Darwin Bucket List – The Top Things You Don’t Want To Miss

UPDATED FEB 2020. When you think of visiting Australia, most people think of seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, holding a Koala or cruising through Surfers Paradise. Not many people mention a visit to Darwin in their plans, but I am here to show you why you need to, with this Darwin bucket list. Here you’ll find some of the best things to do in Darwin and what gives the destination so much character.

Darwin Bucket List – The Top Things You Don’t Want To Miss

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Why should you visit Darwin?

Boasting tropical weather and a laid back lifestyle, Darwin has a unique charm all of its own that is much different to other areas of Australia.

That’s what makes it so great.

When is the best time to visit Darwin?

If you are planning a visit, keep in mind that you want to visit in the dry season. A lot of these attractions are closed in the wet season.

The dry season runs from April/May to September/October.

The weather will be cooler during these months making your stay much more comfortable. There’s plenty to do but here is my top 10.

Where to stay in Darwin

My favorite place to stay in Darwin is the Mantra on the Esplanade. It’s a great hotel, and I like that it’s in the city, so you can walk around easily, but you’re off the main street to avoid the noise.

My other favorite place to stay is the Novotel.

If you prefer other hotels, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I travel because I can always find a good deal there.

1. Take a day trip to the Territory Wildlife Park

Do yourself a favor and visit the Territory Wildlife Park.

The park showcases a variety of animal exhibits and presentations which allow you to learn more about the interesting wildlife. There is even a nocturnal house that you walk through in the dark to see the night creatures in action.

On top of touring the park, you can also add interactive wildlife experiences to your day.

This way you can get really close to the animals. I added on the River Ray experience and it was a blast to be in there feeding those huge rays!

Here’s my full guide on how to plan a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park.

2. Stroll the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Everyone will tell you that you must visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and they are not wrong. It’s a must-do on any Darwin bucket list.

These markets are held twice weekly during the dry season and showcase incredible multi-cultural cuisine, local souvenirs, and a stunning beach sunset.

Typically, people will go there and snack at the food from different vendors then once it gets closer to sunset everyone flocks to the beach. After the sun goes down, you can head back to the stalls for more food and souvenir shopping.

3. Feed the fish

Another interactive wildlife experience you can partake in is hand feeding fish at Doctors Gully.

The eco-certified fish feeding is held during high tides where a wide range of fish and rays travel in for a short amount of time to find some tasty snacks from the tourists.

With 70,000 visitors a year, there is plenty of snacks for them. This attraction is located in the city and is fun for the whole family.

4. Take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise

How would you like to sit in a boat as crocodiles leap out of the water right beside you? The Jumping Crocodile Cruise is how you can do exactly that.

On this adventure, you can cruise down the Adelaide River, which is full of Australian Saltwater Crocodiles. The curious, wild crocodiles will come closer and, as food is hung over the side of the boat, the crocodiles leap out of the water to retrieve it.

It is an incredible way to see crocodiles exhibit these behaviors in their natural environment.

Here’s my full guide on how to take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River.

5. Take a Darwin history lesson

The Australian Aviation Heritage Center is one of the top-rated attractions in Darwin.

Displaying a range of aircraft including a huge B-52 Bomber, this aircraft museum offers a place to learn about the history of the bombing of Darwin from the volunteers at the exhibits and the educational videos on offer.

6. Road trip to the Mataranka Thermal Pool

If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend taking a little road trip down to Mataranka to visit the thermal pools.

It is about 100km south of Darwin and there is accommodation available right near the pools so if the drive is too long to get back on the same day, you always have the option to turn it into an overnight stay.

The stunning thermal pools are naturally heated creating a therapeutic water experience in a quiet, relaxing setting. It’s definitely worth the drive.

Here’s my full guide on how to plan a trip to the Mataranka Thermal Pool.

7. Swim at the Berry Springs Nature Reserve

After your day at the Territory Wildlife Park, the perfect place to cool off is at the Berry Springs Nature Reserve which is not too far down the road.

The pools are incredibly refreshing and set amongst natural scenery that you can’t help but relax in.

With bathroom facilities, a snack vendor and plenty of space on the grass for a picnic, it makes for a great spot to relax before you make the drive back into the city.

Here’s my full guide on how to visit the Berry Springs Nature Reserve.

8. Explore waterfalls at Litchfield National Park

It’s very simple, the Litchfield National Park is something not to be missed. This park is stunning.

Even if you only go and visit for the day, you can experience Florence Falls to swim under the waterfall, then walk along the path the explore the other mini-falls along the way until you get to the Buley Rockhole.

If you have more time you can explore more of the park including other trails and waterfalls. There are even campgrounds if you want to spend the night. It’s one of my favorite spots in the Territory.

Here’s my full guide on how to plan a day trip to Litchfield National Park from Darwin.

9. Enjoy another market feast in Darwin

If you liked the Mindil Beach Markets, then another place to visit is the Parap Markets.

These markets, which are smaller and set in the parking lot of a shopping complex, focus more on multi-cultural cuisine. They used to be one of my favorite spots to get some food on Saturday mornings when I lived in Darwin.

The smells in the air are mouthwatering. Not only can you get a feast, but you can also pick up some local produce to take with you on your adventures during your stay.

10. Swim with the Crocodiles

Now you have seen them leap you want to get in the water with them right?

Ok, maybe not since they are huge and scary. But, I have to say there is a place where you can safely get in the water with these magnificent reptiles, and that is at Crocosaurus Cove right in the heart of Darwin City.

During this activity, you will step into the cage of death and get lowered into the water with crocodiles that call it home.

Just remember, never smile at a crocodile.

I hope this Darwin bucket list can help you plan your own visit and I hope it’s a memorable one.

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