Sunset City

Darwin, Australia’s tropical paradise

Before setting off to the land down under, my research into Australia’s northernmost city left me feeling rather underwhelmed. Very few travel blogs boast about the beauty of the city itself, instead commending the the various national parks that rest far from the city borders.

It seemed to me that most of Darwin’s visitors were mere passersby, day trippers or weekenders using the city as a base rather than a destination. With two weeks booked in and with the sole purpose to visit my friend rather than backpack across the northern landscape, I began to worry that I might get bored.

Upon arriving in Darwin, it became immediately clear to me that the lack of information online wasn’t from a lack of things to say, but in the interest to keep this beautiful city a treasured secret. In fact, the only disappointing thing about Darwin is that Charles Darwin never visited this ecological heaven! Blazing sunsets, tropical troves, bustling markets and mouthwatering food await your arrival. So I think it’s about time that Darwin received some well-deserved love, uncovering all this vast and diverse city has to offer!

What do you need to know?

Best time to go: During dry season, May – October.
Annual events: Darwin is renowned for its annual events (which mostly take place during the dry season), from music to motor racing. Bassinthegrass is their biggest music festival, taking place in May, but the city is also host to the National Indigenous Music Awards, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Darwin Triple Crown and much more. Make sure to check what’s on ahead of your visit, you may be in for a nice surprise!
Foodie favourites: Neighbouring Southeast Asia, Darwin has become host to a variety of cuisines, particularly of Asian influence. Located by the sea, it’s unsurprising that seafood is prevalent, with many restaurants offering oysters, prawns, scallops and local fish varieties; however, notorious regional dishes include crocodile, barramundi and beef. A popular Southeast Asian dish is Laksa, a spicy noodle soup served with chicken, seafood, noodles or rice.
Getting around: Uber is readily available in and around the city.
Be careful: Depending on the season, the sea may be home to box jellyfish and stingrays so avoid taking a dip, not to mention the saltwater crocodiles and sharks! Don’t worry, there’s plenty of alternative options for swimming which I’ve listed below.
Travel tips: Rent a car if you can; the national parks are quite a distance from the city (from 40 mins – 3 hours) so a four-wheel drive is a handy addition. Sandfly repellent is also useful for evening walks along the beach!

Sunset Spots

Darwin is most famous for its picturesque sunsets, so it seems fitting to guide you from here. One of my favourite things about Darwin sunsets is that they really bring the community together, breathing a little magic into the evening air. Locals, tourists and families gather along the beaches and bays to watch the sun dip below the horizon. At the end of the week and across the weekend, groups even gather with barbecues and deckchairs, socialising under bright hues of red, gold, pink and orange.

Mindil Beach – During the dry season, Mindil beach comes to life with the bustle and buzz of the sunset markets. Crowds gather along the sandy banks to gaze upon the sun, particularly on market evenings. It’s a beautiful spot to catch a clear view of the sun setting across the water and is one of the liveliest spots for sundown.
East Point – East Point is a quieter spot for watching sunset. Beyond the trees is a rocky shore, perfect for catching the final rays!
Fannie Bay – One of my favourite spots. Visitors either pitch up their barbecues on the surrounding grass banks or head through the shrubbery to the shore. I personally enjoyed making my way onto the coast, getting cosy on the rocks with a book in hand and admiring the fishing line silhouettes against the bright sky.
The Casino – The Casino is a favourite spot for Sunday sundown, allowing public access to their infinity pool; the perfect way to enjoy the end of the week! The pool overlooks Mindil beach, with live music playing, as well as a pool side bar.
Cullen Bay – A favourite foodie spot, with plenty of takeaway options nearby. From fish and chips to pizza, crowds gather their blankets, grab a bite to eat and head to the grass bank to watch the sun go down.
Bundilla Beach – A beautiful stretch of coastline extending from the sailing club to the ski club before joining on to Mindil beach. If you’re looking to go on a leisurely evening stroll in time for sunset, then make your way down to Bundilla. Lots of sailing boats occupy the skyline making for beautiful shot!
Casuarina Beach – Beautiful sandy plains reflect the bright colours of the sky! A beautiful spot for photographs.
Nightcliff jetty – You can either watch the sun go down from the tip of the jetty or catch it’s silhouette in a photograph from afar. Either way, you’re bound to get a breathtaking shot. During stinger season (October – May) you may even spot some box jellyfish, so don’t jump in, no matter how enticing it looks!
The Sailing club, the Ski club & the Trailer Boat Club – All clubs are open to the public and all rest along the shore of Bundilla beach. With terraces that face the blazing sun, as well as offering drinks and dining, they make for the perfect sunset spot! Make sure to head down on the weekends, when they become particularly lively.

