Darwin & Surrounds 3 day itinerary

Day 1

Breakfast with a view

Breakfast at the Darwin Waterfront will kick off your three-day Darwin journey. There's something for everyone, from high-end restaurants to more casual cafés and pubs. Bring your bathing suit if you want to swim in the Wave or Recreation Lagoons. Paddle, swim, or play in these man-made lagoons, which generate waves of up to 1.7 meters at regular intervals. Swimming is permitted in both areas, which are free of stingers.

Go face-to-face with a croc

After lunch, head to Crocosaurus Cove on Mitchell Street in Darwin's downtown area. At the aquarium, you'll be able to get up up and personal with the world's largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile, as well as learn about a range of fish and reptile species. A crocodile and fish feeding display is held twice daily and is not to be missed. Climb into the Cage of Death for a face-to-face encounter with one of the world's largest saltwater crocodiles in captivity if you're feeling particularly daring. It's the ultimate burst of adrenaline!

Sunset and shopping at Mindil Market

Between May and October, Darwin's famed Mindil Beach Sunset Market takes place every Thursday and Sunday evening. The market's arts, crafts, and food stalls reflect the region's incredible multicultural mix. Enjoy free entertainment from buskers and magicians, then choose from the food vendors and eat your meal barefoot on the beach while watching the spectacular Darwin sunset. If the Mindil Beach Sunset Market isn't happening tonight, go to Cullen Bay Marina and watch the sun set while eating takeout fish & chips.

Day 2

Become a city explorer

Start your day with a cup of coffee and breakfast at one of the city's many prominent cafes. Take some time to peruse the local shops and boutique stores on Smith and Knuckey Streets for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Do you want to try some of the city's delicacies? Join Darwin Gourmet Tours to learn about the top local restaurants and bars that specialize in dishes made with locally farmed ingredients.

Immerse yourself in art

Take a look at the local Aboriginal art scene today. The cities of Darwin and Parap are excellent destinations to see and buy Aboriginal art from all across the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery is also an excellent site to learn more about Aboriginal art and view local crocodile star Sweetheart. The museum has a taxidermied saltwater crocodile that is 5 meters long and weighs 780 kilograms. The museum also has a Cyclone Tracy display, which shows the extent of the devastation caused by the storm on December 24, 1974.

Wartime history in the Top End

The Military Museum's Defence of Darwin Experience is an excellent spot to get your combat history fix. The exhibition and multimedia presentations will teach you about Darwin's bombing and its participation in WWII. Visit the museum to see artillery pieces, vehicles, uniforms, and weaponry, or visit Stokes Hill Wharf and the RFDS Tourist Facility to see the Bombing of Darwin Harbour exhibit. The virtual reality film and life-size holograms assist in bringing the dramatic events to life. If you're searching for a day trip, The Darwin History and Wartime Experience is a must-see.

Historical harbour views

Bicentennial Park, poised on the cliffs of Darwin Harbour, is located on the Esplanade. Visit the Cenotaph, Darwin's first war memorial, which honors Australians who died in WWI and the Aboriginal men and women whose bush skills helped the Army preserve the rugged northern coastline during WWII.

Settle in for a movie under the stars

Unwind tonight with a flick at the Deckchair Cinema, which can be found at the Waterfront. The open air cinema screens Australian, popular, family, foreign and classic films during the Dry season (April–November). Make the most of the experience and relax under the stars while enjoying their onsite bar and food stalls.

Day 3

Back to nature

Berry Springs Nature Park (normally open May-Nov) is approximately 47 kilometres south of Darwin and is the perfect place to unwind today. During the war, it served as a relaxation camp for military soldiers, and it is now a popular site for a BBQ and a plunge in the beautiful freshwater pools. You'll be able to see native fish and other water life if you bring your goggles. Get some exercise this afternoon by going on a bushwalking trail or visiting the interpretive center to learn more about Berry Springs Nature Park's wartime past.

Go wild at Territory Wildlife Park

At the nearby Territory Wildlife Park, you may see a famous birds of prey show or hand feed the whip rays and barramundi at the Oolloo Sandbar. Animals such as Graeme the saltwater crocodile can be seen in treetop aviaries, around a natural lagoon, and in the aquarium.

Dinner with a view at the wharf

Return to Darwin and go to the Waterfront Precinct's Stokes Hill Wharf. Locals frequent this place for fishing, and it is dotted with restaurants, cafés, and retail shops. It's also where you'll board a Darwin Harbour sunset cruise, jet ski tour, or airboat ride.

Finish the evening with some fresh local fish and chips and a site to enjoy one more spectacular Top End sunset - you might even see some dolphins in the water below if you're lucky. Relax on the waterfront as you reminisce about your time in Darwin.