Your ultimate guide to Darwin

As Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin’s best museums and galleries stand as a treasure trove of Australian heritage, offering unparalleled glimpses into European settlement and World War II, the harrowing impact of Cyclone Tracy, and the area’s iconic fauna, such as crocodiles, dingos and 400 bird species.  This city is home to the Larrakia people and is a major hub for Aboriginal art from around the region. Below, you will find eight of the best museums and galleries that Territorians and visitors can’t seem to get enough of. 🎨 More of the best galleries in Australia🔍 The top museums in Australia☀️ All the best things to do in Darwin

Just dropped a chunk of change on a heart-pounding swim with a crocodile in the Cage of Death? Time to balance the budget with some top-tier free fun. Luckily, Darwin life happens outdoors, meaning there’s no shortage of incredible things to do for zero dollars.  You can tear down mountain bike trails at Charles Darwin National Park, step back in time at the old Fannie Bay Gaol or stake out the perfect picnic spot on a scenic walk. Take your pick from this list of the best free things to do in Darwin, as curated by our local expert writers. 🌳 More of the best things to do in Darwin🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best cafés in Darwin

Everything’s bigger in the Northern Territory: the horizon, the highways and the speed limit. It's the only place in Australia where you can drive 130 kilometres per hour on some roads, and it’s a good thing too, as there’s plenty of ground to cover.  Distances may be far in the Top End, but that’s part of the allure. Day trips from Darwin are less 'casual stroll through the countryside' and more 'action-packed adventure'. Whether it's exploring national parks like Kakadu or Litchfield to island escapes to Tiwi and Crab Claw, our local expert, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the best day trips from Darwin. Strap in, you’re in for a ride (within driving/sailing/helicoptering distance from the city).  🚗 The most epic Australian road trips🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🥐 Darwin's best cafés

When school’s out, the thought of keeping the kids entertained might have you ready to scream and shout. But don’t fear – Darwin’s got plenty of fun to go around. