Learn about the history of   Darwin,    Katherine,    Alice Springs   and   Adelaide

Things To Do In Darwin

Darwin is a tropical paradise - a modern, multicultural and laid back city with plenty of tourist attractions.  If you want to relax with shimmering blue seas and palm trees then this is the destination for you.  Read on....

Darwin City Tourist Walk

There are many historically significant sites/buildings all within walking distance of the city centre.  Interesting features: the Tree of Knowledge, Christ Church Cathedral, Browns Mart, the Old Town Hall,  the Old Court House and Police Station, Government House, NT Parliament House and NT Library, the Cenotaph, USS Peary Memorial, Lyons Cottage, Old Admiralty House, the Victoria Hotel, the Commercial Bank, Star Village, Chinese Temple and Museum.

In the Myilly Point heritage precinct there are a collection of older homes including the last four remaining World War Two homes, which are heritage listed.  They are fine examples of  European tropical architecture and they offer an insight into the lives of those people who lived in Darwin in the 1930's.  Bullet holes can even be seen in walls and fences. Visit 4 Burnett Place, Myilly Point, Larrakeyah.

Daily Fish Feeding

Visit Aquascene, 28 Doctors Gully Road near the centre of the city.  Fish feeding is at high tide when hundreds of fish come to shore to be fed by hand.  This spectacle has been voted "the most popular attraction" in tourism surveys. This unique activity is fun for all ages.  For more information visit the Aquascene web site at www.aquascene.com.au

Museums

See historic displays and travelling exhibitions at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, at 19 Conacher Street, Fannie Bay.  The museum is open Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm and from 10 am - 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  The Cyclone Tracey exhibition is especially well worth seeing and you can listen to the recording of the wind at its peak of the cyclone. 

Australian Pearling Exhibition

See the world class Australian Pearling Exhibition and explore the history and the future of the pearling industry in Northern Australian waters.  The exhibition is at the Stokes Hill Wharf.  It is open from 10 am - 5pm.  find out more here: Pearling Exhibition

Indo Pacific Marine

Experience this unique living coral reef eco system at Darwin's Marine Environmental Centre.  Their specialty includes torch-light night tours followed by a four course seafood dinner. This centre is located at 19 Stokes Hill Road which is opposite the Convention Centre.  A great marine learning experience.  Find out more at www.indopacificmarine.com.au

Territory Wildlife Park

It is located in Cox Peninsular Road, Berry Springs, a 45 minute drive south of Darwin’s CBD, this truly is the Territory’s wildest wildlife experience!  At the Territory Wildlife Park, not only do you see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, you meet them walking through tree top aviaries, strolling around a natural lagoon and even get to interact with them during daily presentations.  The park is open everyday, apart from Christmas Day, from 8.30 am - 6.00pm. Last entry is at 4.00pm.  Find out more here: www.territorywildlifepark.com.au

Crocodiles

Crocodylus Park and Zoo, 815 McMillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon, Berrimah. There you will also see primates, emus, cassawaries, ostriches and turtles.  Open daily from 9 am - 5 pm.  You can witness the crocodiles being fed at 10 am, midday, 2 pm and 3.30 pm. Find out more at www.crocodyluspark.com

Crocosaurus Cove at the corner of Mitchell and Peel Street, Darwin is right in the heart of the tourist precinct.  Open 8 am - 8 pm.  For more information visit them at www.crocosauruscove.com.au

Markets

Markets can be found at:

Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Gilruth Avenue, Darwin. 
Thursdays 5 pm -10 pm from April to October and on
Sunday nights,4 pm - 9pm from May through to September.

Parap Village Market, Parap Shopping Village.
Saturdays 8 am - 2 pm year round.

Rapid Creek Big Flea Market, Rapid Creek Shopping Centre, Trower Road Rapid Creek.
Sundays, 7 am - 1 pm year round.

Nightcliff Village Market,  Progress Drive, Nightcliff.
Sundays, 8 am - 2 pm year round.

Palmerston and Rural Market, Francis Mall, Palmerston
Fridays, 5.30 pm - 9.30 pm during the dry season.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

The gardens were established in 1886.  There are 42 hectares of gardens located 2 km from the city in Geranium Street, Stuart Park.  There you will see a showcase of the northern Territories flora including mangrove boardwalk, rainforest gully, wetlands and coastal zones.  there are 400 palm species and a self guided aboriginal plant-use walk.  The gardens are open all day, everyday.  Learn more here.

This area is wonderful if you want some time out.  There is a picnic area with barbeques, tame wallabies and magnificent sunsets.  East Point reserve is located in Fannie Bay.

Located 13 km south of Darwin at  557 Stuart Highway, Winnellie this museum hosts a presentation of civil and military flight covering aviation history from the early pioneers, through World War Two to modern times. The bombing of Darwin display is a must see.  Also on display is a B52 bomber on permanent loan from the US Air force.  It is one of only two on display in the world outside the US.  The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.  Guided tours are run daily at 10 am and 2 pm.    Learn more at the Australian Aviation Heritage Museum.
 

Australia's only land conflict during World War 2 is featured here with displays of military memorabilia.  Excellent photo exhibition.  Located about 8 km from Darwin on the Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point .
Read more about the East Point Military Museum.
 

World War Two Oil Storage Tunnels

Five steel lined tunnels extend from the wharf and run under the city. They were constructed to protect the Navy's oil supplies from bombardment during world War Two.  Tunnel five is open to the public.  Hear tales of the war years in Darwin and view fascinating activity displays.  Access via Kitchener Drive, Darwin Wharf Precinct.  Open pretty much all year round but with some exceptions in December.

Possibilities are cruises on a restored schooner, a 1950's pearling lugger, a sailing ketch a catamaran or a cruiser.  Not to mention fishing charters too.  For a full appreciation of the choices search for "Darwin Cruises" on Google.

This outdoor cinema screens seven nights per week during the dry season from mid April to mid November.  There you can buy beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks or you can bring a picnic.  The Deckchair Cinema is located on the edge of Darwin harbour so sunsets and lights reflecting in the harbour make this a special experience.  There are 250 deckchairs and 100 straight back chairs. The cinema is accessible via the walkway from the Esplanade.  Gates open at 6.30 pm for a 7.30 pm start.  find out more at www.deckchaircinema.com
 

If you have time you can fly (35 minute flight) or go by ferry (about a two hour trip) to see the Tiwi Islands  of Melville and Bathurst.  These islands will expose you to world renowned Aboriginal art and culture.

Maybe visit the Lichfield National Park about 100 km south of Darwin where you will find lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, impressive rock formations and waterfalls.

Further afield is the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park which is about 250 km from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.  You will find rugged escarpments, lush wetlands, plunging gorges and cascading waterfalls.

Our trip in the order it all happened:

Find out what to see and do in   Darwin,   Katherine,   Alice Springs  and  Adelaide

Learn about the history of   Darwin,    Katherine,    Alice Springs   and   Adelaide