Elle’s guidebook
Family fun
Rarely busy. Safe swimming area with no crocs or stingers. $7 entry for 15 years + and $5 entry for children under 15 years
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darwin Wave Pool
Kitchener DriveRarely busy. Safe swimming area with no crocs or stingers. $7 entry for 15 years + and $5 entry for children under 15 years
Free entry for all. Bring a wide brim hat as there is limited shade.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palmerston Water Park
Roystonea AvenueFree entry for all. Bring a wide brim hat as there is limited shade.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is a family-friendly space with excellent permanent and rotating exhibits. Wander through the impressive NT flora and fauna exhibit, then see and hear the devastation Cyclone Tracy had on the city in 1974. Kids love meeting ‘Sweetheart’, a stuffed 5.1-metre crocodile who accidentally drowned when he was being removed from the wild for attacking outboard motors in the 1970s. The museum’s Discovery Centre is just for kids, with excellent educational exhibits. Museum entry is free.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo y Galería de Arte del Territorio del Norte
19 Conacher StThe Museum and Art Gallery of the NT is a family-friendly space with excellent permanent and rotating exhibits. Wander through the impressive NT flora and fauna exhibit, then see and hear the devastation Cyclone Tracy had on the city in 1974. Kids love meeting ‘Sweetheart’, a stuffed 5.1-metre crocodile who accidentally drowned when he was being removed from the wild for attacking outboard motors in the 1970s. The museum’s Discovery Centre is just for kids, with excellent educational exhibits. Museum entry is free.
In the heart of the city, see crocs up close in aquariums at Crocosaurus Cove. Kids can also watch crocs and turtles being fed and wander through the excellent reptile enclosure. This place is famous for the ‘Cage of Death’ where you can ‘swim’ with a monster croc. It’s not for kids under 15 though. Make sure you get your professional photo of the kids holding a baby croc.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Crocosaurus Cove
58 Mitchell StIn the heart of the city, see crocs up close in aquariums at Crocosaurus Cove. Kids can also watch crocs and turtles being fed and wander through the excellent reptile enclosure. This place is famous for the ‘Cage of Death’ where you can ‘swim’ with a monster croc. It’s not for kids under 15 though. Make sure you get your professional photo of the kids holding a baby croc.
Wangi Falls is the best-known and most popular attraction in Litchfield National Park - a park renowned for its accessible and pristine natural beauty.
Accessible by sealed road, the falls are found near the western boundary of the park, 150 kilometres south of Darwin.
Sit on the expansive manicured lawns of the picnic area and watch the water of the two falls cascade over the rock escarpments into the large plunge pool below. Take a dip in the pool, which is surrounded by lush monsoon rainforest. There is a kiosk, camping ground with hot showers and barbecues nearby.
There are various walking tracks, including a three kilometre track that takes you up over the falls and back to the car park. The falls can be closed to swimming periodically, especially during the tropical summer from October to March, as currents in the pool can become strong and dangerous, but the fast-flowing falls make for spectacular photography. At these times the kiosk and picnic facilities remain open.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is the best-known and most popular attraction in Litchfield National Park - a park renowned for its accessible and pristine natural beauty.
Accessible by sealed road, the falls are found near the western boundary of the park, 150 kilometres south of Darwin.
Sit on the expansive manicured lawns of the picnic area and watch the water of the two falls cascade over the rock escarpments into the large plunge pool below. Take a dip in the pool, which is surrounded by lush monsoon rainforest. There is a kiosk, camping ground with hot showers and barbecues nearby.
There are various walking tracks, including a three kilometre track that takes you up over the falls and back to the car park. The falls can be closed to swimming periodically, especially during the tropical summer from October to March, as currents in the pool can become strong and dangerous, but the fast-flowing falls make for spectacular photography. At these times the kiosk and picnic facilities remain open.
