Top Things to Do in Darwin, Australia

Darwin is a small but cosmopolitan city. Its population is 110,000 people from more than 50 nations. It is located in the Timor Sea (a branch of the Indian Ocean) in north-central Australia. Darwin is the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.

Darwin stands out among the capitals of Australia for its relaxed lifestyle and unique multiculturalism, where people from more than 50 different cultures live and work together.

The usual Asian-style markets that are an intrinsic part of Darwin’s everyday landscape for local residents see food, music, language and culture from almost every Asian nation, along with crocodile hunters, local Aboriginal artists, musicians from all over the world. genres, sport fishing. operators, sunset sails and families with children playing on the beach.

Thanks to this diverse mix, there are so many things to do in Darwin.

See also Darwin’s popular Roadkill Cafe and recommended day trips from Darwin

A brief history of Darwin

Darwin’s unique cosmopolitan makeup has been recognized as a “multicultural icon of national importance” by the Australian National Tust. Darwin’s tropical climate has two main seasons, the “dry”, from May to October approximately, and the “wet”, from November to April. Large cyclones have occurred approximately once every three decades. Much of the city was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Darwin is also the only Australian capital to have suffered a major attack during a war. On February 19, 1942, Japanese aircraft carried out two major airstrikes on Darwin from the aircraft carrier fleet that had attacked Pearl Harbor less than 3 months earlier. These were the first of 64 airstrikes experienced by the city during World War II, the last being on November 12, 1943. (Other areas of northern Queensland and northern Western Australia were also bombed by Japanese aircraft).

Natural places of Darwin, Australia

Among the best things to do in Darwin are the many natural attractions.

Berry Springs

The perfect place to swim is just 45 minutes from Darwin City. Berry Springs Nature Park has shaded picnic areas and BBQs, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for local birds and wildlife. Wear your goggles to explore the underwater world in the crystal clear pools.

Territory Wildlife Park

Territory Wildlife Park is a popular attraction, with monsoon and paper bark forests and a walk through the wetlands. You can come face to face with a 3.7-meter saltwater crocodile on a walk through the aquarium tunnel. Don’t miss the bird of prey show twice a day or the presentation of encounters with animals.

Bicentennial Park

This scenic stretch of park along The Esplanade overlooks Darwin Harbor. It’s a great place to take a walk, sunbathe or have a picnic while watching the sunset.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Just steps from the city center are 42 acres of gardens showcasing local flora and other tropical habitats from around the world. Explore the monsoon forests, coastal waters and open woods on a walk through the botanical gardens.

Alexander Lake

An ideal place for year-round swimming, Lake Alexander is popular for picnics and barbecues. Spend the day on the water, play a game of volleyball and get the kids tired on the playground.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve

The Reserve covers 1500 hectares, including 8 km of sandy beaches bordered by spectacular cliffs. Lay your legs down on one of the paths or grab a table and sit on a barbecue under a shady Casuarina tree.

Charles Darwin National Park

Shell middens in the area indicate that it has been used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Larrakia are the traditional owners of the land. During World War II, this area was part of a network of military sites that formed Australia’s first line of defense, and as a result many bunkers and storage facilities remain.

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is located in the Northern Territory (Australia), 69 km south of Darwin; it’s a great day trip from Darwin!

For visitors, the main attractions of Litchfield National Park are the permanent waterfalls fed by springs (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi); the pools of transparent water in which they fall in cascade; waterfalls at Buley Rockhole; magnetic terminators; and a wildlife cruise on the majestic Reynolds River.

During the hot, dry season, the park is a magnet for people looking for a refreshing swim. Crocodiles don’t seem to be as much of a threat in Litchfield as they are in other high-end parks in Darwin, such as Kakadu National Park.

Other features of the park include termites and the “Lost City,” an area of ​​strange sandstone blocks and pillar formations that have been sculpted by wind and rain for thousands of years.

The Northern Territory is home to a wide variety of native animals, such as birds, insects, reptiles, marsupials and mammals. This tropical setting is prolific with barramundi and produces Australia’s most exciting sport fishing.

There is no entrance fee to the National Park. Camping rates are charged per person per night.

The National Park has a network of sealed and unpaved roads. The north end can be visited with 2WD by bitumen roads. To visit the southern end it is necessary to have a 4×4 due to various river crossings and the variability of road conditions. Please note that during the rainy season (December-March) road access may not be possible, as 4×4 tracks are closed due to flooding.

Darwin landmarks

Darwin is also full of history, this is where to find your Darwin history solution.

World War II oil storage tunnels

Hidden in the depths of the city is one of Darwin’s most interesting historical sites. World War II oil storage tunnels were built during World War II due to the vulnerability of standard storage tanks to airstrikes. Delays and failure to seal water tunnels meant that they were never used for their original purpose. Two of the tunnels are open to the public and include an impressive collection of photographs of Darwin’s life during World War II.

East Point Reservation

The East Point Reservation, just north of the city, is full of footpaths and bike lanes. The area is also home to the Darwin East Point Military Museum. Here you can see the relics of World War II and see pictures of the Darwin bombing. Zoom in at dawn or dusk to see the agile Wallabies.

Darwin Quay Enclosure

At 9:58 a.m. on February 19, 1942, the pier was a target for Japanese bombs, which claimed the lives of many seafaring services and workers. Many of the historic sites are preserved and can be explored today.

Fannie Bay Prison

Fannie Bay Gaol served as Darwin’s main prison for nearly 100 years from 1883. During the 1950s two wings of maximum security were added and the gallows was used for executions until 1952. The sad and Oppressive history of the building can be heard as you walk.

Australian Aviation Heritage Center

The Australian Aviation Heritage Center houses an impressive collection of the history of the territory’s aviation and reminds us of Darwin’s frontier role in World War II. To make the most of everything the center has to offer, allow yourself at least an hour and a half. Take advantage of the guided tours, video presentation and range of souvenirs. entrance fees apply.

Burnett House at Myilly Point

Architect BCG Burnett designed homes adapted to the climatic conditions of the Top End, which included the use of lightweight materials and natural ventilation. It is worth leaving your visit to Myilly Point until Sunday afternoon, when you can enjoy High Tea in the shady tropical gardens of Burnett House.

Browns Mart

Browns Mart is a stone building that opened in 1885 as the Solomon’s Emporium. He played many roles over the years, but today he has become a cultural and historical icon of the city that is commonly used for theater and shows.

Adelaide River War Cemetery

During World War II, the town of the Adelaide River was the site of a large military base. The war cemetery created there is now the final resting place of 434 military and civilians involved in the war effort. The cemetery is set in lush surroundings by the Adelaide River, with beautiful gardens offering a tranquil backdrop to remember the fallen.

Lyon house

Overlooking Darwin Harbor on The Esplanade, Lyons Cottage was built in 1925 to house staff working on the submarine cable connecting Australia to Britain. Also known as the British Australia Telegraph (BAT) House, Lyons Cottage survived the Japanese bombings of 1942 and 1943 and escaped the structural damage of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Cottage now houses a collection of Aboriginal and European photographic screens.

The Old Court and the Police

Built in 1884 for the South Australian government, these colonial-style buildings made of local stone have housed criminals, the Navy and today the offices of the NT administrator. Restored after Cyclone Tracy damage, these buildings are reminiscent of the Darwin of yesteryear.