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About Darwin
Darwin has it all – balmy beaches, relaxing cruises and boat tours, rich Aboriginal art and culture, exquisite galleries and museums and vibrant markets. Darwin Harbour cruises offer a fresh perspective of the city from the water; take it up a notch and join a sunset cruise to watch the sky burst into a hues of orange and pink! The city's close proximity to Asia means you'll also find major Asian influences, especially in the dining scene and lively night markets.
Hop between natural and cultural treasures as you explore Litchfield National Park, Berry Springs Nature Parks, Tiwi Islands and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, nothing beats close encounters with Darwin’s most famous superstars – the crocs! There are many Darwin boat tours that offer incredible wild encounters with these apex predators, where you’ll be within eyeshot as they leap out of the water, snap and roll!
Beyond the crocs and cruises, Darwin’s rich Aboriginal heritage is on full display at the city’s galleries, museums and streetscapes! There’s so much to do and see in this stunning capital, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Darwin Cruise Experiences
Featured Cruises
6 Cruises
Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit
Darwin has two distinct seasons – the dry season sees the major share of visitors every year, with many of the city’s popular events and festivals happening around this time. But don’t let the wet season deter you, you’ll find Darwin at its tropical best with lush greenery and incredible evening storms. As a bonus, you’ll avoid the crowds at the city’s top attractions. But it is also important to note that some of the tours and experiences might be limited to the dry season.
Public Holidays
Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 1 May: May Day
Monday, 12 June: King's Birthday
Monday, 7 August: Picnic Day
Events & Festivals
Darwin Festival (August)
Darwin Festival is an annual arts and cultural event which celebrates the city’s diverse artistic and cultural scene through performances, exhibitions, workshops and community events. The festival runs for several weeks and attracts both locals and visitors, transforming the city into a bustling hub of creativity and entertainment.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (August)
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is an annual event that celebrates and showcases the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture. It brings together artists, art centres, and community-owned enterprises from all over Australia. The fair provides a platform for these artists to exhibit and sell their artwork directly to the public, ensuring they receive fair and ethical returns for their creations.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a joyous experience peppered with delicious food, gorgeous sunsets and good vibes! With over 200 unique stalls offering everything from local and international cuisine to an array of art, crafts, jewellers, leatherworkers, tailors, masseurs & more!
School Holidays
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Northern Territory: 7 April to 16 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Northern Territory: 24 June to 17 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Northern Territory: 23 September to 8 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Northern Territory: 16 December 2023 to 29 January 2024
Accommodation
Hotels, motels, holiday retreats, waterfront resorts, lodges, homestays, premium apartments, name it and you will find one to suit you in Darwin. With beach-facing views or private pools, you can find your dream holiday retreat in Darwin. Budget-friendly dorms, farm-stays and lodges are also available throughout the region.
Dining
With its northern neighbours in South-East Asia, fresh catches straight from the ocean, and a thriving indigenous culture, Darwin’s dining scene is all about fusion foods, exotic flavours and unique local produce.
Enjoy bush tucker dishes inspired by the Aboriginal culture and find everything from fresh fish, Moreton Bay bugs, lobster, oysters, kangaroos, alligator, crocodile, pork, to steaks at all major eateries. Also available are cuisines like Thai, Indian, Chinese, Italian etc. to suit the international palate.
Transport
Darwin has an international airport situated near the city, with connectivity to all major Australian airports and international locations. Convenient airport shuttle buses and taxi services are available for pickup and drop at the airport. Darwin also has a dedicated rail line called the Ghan train, operated by the Great Southern Rail from Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs.
Darwin Tourist Information
Shopping & Market Hours
Apart from the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, shopping centres and outlets around the CBD, there are many local markets, in and around Darwin. All markets feature stalls offering international food items, arts, crafts and entertainment.
Popular markets in Darwin are the Sunday morning Nightcliff Markets and Rapid Creek Markets, the Saturday morning Parap Village Markets, and Palmerston's Friday night markets. Check for days when these markets are open and get to know the market timings, before you head out on a shopping spree.
Medical Services
For any emergency, dial 000 to instantly connect with police, fire or ambulance emergency services. All hospitals are listed in the directory facility accessible at 1223. Major hospitals in the area are:
- Royal Darwin Public Hospital
- Darwin Private Hospital