Kids love hand-feeding some very friendly fish at Doctors Gully, tucked away a couple of minutes from Darwin’s CBD. At high tide, hundreds of mullet, stingrays, barramundi and plate-shaped moonfish put on a great show floating in and out of the shadows as tourists feed them bread from their hands. Great family fun.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Doctors Gully
Kids love hand-feeding some very friendly fish at Doctors Gully, tucked away a couple of minutes from Darwin’s CBD. At high tide, hundreds of mullet, stingrays, barramundi and plate-shaped moonfish put on a great show floating in and out of the shadows as tourists feed them bread from their hands. Great family fun.
Thursdays and Sundays during the Top End’s dry season (May–October) herald one of Darwin’s biggest drawcards: the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Take the family and wander around some 60 food stalls that serve dishes from all over the world. Eat on the beach as the sun sinks into the ocean then have a pony ride or watch the circus acts and fire breathers who entertain the kids when the sun sets.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mindil Beach
Thursdays and Sundays during the Top End’s dry season (May–October) herald one of Darwin’s biggest drawcards: the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Take the family and wander around some 60 food stalls that serve dishes from all over the world. Eat on the beach as the sun sinks into the ocean then have a pony ride or watch the circus acts and fire breathers who entertain the kids when the sun sets.
The treehouse at Darwin’s George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a must-do for kids. Explore the winding paths, stream, tunnels, fountain and tropical orchards before having a bite to eat in the gardens’ beautiful café, once a church.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
The treehouse at Darwin’s George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a must-do for kids. Explore the winding paths, stream, tunnels, fountain and tropical orchards before having a bite to eat in the gardens’ beautiful café, once a church.
It’s an action-packed family day out at the Territory Wildlife Park, just under an hour’s drive from Darwin. Meet the animals of the Top End in the cool nocturnal house and aquarium, walk through treetop aviaries and stroll around the lagoon y walk, and sit in for the birds show. All the attractions are linked by shuttle trains. Call in at the adjacent Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim in the springs and a picnic on the lawns on your way back to Darwin.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Territory Wildlife Park
Cox Peninsula RoadIt’s an action-packed family day out at the Territory Wildlife Park, just under an hour’s drive from Darwin. Meet the animals of the Top End in the cool nocturnal house and aquarium, walk through treetop aviaries and stroll around the lagoon y walk, and sit in for the birds show. All the attractions are linked by shuttle trains. Call in at the adjacent Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim in the springs and a picnic on the lawns on your way back to Darwin.
Located in Litchfield National Park, the spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest.
Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of the pool, then enjoy a scenic walk to the viewing platform high above the falls for panoramic views of the open valley and the waterhole below.
Take the easy 3 minute walk from the car park to the lookout to survey the gorge and excellent views of Florence Falls. Note the contrast between the wet monsoon forest and the dry sandstone plateau. Or stretch your legs by following the gorge rim walk down the stairs to the valley floor. A seat at the halfway mark gives you a chance for a breather and a photo. Continue on to the plunge pool for a refreshing dip year-round.
The Shady Creek walk will loop you back, along a stream and through the rainforest-filled gorge, then through the woodlands back to Florence Creek. Bring a picnic and stop here for a break, complete with the sound of the creek bubbling past. It's then just a short stroll to the car park.
Florence Falls
Florence FallsLocated in Litchfield National Park, the spectacular Florence Falls cascade into a plunge pool, set in a pocket of monsoon forest.
Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of the pool, then enjoy a scenic walk to the viewing platform high above the falls for panoramic views of the open valley and the waterhole below.
Take the easy 3 minute walk from the car park to the lookout to survey the gorge and excellent views of Florence Falls. Note the contrast between the wet monsoon forest and the dry sandstone plateau. Or stretch your legs by following the gorge rim walk down the stairs to the valley floor. A seat at the halfway mark gives you a chance for a breather and a photo. Continue on to the plunge pool for a refreshing dip year-round.
The Shady Creek walk will loop you back, along a stream and through the rainforest-filled gorge, then through the woodlands back to Florence Creek. Bring a picnic and stop here for a break, complete with the sound of the creek bubbling past. It's then just a short stroll to the car park.