Marvellous Markets

As well as stunning sunsets, Darwin is also renowned for hosting a range of year-round markets, selling food, art and local crafts. If you plan ahead, you can do a different market nearly every day of the week. Not every market is open all year-round, but during the dry season every market is open for business. It feels as if the entire city comes out of hiding during opening hours, with streams of crowds flooding in, bringing the streets to life!

Mindil Beach Sunset Market – Open during the dry season, the Mindil Beach sunset market takes place on Thursdays and Sundays between 4pm-9pm, and is the largest in Darwin. Laksa, shell anklets, crocodile whips and didgeridoos, every food option under the sun and of course, all beneath the technicolour hues of the lowering sun. Visitors typically grab some food before heading onto the beach in time for sunset. After the sun goes down, the live band starts playing, the fire eaters put on a show and everyone browses the shopping stalls until close – it really is one of the most magical ways to spend the evening! For food, I recommend trying the Laksa, the Chinese, or if you’re feeling brave, a crocodile burger from the Road Kill Cafe (I promise it’s actually delicious).
Parap market – This little market is on all year round, taking place every Saturday between 8am and 2pm. It’s similar to the Mindil Beach market but on a smaller scale, with a few more clothing options and handmade craft stalls.
Nightcliff Market – Again, on all year round, the Nightcliff market takes place every Sunday between 8am and 2pm within Nightcliff shopping centre. The market is mostly arts and crafts, with live music playing as you weave between the stalls!
Rapid Creek market – Taking place every Saturday and Sunday between 7am and 2pm, and located conveniently near to Nightcliff market, kill two birds on a Sunday morning with a trip to both! Load up your tote bag with fresh ingredients, fruits and organic local produce before stocking up on some arts and crafts. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Sunday morning!
Palmerston Market – Every Friday evening 5pm – 9pm between April and October. Palmerston sits slightly beyond the city, about a 20 minute drive. Head over for some fun, food and fashion!

City Centre

Darwin’s city centre is small as far as cities go, but with plenty to do! From Indigenous art stores to crocodile coves, you can find loads of great activities if you look below the surface.

The Water Front – This was one of my favourite spots to relax midweek. Without the weekend crowds, the waterfront is incredibly peaceful, complete with a safe to swim beach, a perimeter of bars and restaurants and some great boutique and souvenir shops. Free entry.
The Royal Flying Doctors Museum – Across from the waterfront on Stokes Hill Wharf is a brilliant immersive museum experience, a popular tourist favourite. $28 entry.
WWII War Tunnels – The War Tunnels are a short walk from the waterfront, open for public exploration. they showcase Darwin’s underground war history and are a preview into its wartime past. $15 entry.
Darwin Harbour – All around the harbour are lots of cafe and restaurant options, historic landmarks and plenty of ships cruising back and forth. It’s a great part of the city to relax in during the day, indulging in an Aussie brunch or guzzling one of their delicious ice cream iced coffees!
Deckchair Cinema – For the evenings, make sure to check the weekly schedule of Darwin’s outdoor cinema, also located near the waterfront. Whilst I can’t guarantee you’ll catch any of the latest releases, they cinema puts on a range of classic movies and indie hits.
Darwin’s murals – If you’re staying in the city centre, I recommend getting up early or spending the evenings scouring buildings for beautiful hand painted murals and artwork. The city is riddled with artwork, with a beautiful new surprise awaiting you on every corner.
Crocosaurous Cove – Whilst I didn’t personally visit the cove or its relative attraction Crocodylus Park, which lies on the outskirts of the city, both are highly acclaimed online. I personally prefer to croc spot these magnificent beasts in their natural habitats, which I list later in the blog. Nevertheless, if you’d like to get up close and personal with a modern day dinosaur, there’s plenty of local options! $48 – $79 entry.
Smith Street – If you are in search of places to shop, your best bet is heading to Smith street or to Casuarina Mall, which is just outside the city. Smith street offers a range of boutiques, Aussie brands and gift shops, as well as cafes, restaurants and bars.
Aquascene Fish Feeding – Located on the opposite end of the city, at the end of the Bicentennial Park, you can head down to the shore and feed the fish. A really wholesome and unique experience, perfect for families. Aquascene is only available at high tide, so make sure to book your spot ahead online! $15 entry.

