5 of the Best Things to Do in Darwin

There's plenty to keep you entertained in Darwin, especially if you're an art lover.

Water views

A boat trip is a great way to get  a sense of the city and its harbour setting. To truly unwind after a long day, set sail on a three-hour sunset dinner cruise. If you have the time and inclination, a half- or full-day fishing charter will be money well spent.

Modern art

Known for its Saturday markets  and Darwin’s best deli, Parap Fine Foods, suburban Parap is also a centre  for local contemporary art. Head  to Outstation Gallery, Northern Centre for Contemporary Art and Nomad Art Gallery.

Culture fix

Allow a few hours to properly experience the fascinating and diverse collections at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, including the Cyclone Tracy exhibit and the historically significant Papunya paintings in the recently refurbished Indigenous art collection.

Wildlife encounter

Crocosaurus Cove is a one-stop crocodile experience right in the CBD.  Spend one or several hours here, depending on how close you want to get to these impressive apex predators. You can hold a baby crocodile or swim (safely) with  a giant saltwater croc in the  Cage of Death.

Boutique shopping

Smith Street, a new shopping and entertainment precinct, is taking shape on the edge of the CBD.  It’s home to Raw Cloth (1/132 Smith Street; 08 8985 2305),  which sells one-off garments in European fabrics, plus silks, linens and cottons hand-printed by Indigenous communities, and SeKada (132 Smith Street; 0418 886 565), where you can pick up elegant homewares, clothing and gifts. Nearby are Kopi Stop café, cocktail venue The Trader Bar, Asian eatery Nirvana and Art Ware House gallery.

Top image: Indigenous Art at Outstation Gallery Darwin