Arafura Bluewater Charters is a well established local company that has been operating in Darwin Northern Territory, leaving from Cullen Bay for over 20 years.
https://www.arafurablue.com.au
Arafura Bluewater Charters
69 Marina BlvdArafura Bluewater Charters is a well established local company that has been operating in Darwin Northern Territory, leaving from Cullen Bay for over 20 years.
https://www.arafurablue.com.au
Generous pizzas, plus pasta, seafood and desserts, in a sizable venue with live music on weekends.
Located downstairs from the villa
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eat-A-Pizza
57 Marina BlvdGenerous pizzas, plus pasta, seafood and desserts, in a sizable venue with live music on weekends.
Located downstairs from the villa
Offering the finest tropical flavours and true Territory atmosphere, the Parap Village Markets run every Saturday 8am – 2pm (rain or shine)
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercados de la aldea de Parap
3 Vickers StOffering the finest tropical flavours and true Territory atmosphere, the Parap Village Markets run every Saturday 8am – 2pm (rain or shine)
There’s no better time to visit the tropical Top End than during Darwin Festival each August, where a fabulous festival wonderland awaits you. Balmy nights under twinkling lights provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dry season, the Top End’s tropical winter. In 2019 we celebrated 40 years with a record-breaking Festival! Thanks for joining us.
Darwin Festival combines outdoor festivities with a program rich with local, national and international talent. Cabaret, theatre, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts and fun family events transform Darwin for 18 dazzling days and nights. The Festival celebrates the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin, with its laidback, friendly lifestyle. Join in the fun of hot August nights!
https://www.darwinfestival.org.au
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darwin Festival
13 Harry Chan AveThere’s no better time to visit the tropical Top End than during Darwin Festival each August, where a fabulous festival wonderland awaits you. Balmy nights under twinkling lights provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dry season, the Top End’s tropical winter. In 2019 we celebrated 40 years with a record-breaking Festival! Thanks for joining us.
Darwin Festival combines outdoor festivities with a program rich with local, national and international talent. Cabaret, theatre, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts and fun family events transform Darwin for 18 dazzling days and nights. The Festival celebrates the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin, with its laidback, friendly lifestyle. Join in the fun of hot August nights!
https://www.darwinfestival.org.au
Howard Springs Nature Park
465 Howard Springs RoadTo appreciate Darwin's pristine and expansive harbour, step aboard the 25m multi-level catamaran, the 'Charles Darwin' and enjoy a delicious Territory-style buffet on a Sunset Dinner Cruise.
If you prefer, you can simply relax with a drink on the Bridge Deck on a Sunset Cruise, with beverages, platters and snacks available to purchase at an additional cost.
The 'Charles Darwin' plus the beautifully restored schooner 'Tumlaren' are both available for private hire and are perfect for weddings, events and charters.
Darwin Harbour Cruises have been operating cruises for many years, making them one of the longest running operators in Top End cruising, and have entertained visitors and locals alike.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darwin Harbour Cruises
7 Stokes Hill RdTo appreciate Darwin's pristine and expansive harbour, step aboard the 25m multi-level catamaran, the 'Charles Darwin' and enjoy a delicious Territory-style buffet on a Sunset Dinner Cruise.
If you prefer, you can simply relax with a drink on the Bridge Deck on a Sunset Cruise, with beverages, platters and snacks available to purchase at an additional cost.
The 'Charles Darwin' plus the beautifully restored schooner 'Tumlaren' are both available for private hire and are perfect for weddings, events and charters.
Darwin Harbour Cruises have been operating cruises for many years, making them one of the longest running operators in Top End cruising, and have entertained visitors and locals alike.
El Museo Militar de Darwin
5434 Alec Fong Lim DrTolmer Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park.
It cascades over two high escarpments into one deep plunge pool. Accessed by sealed road, the falls are located near the western boundary of the park, 85 kilometres south of Darwin as the crow flies.
A short walk takes you to a viewing platform at the top of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. This marks the starting point of the 1. 6 kilometre return Tolmer Falls Walk - an easy walk (that is rocky in parts) that takes about 45 minutes. Follow the path through typical Top End sandstone country and along Tolmer Creek and a tributary, past pristine small rock pools. Swimming is not permitted above the falls.
Explorer Frederick Henry Litchfield named the falls after his late father's colleague in the South Australia Police, Alexander Tolmer.
