edge of Kakadu National Park, the coastal floodplains of Australia’s top end is teeming with wildlife. Watch as hundreds of birds take flight from around the infinity-edge pool, scan the shallows for big saltwater crocodiles or slowly cruise the Sampan River. On guided walks and drives search for brumbies, buffalo, dingos and wallabies. There are only 10 safari-style bungalows and each suite overlooks the floodplain. With mesh walls on 3 sides, you can see, hear and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness around you. Each bungalow has a back-to-nature vibe that fits perfectly with the outdoor eating that goes on each day. Wild bush luxury.