History & Heritage

Darwin has a notable war history and indigenous culture. As Australia’s northernmost city, Darwin held strategic importance throughout WWII, now homing multiple heritage sites, wartime architecture and historic memorabilia. Much of the art and culture is also rooted in its indigenous heritage, home to a vast population within the city and off the coast on the Tiwi Islands.

MAGNT Museum – The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory hosts a fascinating range of wildlife, Aboriginal history and art, a massive stuffed crocodile with an interesting tale, and a peak into life before and after Cyclone Tracy. Free entry
Fannie Bay Gaol – Step back in time and explore her Majesty’s Gaol and Labour Prison, an interesting way to break up the day and uncover some more of Darwin’s incredible history. Free entry
Military Museum – Situated at the tip of East Point, Darwins Military Museum occupies a wartime bunker, housing historic photographs and equipment. $20 entry
Chinese Temple and Museum – Closely located to Asia, its unsurprising that Darwin has a rich Asian history and heritage. The Chinese temple is a popular spot located within the city centre. Although small, the museum offers an interesting perspective into Darwin’s past. Free entry

Food & Drink

Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch spots

Laneway Cafe – Laneway is a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch or a coffee before or after the Parap Saturday markets, located just around the corner from the main market square. This is a really popular spot, always packed full with customers and there’s no wonder why! ££
The Cool Spot – This became a regular stop of mine and I absolutely loved it. The service is lovely, the iced mochas are 10/10 and the brunch menu is delicious! Highly recommend grabbing brunch here on the weekend when it’s at its liveliest. ££
Freshpoint – A quirky and vibrant spot for a bite to eat. Great range of options and prices are affordable. I ordered a delicious corn bowl, with poached eggs, crispy bacon and toast, which I’d highly recommend – it was a buttery delight! ££
Foreshore – One of the best brunch spots if you’re looking for food with a view, overlooking Nightcliff beach. This little cafe has a beautiful vibe, very summery and calm, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the view of the sea. One of my favourite meals from the trip. ££
Eve’s Cafe – Eve’s is a lovely little spot, shrouded by a tropical canopy within the botanical gardens. This was my favourite place to bring a book and grab a slice of warm banana bread with sweet butter. A hidden gem! ££
Chow – A great Vietnamese restaurant situated by the water front, the perfect spot for lunch or an evening meal. Food is fresh and full of flavour, prices are reasonable. ££
The Oyster Bar – With barstools overlooking the water front, the Oyster Bar is the ideal spot to grab a tray of oysters and a delicious cocktail, before heading back into the water for a dip. Really great food and drinks. ££
Saltwater – Attached to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Saltwater is a great spot to grab a coffee after enjoying a morning full of art and culture. ££

Sunset dinner spots

Pee Wee’s at the point – One of the nicest dinner spots in Darwin, Pee Wee’s boasts stunning views across the ocean, the ultimate sunset dining spot. A little pricier than most, but with quality food to match. Make sure to book ahead as it gets incredibly busy here in the evenings. £££
The Sailing Club – As sailing boats cross the horizon and views of Fannie Bay, dine in style at the club’s bistro. The club offers a wide variety of dishes, seafood, asian dishes, pastas, salads, you name it! £-££
The Trailer Boat Club – Next door to the Sailing Club is Darwin’s Trailer boat bistro, also offering a delicious range of dishes, with a gorgeous sunset view! Both clubs are well-worth visiting. £-££
The Ski Club – Just down the road, is the Ski Club, which boasts the same stunning ocean views, but with a slightly different dining style. The club has a more casual set up, with multiple street-food style stalls and live music. The Ski Club is great for a chilled and relaxed evening beneath the setting sun. £-££
The Casino – The Casino has multiple restaurants, from Asian to Italian cuisine. The Vue restaurant faces the waterfront, with brilliant views of Mindil beach, perfect for watching sunset. ££
Cullen Bay – Cullen Bay has some brilliant restaurant options, but one of the most popular things to do, is grab a takeaway pizza or fish and chips, and sit on the hillside bay to watch the sun go down. Cullen Bay is also a lively lunch spot – highly recommend.

