Darwin Top Attractions

The Top End features an endless number of natural and cultural attractions and below are just a few of the most popular activities. Browse the other sections of this website to discover our pick of Darwin's top things to do!

Every Thursday and Sunday between the months of May and October the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets invigorate the beachfront. Together over 300 stall holders create a fun and energetic environment, with over 1200 different food items and a collection of handmade products for sale.

Stalls include an extensive array of handmade items crafted by local traders, and an international blend of food from across the world, including the freshest and most delicious seafood in Darwin.

Check this 'must do' off your list. Browse this extensive selection of hand-made crafts, Indigenous art, and uniquely designed jewellery. For a small cost you can get a taste of the Northern Territory, and the scenic Mindil Beach provides the spot to perfect spot to throw down a picnic blanket and watch the sun go down.

A good night out would not be complete without entertainment! Be mesmerised by an eclectic blend of performances including live music, cultural dance, acrobatics and fire shows that are very much a part of these infamous markets.

The Litchfield National Park is set apart by its unusual rock formations, termite mounds, waterfalls, cascades, and is celebrated for its lush forests, swimming holes, and bush walks.

Sealed roads to the park make it highly accessible to travellers, and there is a variety of excellent accommodation to choose from including budget accommodation and caravan parks.

For those wishing to make a shorter trip the park boasts excellent facilities suitable for day visitors, including barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets. Bring the whole family, pack a picnic lunch, and don’t forget to visit the Lost City, Butterfly and Bird Farm and the Coomalie Cultural Centre.

Looking to stay a little longer but want to escape conventional accommodation? There are plenty of camping grounds dotted in and around the park, providing ample opportunity to become immersed in nature.

Walk to the top of the Tolmer Falls and admire the commanding view over the plunge pool and waterfall from this scenic lookout. For the more experienced trekker there are a variety of walks that range from several hours to few days. For expert local knowledge join an organised tour group.

Several adventure companies offer trips to the park – take part in a variety of activities in and near the park such as white water rafting, horse trekking, 4-wheel-driving, or see the beauty of the park from the air.

No trip to Katherine is complete without visiting the Katherine Hot Springs. Positioned 320 kilometres from Darwin city, the 4 hour journey is certainly worth the trip.

Become immersed in the natural beauty of the Top End with a dip in these natural hot pools. Nestled in the Katherine River Bed, the spring pumps naturally filtered water from deep below the earth’s surface.

This pure flowing water is particularly enjoyable during the cooler seasons of the year, surfacing at a moderate temperature of 32 degrees (Celsius).

Recent develops have been made to protect and make the springs more accessible to the public. A staircase with steel rails into the main pool is wheelchair accessible and further down the established track is a viewing platform which offers a clear vista over the heart of the spring.

An additional plunge pool provides a refreshing dip, before the stream eventually joins with the Katherine River 30 metres upstream.

Walking and biking tracks provide ample opportunity to get out and explore the park which surround the springs.

Experience Katherine Gorge in the way that suits you - by land, water, air or boat.

During the dry season, canoeing tours take tourists into the heart of the gorge to witness from the water the red rocky meandering walls of the gorge's sandstone cliffs that reach heights of over 200 feet.

For the adventurous there are plenty of camping spots positioned along the gorge which provide the ultimate overnight experience. Fall asleep to the sound of trickling water, and witness thousands of twinkling stars that take their place in the night sky.

See the gorge from above and get a birds eye view from the comfort of a light aircraft, or join one of the rainforest walks and explore the natural habitat of the many native animals which inhabit these parts, including lizards, birds, turtles, crocodiles, aviary life and many other forms of life that are present in the Katherine Gorge.

Relax on a scenic boat tour - another fantastic way to see the splendour of this natural creation. Cruise along the Katherine River and sip a glass of champagne while enjoying nibbles and watching the sunset by candlelight.

Discover one of the most remote areas in the world – the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. This protected park is just 3 hours from Darwin city and provides some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery.

The park’s 20,000 square kilometres are filled with lush wetlands, rugged gorges, waterfalls, and is teaming with native wildlife.

The natural beauty and attractions within the Kakadu National Park attracts visitors from across the world. See the sensational Jim Jim Falls, explore the Barrk Sandstone Walk, take a dip in the Gunlom Plunge Pool, and view the world’s largest concentration of Aboriginal rock art.