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer FallsTolmer Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park.
It cascades over two high escarpments into one deep plunge pool. Accessed by sealed road, the falls are located near the western boundary of the park, 85 kilometres south of Darwin as the crow flies.
A short walk takes you to a viewing platform at the top of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. This marks the starting point of the 1. 6 kilometre return Tolmer Falls Walk - an easy walk (that is rocky in parts) that takes about 45 minutes. Follow the path through typical Top End sandstone country and along Tolmer Creek and a tributary, past pristine small rock pools. Swimming is not permitted above the falls.
Explorer Frederick Henry Litchfield named the falls after his late father's colleague in the South Australia Police, Alexander Tolmer.
Just 80 kilometres north of Darwin lie Bathurst and Melville Islands, known collectively as the Tiwi Islands. The boat to take you leaves from Cullen Bay Marina.
Europeans first made contact with the Tiwi people in 1705. Then, 119 years later, the British established a settlement which was the first in Northern Australia. This was at the short-lived Fort Dundas on Melville Island near where Pirlangimpi now stands.
You can visit the Tiwi Islands on a guided tour and experience life in a modern-day Aboriginal community learning about the rich and fascinating history and culture of the Tiwi people. Visitors either board a small plane in Darwin for the short flight to the Islands, or cruise the Timor Sea for around two hours on a ferry – check wet season availability with Tourism Top End. Permits are only required if you intend to visit outside the main township of Wurrumiyanga, these permits are required before you travel to the Tiwi Islands. For more information please contact the Tiwi Islands Regional Council on (08) 8944 4480 or your tour operator.
The Tiwi people are known around the world for their distinctive fabric prints, pottery, sculptures and carvings. There are several art galleries on both Melville and Bathurst Islands and visitors are more than welcome to purchase directly from the artists.
Tiwi people are coastal Aborigines with a culture different to those on the mainland. Their strong traditions, rituals and traditional foods are still a very important part of everyday life today and they appear to have successfully combined both traditional and modern lifestyles.
The Tiwi people are also famous for their love of sports, in particular Australian Rules football. The Tiwi Football Grand Final and Art Sale is held in March and is the one time when you can visit the island without a permit.
The islands’ isolation and high rainfall means you will find many species not recorded elsewhere in the world. The islands’ are host to the world’s largest breeding colony of Crested Terns and a large population of the vulnerable olive ridley turtle.
Tiwi Islands
Just 80 kilometres north of Darwin lie Bathurst and Melville Islands, known collectively as the Tiwi Islands. The boat to take you leaves from Cullen Bay Marina.
Europeans first made contact with the Tiwi people in 1705. Then, 119 years later, the British established a settlement which was the first in Northern Australia. This was at the short-lived Fort Dundas on Melville Island near where Pirlangimpi now stands.
You can visit the Tiwi Islands on a guided tour and experience life in a modern-day Aboriginal community learning about the rich and fascinating history and culture of the Tiwi people. Visitors either board a small plane in Darwin for the short flight to the Islands, or cruise the Timor Sea for around two hours on a ferry – check wet season availability with Tourism Top End. Permits are only required if you intend to visit outside the main township of Wurrumiyanga, these permits are required before you travel to the Tiwi Islands. For more information please contact the Tiwi Islands Regional Council on (08) 8944 4480 or your tour operator.
The Tiwi people are known around the world for their distinctive fabric prints, pottery, sculptures and carvings. There are several art galleries on both Melville and Bathurst Islands and visitors are more than welcome to purchase directly from the artists.
Tiwi people are coastal Aborigines with a culture different to those on the mainland. Their strong traditions, rituals and traditional foods are still a very important part of everyday life today and they appear to have successfully combined both traditional and modern lifestyles.
The Tiwi people are also famous for their love of sports, in particular Australian Rules football. The Tiwi Football Grand Final and Art Sale is held in March and is the one time when you can visit the island without a permit.
The islands’ isolation and high rainfall means you will find many species not recorded elsewhere in the world. The islands’ are host to the world’s largest breeding colony of Crested Terns and a large population of the vulnerable olive ridley turtle.