Drinks

Mitchell Street – Home to many of Darwin’s most popular bars. A lively spot to grab a drink and listen to some music.
Shenanigans – One of the liveliest spots in the City, Shenanigans is an Irish bar loaded with fun, music and lots of dancing!
Lola’s – A quirky, circus themed bar in Cullen Bay, offering great cocktails and delicious pizzas. If you manage to snag a table alongside the water, you can watch the fish swim by, lit up by the harbour lights! The atmosphere here is great.

Wonderful Walks

Having failed my driving test five times, a car rental was off the cards. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful walking routes that take you along the bays or into the city. Here are a few of my favourites:

East point Reserve – This is one of my favourite evening walks. Head to the reserve for about 5pm; at this time, the Wallaby’s come out of hiding, gathering on the open plains. During golden hour, the reserve glistens, lighting up the brown fur coats of the Wallaby’s and painting the grass a warm hue – It really is spectacular! If you follow the path to the tip of East point, you can catch the sun going down from the bay. Duration: 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Moderate
Fannie Bay to Mindil Beach – I was so in love with this walk, that I did it nearly every evening! Again, this is most beautiful at around 5pm under the golden sun. Start your walk at either Fannie Bay or the Trailer Boat Club, walking alongside the beachfront towards the ski club. From here, continue to follow the path, past the MAGNT Museum…this is my favourite part! The path is lined by tall Gamba grasses, which, although are an invasive breed in the northern Territory, look particularly beautiful in the evening light. As you make your way up a slight incline, you’ll be met with beautiful views across the ocean. Continue to make your way down to Mindil Beach, where you can head to the market or towards the casino. Duration: 40 mins / Difficulty: Easy
George Brown Botanical Gardens – Open from 7am to 7pm, the Botanical Gardens are perfect for a leisurely wander. This was one of my favourite spots in the city, with its tropical trails, Chinese inspired gardens, orchid house, grass plains and homegrown allotments. I loved heading over early in the morning, between 7am and 8:30am when the gardens were at their most peaceful. You could spend hours exploring the different trails and flora, take a book and plant yourself on the grass, or walk straight through towards the city centre. Free entry
Mindil Beach to Cullen Bay – Another one for the evening. Head to Mindil Beach for golden hour, starting at the corner closest to the ski club. From here, stroll alongside the water front, a long stretch of fine sand and pristine shells towards the tree line on the opposite side. At the end of the beach, you’ll find a set of stairs ascending into the tree line, taking you up towards Myilly Terrace. Make sure you head left here, not right, making your way onto Marine Boulevard, which will take you all the way down to Cullen Bay. From the bay, you’ll have a gorgeous view of the sunset, so sit back, relax and watch the sky turn pink. Duration: 40 mins / Difficulty: Moderate incline

Safe Swimming

If you want to keep your arms, toes and legs, then stay well clear from the sea! Instead, head to one of Darwin’s safe swimming spots, dotted around the city and open to the public.

The Water Front – One of the most popular swimming spots in the city, with a man made beach complete with deckchairs and bean bags. There is also a wave lagoon around the corner, as well a water park to enjoy. The area is bursting with life, surrounded by restaurants, bars and cafes, and some small boutique shops. Open to the public all week – free entry.
The Casino – The Casino has an infinity pool which is open to the public on Sunday’s and is a great place to hang out with friends or meet new people. 18+ access with a poolside bar and live music, beautiful sunset views and comfy sofa beds to relax on! Free entry
Lake Alexander – Perfect for paddle boarding or taking a dip, Lake Alexander is in Fannie Bay, open to the public every day of the week. The lake is man-made, so no risk of crocodiles, however it is regularly patrolled just to be on the safe side. This is a great place to bring some burgers and hot dogs on the weekend, and get grilling under one of the surrounding barbecue shelters. Make sure to hire out some paddle boards or bring your own! Free entry
Parap Swimming Pool – Another great spot for a swim is Parap swimming pool. There are plenty of similar options dotted around the city, but this is super affordable and open all week. $5 entry

