Australia`s Northern Territory is two holiday destinations wrapped into one, from the tropical paradise of the Top End to the authentic outback of the Red Centre.

The lure of the Top End has always been its relaxed tropical lifestyle.

Darwin, the Northern Territory`s capital, is a modern vibrant city fringed by the Arafura Sea. It boasts a harbour twice the size of Sydney`s and is encompassed by coastal reserves with extensive walking and cycling trails.

Restaurants and sophisticated accommodation houses, many with sea views, are located in and around the city centre and dining is recommended at Cullen Bay Marina or the Darwin waterfront area at Stokes Hill Wharf.

Darwin is also a getaway to some of the world`s most renowned national parks. Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park are easily accessible from Darwin.

Spectacular waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes ensure their popularity among locals and visitors. Fishing is great in the Top End and if you are ever going to land a `Barra` this is the place to do it.

The mystique of Aboriginal culture is revealed through many tours in the Top End across the water to the Tiwi Islands and in central Australia.

Daily flights connect Darwin to the centre of the Northern Territory or you can experience the centre of Australia at Uluru, just a short flight from Alice Springs. There are also direct flights from Darwin to Uluru.

Tabs

Activities

Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)

  • Visit Darwin’s History and Heritage attractions (Darwin Military Museum, RFDS and the Bombing of Darwin Experience, Aviation Heritage Museum, WWII Tunnels or join a Walk Darwin tour visiting sites and buildings around Darwin City;
  • Darwin Harbour Cruises: Explore the sandy beaches, mangroves and isolated reefs on one of the many cruises;
  • Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise;
  • Crocosaurus Cove: 360 degree viewing of some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in captivity.

Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day / Overnight)

  • Litchfield National Park: this park has spectacular falls within its 143 square kilometre area such as Florence Falls, The Lost City, Tjaynera, Tolmer, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole. These falls are spectacular and set amid the monsoon forests of the park;
  • Tiwi Islands (accessible by air or ferry) - Aboriginal Culture -): These islands are part of the Territoryメs tropical coastline and only 20 minutes by air. The islands are rich in history and Aboriginal culture and are populated by indigenous Tiwi people. Local traditional arts and crafts for sale;
  • Kakadu National Park (coach and air tour): Kakadu hosts a breathtaking expanse of lush tropical landscape, Aboriginal rock art and flora and fauna typical of the Northern Territory;
  • Territory Wildlife Park: a 400 hectare nature attraction presenting native Territory animals in their natural habitat;
  • Australia's best-known icon, Uluru: located in Central Australia and best visited by staying overnight at the Ayers Rock Resort. Tours in Aboriginal history, including the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and Kings Canyon are available.
     

Dining (Best Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner)

  • Darwin Waterfront Precinct - Alfresco waterfront dining (Snapper Rocks, Wharf One, Oyster Bar);
  • Darwin City Centre (Hanuman, PM Eat & Drink, Char)
  • Cullen Bay Marina : enjoy alfresco dining all year around and choose from seafood, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and many other cuisines;
  • Pee Wee’s at the Point, offering a stunning waterfront location at East Point. Menus aim to reflect the local produce, climate and multiculturalism of the Territory;
  • Outdoor Mindil Beach Sunset Markets operate every Thursday and Sunday from 4pm to 9pm from April to October and are a culinary delight;
  • Darwin City Boutique Markets, Smith Street Mall, May-October, every first Friday of the month.
    For more information please visit https://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/food-and-drink

Evening Entertainment

  • Visit one of the many pubs, clubs and theme bars in the city and the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

Best Hotels

  • Adina Vibe Darwin Waterfront;
  • Mindil Beach Casino Darwin;
  • Hilton Darwin;
  • Rydges Darwin Central Hotel;
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin;
  • Novotel Atrium Darwin;
  • H on Smith Hotel;
  • Palms City Resort;
  • Mantra Pandanas.

Best Beaches

  • Mindil Beach;
  • Casuarina Beach;
  • Nightcliff Beach.

(Please note that it is not advisable to swim between October and May. Be crocwise at all times.)

Golf Courses

  • Darwin Golf Club, Marrara;
  • Palmerston Golf and Country Club;
  • Gardens Golf Course (opp. Casino);
  • Humpty Doo Golf Club, Humpty Doo.
     

Tennis Courts

  • Gilruth Tennis Centre;
  • Darwin Tennis Centre.
     

Other Sporting Activities

  • Game and fly fishing;
  • Horse racing;
  • Squash;
  • Ten pin bowling;
  • Fitness centres;
  • Sailing;
  • Swimming;
  • Jogging/Bicycle tracks that surround the city centre.
     

Best Shopping Areas

  • Darwin Smith Street Mall: local pottery and art including Aboriginal art in all forms are strongly featured in many of the city's arts and craft shops;
  • Airconditioned shopping centres at Casuarina, Palmerston Gateway and Coolalinga.
     

Specialty Products

  • Unique to the region are the South Sea Island pearls, crocodile skin products and authentic Aboriginal products.

Normal Retail Trading Hours

  • Darwin City Monday - Saturday 9.00am : 5.00pm;
  • Casuarina Monday - Saturday 9.00am : 5.00pm;
    Late night shopping Friday 9.00am : 9.00pm.