Darwin is the capital city in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is situated on the coast of the Timor Sea. Originally a pioneer outpost, Darwin is now the Top End’s regional centre. It has a population over 136,000. Darwin is a sharp contrast from the rest of the Northern Territory which is not very populated. However, that does not mean there is any shortage of amazing adventures to be had or things to do in Australia’s most remote region. During your visit to Darwin, consider adding onto your holiday by touring Nitmiluk National Park or Litchfield National park, both are close to Darwin.
Darwin Skyline Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Sailing Club Sunset Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
Sky City Pool in Darwin Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
Hiring a Car in Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Darwin Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
There are two places you can hire a car in Darwin. You can rent a 4WD vehicle at the Darwin Airport, or hire an all-terrain vehicle in Darwin City. Since the Northern Territory is so rugged and remote, we have some rules in place for your safety so it is important to plan your trip after dawn or well before dusk because driving outside the Darwin city limits is not allowed between dusk and dawn. Since it is a short drive to Litchfield National Park, it is easy to stay within those guidelines.
Things to Do in Darwin
Sunset in Darwin Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
You might be surprised at the amount of and variety of things to do in Darwin. In this blog post, we will cover diving off the coast, swimming with crocodiles, shopping, Territory Wildlife Park, boating in the wetlands, and bird watching. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, there are plenty of nearby national parks that you can also take a day trip to or stay longer.
Diving in Darwin
Diving near Darwin Photo Credit: NTTravel.com.au
Diving near Darwin Photo Credit: NTTravel.com.au
Diving off the coast of Darwin is one of the top attractions in the city. There are many shipwrecks from World War II that make for excellent dives since they are home to many fish and marine life including coral trout, wobbegong sharks, jewfish, and barracuda. Unlike some of the other shores on Australian coasts, the seas off the coast of Darwin are smooth like glass. The warm waters are very inviting day or night. You can book guided night dives. For more information on diving in Australia, see our blog post about the Top Dive Spots in Australia.
Crocosaurus Cove
Crocosaurus Dive Experience Photo Credit: CrocosaurusCove.com
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
If you love diving and are up for a thrilling adventure, Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin is the only place in the world where you can dive with crocodiles. Even though the crocs there are some of the largest recorded in the world, it is completely safe because they are contained in the “Cage of Death”. You can visit the attraction without getting wet; there are 200 crocodiles to learn about and shows to see.
Shopping in Darwin
Mindil Beach Market Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
You will probably be surprised at the variety of shopping options in Darwin. Even though it is remote, it is a growing city. There are plenty of shopping options, which is always something that you want to be able to do while on holiday to bring home some souvenirs or maybe pick up some things you decided you need while on holiday. Casuarina Square is the largest mall in Darwin with about 200 stores that include specialty shops and big chain stores. Find antiques and unique gifts or souvenirs at the Air Raid Arcade. If you want to shop in the open air, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are just what you are looking for. They are open from May through October and you will find exotic handcrafts from all over the world. One of the most popular places to shop is the Smith Street Mall which is also known as “The Mall”, Knuckey Street Mall, or Darwin Mall. It is located in the central business district of Darwin and is where to go if you want to buy local Aboriginal art.
Territory Wildlife Park
Woodlands of Territory Wildlife Park Photo Credit: TerritoryWildlifePark.com.au
Monsoon Vine Forest of Territory Wildlife Park Photo Credit: TerritoryWildlifePark.com.au
Wetlandss of Territory Wildlife Park Photo Credit: TerritoryWildlifePark.com.au
This great park features the variety of wildlife and terrains in the Top End. It is about a 45 minute drive south of Darwin and well worth the trip. See the Flight Deck bird show as well as animal exhibits including dingoes, emus, wallabies, and plenty of marine life and birds. The three sections of the park include wetlands, monsoon vine forest, and the woodlands.
Explore the Mary River Region Wetlands
Fishing in the Mary River Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
Take a cruise to see the famous jumping crocodiles Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
Airboat tours on the Mary River Photo Credit: TravelNT.com
Remember that there are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory of Australia than anywhere else in the world, so use caution near any water and try to stick to guided tours and charter boats. In addition to remaining safe, the tour guides are so knowledgeable and will take you to the top spots and teach you all about the beauty of this region as you go. Try fishing for barramundi, cruising in an airboat or charter tour to see the famous jumping crocodiles. Different bodies of waters, rivers, and billabongs make up the Mary River Region Wetlands, so you can explore the Adelaide River and the Corroboree Billabong.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching and Nature Tours Photo Credit ExperiencetheWild.com.au
Bird Watching and Nature Tours Photo Credit ExperiencetheWild.com.au
Bird Watching and Nature Tours Photo Credit ExperiencetheWild.com.au
There are so many birds around Darwin and the Northern Territory. You can hire a touring company to help show you all the hot spots that best showcase birdlife of the region. Different birds can be found pretty much everywhere you turn: in the city, savannah woodland, monsoon forest, the coast, the creek, the wetlands, and the mangroves.