Beyond Darwin

Outside of the city exists some of the most vast and beautiful landscape in all of Australia; pummelling waterfalls, cool plunge pools, dense bush land and towering rock formations, it truly is breathtaking. There are some brilliant locations to adventure to outside of Darwin itself, with multiple tour operators offering guided tours or return rides…and if you rent your own car, make sure its a 4×4! There’s no need to book tours well in advance, you’ll usually find availability at least a few days beforehand. I highly recommend venturing to one of these picturesque havens. Photos can’t properly do them justice, you’ll just have to go and see for yourself!

Kakadu National Park

2hr drive from Darwin

Kakadu is perhaps the most well-known of the national parks, a certified UNESCO world heritage site, home to the Aboriginal community for over 50,000 years. The landscape here is astounding, with large imposing rock faces, stunning views and crocodile infested waters!

I booked my tour via viator.com here which included a tour of Ubirr Rock, the East Alligator river, a sneak preview into the to Aboriginal lands of Arnhem Land and lunch. I loved that this tour gave a voice to the indigenous community, who led the river cruise and informed us of how they yield the flora and fauna for its various properties; trees that supply water, bark used to create bowls, flowers that remedy illness. It was a beautiful and educational day, with brilliant guides to top it all off!

The tour costs £158, however, there are lots of options depending on how long you’re staying and what you’d like to see. Access to the park itself is separate, an additional charge of $45 that is used to support the preservation of the land and the communities that inhabit it. This pass permits 7-day entry to the park, so I recommend staying a few more days if you can!

Recommended spots within the park:

Ubirr rock (rock art)
Barrk Sandstone walk

Motor Car Falls
Gunlom Falls infintiy pool
Jim Jim Falls
Yellow water cruise

Litchfield National Park

1.5hr drive from Darwin

Litchfield is a riddled with natural swimming holes and cascading falls, a popular spot, attracting Aussie’s from all over the country. During dry season, the park is open to the public and safe for swimming. Visitors come equipped with lunch and a pool noodle, ready to dive into plunge pools and sunbathe on rocky terraces! Entry is free, and I recommend getting here early to beat the crowds.

A friend of mine gave me a ride to the park, however, some recommended travel companies online are: getyourguide.co.uk (£112) & viator.com (£123).

Recommended spots within the park:

Florence Falls
Buley Rock hole
Tolmer Falls (great for sunset)
Tjaynera Falls
Wangi Falls
Surprise Creek Falls

Fogg Dam

45min drive from Darwin

A notorious wetland plain, brilliant for bird watching and for sunset. There are different walking routes throughout Fogg Dam, as well as the Pandanus Knoll Lookout, which is perfect for any sunset seekers!

Adelaide River

1hr 15min drive from Darwin

The Adelaide River is home to the famous original jumping crocodile river cruise, one of the most famous in the area! Whilst i didn’t personally get a chance to go one one myself, friends have raved about the excitement of the cruise and highly recommend – I will most definitely be returning to try it out for myself! $65 for 1hr – tickets here.

Mary River

2hr drive from Darwin

Also famous for croc spotting is the Mary River, which is home to the largest population of Saltwater crocodiles in the world (so don’t take a dip). there are multiple online options for river cruises and tours, so if you’re in the area and would like to get up close and personal with prehistoric beasts, then make sure to give one a go!

Berry Springs

40min drive from Darwin

Another great area to go swimming in natural pools and explore various footpaths, Berry Springs is highly recommended. There’s plenty to do, from Barramundi fishing to bird watching, and is the perfect day trip from Darwin. Make sure to bring some burgers to flip on the surrounding barbecues!

Katherine

3.5hr drive from Darwin

Katherine is a vast tropical landscape south of Darwin. There are natural springs, hiking trails, gorges and thermal pools, plenty to explore. It is recommended to spend about 5-7 days exploring the park.

Recommended spot within the park: