The best free things to do in Darwin

Not all Darwin beaches come with a croc-free guarantee, but this one does. The man-made beach and saltwater lagoon are pure paradise – warm, safe and perfect for a dip. Luxurious day beds and shady palms make it dangerously easy to lounge the day away, while the nearby wave pool (not free) and a lineup of cafés mean you’re never far from a caffeine hit or a snack break. 

Where: 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City

Time Out tip: There's even a free, 12-seater Waterfront Shuttle Bus that does laps of the precinct daily from 11.30am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm. You can check out the stops here.

If walls could talk, Fannie Bay Gaol would have some seriously grim stories to tell. This old prison, which ran from 1883 to 1979, held everyone from petty criminals to death-row inmates, and it doesn’t shy away from its dark past. Walking through the cells – some still with original iron bars – is eerie, especially when you reach the gallows. Yes, you read that right. This place had its fair share of executions, and the original gallows still stand as a haunting reminder.

Where: East Point Rd & Ross Smith Ave, Fannie Bay

Time Out tip: Keep in mind that the gaol only opens from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday through Sunday.

Perched at the edge of East Point Reserve, Dudley Point Lookout delivers sunset views so good they should probably come with a warning: may cause serious daydreams about relocating. The rocky cliffs and uninterrupted ocean views make it a prime spot for those classic Darwin colours: think deep oranges and moody purples. It’s also a top vantage point for watching storms roll in during the wet season, turning the sky into a high-voltage light show.

Where: End of Point Lookout Rd, East Point

Time Out tip: Just nearby, East Point Reserve is another great place to stop, complete with shaded picnic tables, barbecues and a playground for the little ones.

Darwin doesn’t do boring walls. Thanks to the annual Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF), the city is bursting with giant, eye-popping murals – from colourful wildlife to powerful Indigenous works, including a stunning portrait of the late music legend Gurrumul. The best pieces are scattered across the CBD, so grab a coffee, download the DSAF map and take yourself on a walking tour (Austin Lane has 24 murals and is a must-visit).

Where: Around Darwin CBD

Time Out tip: If you love street art, align your trip to Darwin with the Darwin Street Art Festival that takes place every May/June.

If Darwin had a greatest hits album, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) would be the opening track. It’s got everything – Indigenous art, a refreshed cyclone Tracy exhibition, 23 gorgeous traditional boats and canoes, and mind-blowing local stories that add depth and a hefty dose of ‘whoa, people really lived through that’ to your understanding of northern Australia. The star of the show for kids? Sweetheart, a massive crocodile that once terrorised fishing boats. If you want to see the real deal, head to the Adelaide River for a jumping croc cruise. 

Where: 19 Conacher St, The Gardens

Time Out tip: Kids will love MAGNT's Discovery Centre, which offers free, drop-in activities for families from 10.30am to 12.30pm Friday to Sunday (during NT school term) or Tuesday to Thursday (during NT school holidays). A highlight is the children's book and puzzle library. 

You wouldn’t expect a tropical wonderland this lush to be just a stone’s throw from the city, but George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is here to prove you wrong. Spread across 42 hectares, they’re a full-blown love letter to the Top End’s plant life, featuring prehistoric-looking cycads, towering palms and baobab trees that wouldn’t look out of place in The Lion King. Inside, a free exhibition dives into the history of the park and its fascinating flora, while a film takes you through the gardens across the seasons. 

Where: Enter via Geranium St or Gardens Rd car parks

Time Out tip: If you're up for a wander, there are a handful of peaceful self-guided walks around the gardens, including the native plant Matboerrma Walk and the Tree Walks, which covers 18 species in the garden. You can find the walking trails in the free Darwin Botanic Gardens app here.

Darwin’s got parks, and then it’s got this park – a green oasis on the edge of town that’s packed with history, lorikeets and some of the best city views around. Charles Darwin National Park is where nature meets military history, with bunkers left over from WWII now doubling as eerie time capsules. You can even peek inside one to see old ammunition shells, because nothing says ‘picnic spot’ like a side of wartime relics. If you’re up for it, tackle the mountain biking trails, or simply find a quiet spot and breathe in that eucalyptus-scented air. 

Where: Tiger Brennan Dr, Charles Darwin

Time Out tip: Bring mozzie repellent and wear long sleeves to tackle the midges.

In the dry season (May to October), locals and visitors alike flock to the warm waters of Berry Springs Nature Park for some fun (shaded from the sun). Even in the wet season – when swimming isn’t permitted due to the threat of crocs – it’s still a pretty spot for picnicking and wildlife-admiring. 

Where: Berry Springs Nature Reserve is a 40-minute drive south of Darwin

Time Out tip: On your way back to Darwin, stop for a cold beer at the classic Berry Springs Tavern and hang out with the pub’s pets: goats, emus and deer. 

If you like your walks with a side of sea breeze and surprise wildlife encounters, East Point Reserve is calling your name. The trails wind past turquoise waters, shady woodlands and WWII relics that make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto the set of an old war movie – only with way more wallabies. Sunset here is pure magic, with the sky throwing around colours like an overenthusiastic artist. Pack a picnic, grab a spot by the water and let Darwin’s nightly light show melt your worries away.  

Where: 152 Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for wallabies, bandicoots and brushtail possums.