Things to do in Darwin

Things To Do In Darwin and the Top End

The Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory covers a vast stretch of the country’s northernmost coast, taking in Kakadu National Park, the Katherine region, remote Arnhem Land and Darwin, the NT’s tropical capital city. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Darwin and the Top End, from picturesque national parks and thriving Aboriginal culture to harbour activities, wild rainforests and a whole lot more. The RedBalloon range of experiences is perfect for exploring this part of the country, whether you’re after bucket list activities, Day Trips and Tours or an exhilarating adventure package.

Our range of Darwin activities and day tours suits friends, family, kids or a loved one. Whether you’re a Territorian, visiting from interstate or travelling from overseas, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. From Scenic Sailing at sunset to Kakadu tours and crocodile encounters, you’ll never be short of Darwin attractions to explore. These experiences also make some of the best gift ideas around, perfect for a Birthday, Christmas or any other milestone worth celebrating.

What Is There To See In Darwin?

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in the Top End, perfect for interstate visitors or locals after a Weekend Getaway. A RedBalloon experience is the best way to explore the region’s varied landscapes and rich cultural history. Discover some of the best places to go below.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is an 80 minute drive from Darwin and one of the most biodiverse natural reserves in the country. Home to wetlands, rivers, sandstone escarpments, waterfalls, spectacular wildlife and of course crocodiles, there are countless things to do in Kakadu. The park also holds deep Aboriginal history, with rock art galleries, cultural tours and sacred sites throughout. The Kakadu Cultural Experience with Flight, Cruise and Lunch combines a scenic flight with a cruise along the East Alligator River and a visit to the world famous Ubirr rock art site.

Katherine and Nitmiluk

Katherine is a Top End town home to Nitmiluk National Park, formerly known as Katherine Gorge. There’s plenty to do here, including Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge and the region’s natural hot springs. For a truly special view of the gorge, the Sunset Helicopter Flight in Nitmiluk Gorge with Landing soars over all 13 gorges before touching down to watch the sun set over the ancient sandstone.

Litchfield National Park

Just over 70 minutes from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is home to stunning waterfalls and landscapes worth ticking off your list, including Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The Darwin to Litchfield Scenic Flight is a spectacular way to see the cascading waterfalls and monsoon rainforest from above.

Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land

For a deeper dive into Aboriginal culture, the Cruise to the Tiwi Islands with Guided Tour, Lunch and More takes you to the community of Wurrumiyanga for a traditional welcome ceremony and a visit to the Tiwi Museum. Alternatively, the Mikinj Valley Arnhem Land Day Tour Ex Jabiru explores Stone Country and ancient rock art with a local Indigenous guide, one of the best Aboriginal Culture Tours on offer in the Top End.

What is There to Do in Darwin?

There are plenty of amazing Darwin attractions and activities worth ticking off your bucket list. RedBalloon offers a variety of experiences that let you explore everything this tropical city has to offer, including some of the best unusual things to do in Darwin you’ll find anywhere in Australia. Some of the best activities in Darwin include:

– Crocodile encounters at Crocosaurus Cove. Get behind the scenes with the Crocodile + Reptile Encounter at Crocosaurus Cove, a full day pass to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles.

– Sunset jet ski touring. Zip across the harbour at golden hour on the Darwin Harbour Sunset Jet Ski Tour, one of the most popular Jet Ski Tours in the Territory.

– V8 race car driving at Hidden Valley Raceway, a must for anyone chasing a genuine V8 Supercar Driving Experience in Darwin.

– A Top End day tour combining a Helicopter Flight, cruise and crocodile encounter with the Top End Day Tour with Flight, Cruise and Crocodile Encounter.

– Wetland wildlife cruising, spotting saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife on the Wetland Wildlife Cruise with Lunch along the Corroboree Billabong.

– History and aviation attractions, with the Darwin Aviation Attractions Combo Ticket covering both the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility and the Darwin Aviation Museum.

– Multi-attraction sightseeing, with the Darwin 3 Attractions Pass bundling Crocosaurus Cove, the RFDS Tourist Facility and a hop on hop off Big Bus pass into one ticket.

– Waterfront dining and drinks, with the Darwin Waterfront Cocktail Bar Hopping with Food Credit making for one of the best Darwin dining experiences after dark.

There are plenty of amazing Darwin attractions and experiences on offer at RedBalloon. Don’t know which one to pick? You can always choose a Gift Voucher and let the recipient decide later. A gift voucher can be used towards any experience within Darwin and the Top End, including accommodation packages such as the 2 Night Bed and Breakfast Apartment Stay in Darwin City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Darwin?

Darwin’s best experiences combine its wild side with its relaxed tropical lifestyle. Top picks include swimming with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, a sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour, a scenic helicopter flight over the coastline, and a day trip out to Litchfield or Kakadu National Park.

What are the best day trips from Darwin?

Kakadu National Park (around 80 minutes away), Litchfield National Park (around 70 minutes away) and Katherine’s Nitmiluk Gorge are the most popular day trips from Darwin. Cruises to the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land day tours are also well worth the trip for a deeper look at Aboriginal culture and remote landscapes.

What are the best markets to visit in Darwin?

Darwin is well known for its lively outdoor markets. Mindil Beach Sunset Market runs on Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season with food stalls, live music and a beach sunset. Parap Village Market is a Saturday morning favourite for its Asian food stalls, while Nightcliff Market runs Sunday mornings by the foreshore.

What are the best outdoor activities in Darwin?

Jet ski touring on Darwin Harbour, wetland wildlife cruising, fishing charters on the Finniss River and scenic helicopter flights are among the most popular outdoor activities in Darwin, thanks to the region’s harbour, wetlands and tropical climate.

What are the best cultural attractions in Darwin?

Aboriginal culture runs deep throughout the Top End. Day tours into Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, rock art tours in Kakadu, and Darwin’s Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory are among the richest cultural attractions in Darwin.

What are the best things to do in Darwin at night?

Darwin’s balmy evenings are made for sunset cruises, waterfront bar hopping and dinner cruises around the harbour. Mindil Beach Sunset Market (on market nights) and Deckchair Cinema are also popular after-dark options.

What are the best things to do in Darwin with kids?

Crocosaurus Cove is a firm family favourite, alongside the Darwin Waterfront’s recreation lagoon and wave pool, wetland wildlife cruises and the Territory Wildlife Park. Many Darwin activities for families combine wildlife encounters with easy, air-conditioned comfort.

What are the best things to do in Darwin when it rains?

During the wet season, indoor and undercover options like the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Crocosaurus Cove’s indoor reptile displays, and the Darwin Aviation Museum are great indoor activities in Darwin that keep the tropical downpours from ruining your day.

What are the best beaches and swimming spots near Darwin?

Because of crocodiles and stingers, ocean swimming around Darwin is generally not recommended without a stinger net. Instead, the Darwin Waterfront’s netted recreation lagoon and wave pool are the safest and most popular swimming spots, while Mindil Beach and Casuarina Coastal Reserve are best enjoyed for their sunset views and walking trails.

Things to Do in the Northern Territory

Now that you’ve got your Darwin experiences booked in, why not explore the rest of the Northern Territory and experience everything this state has to offer. The Red Centre delivers a completely different side of the NT, from the spiritual weight of Uluru to the outback charm of Alice Springs.

Discover a wide range of new and exciting Things To Do in Alice Springs, Things To Do in Uluru, or head back to the Northern Territory to see everything RedBalloon offers across the Top End and the Red Centre.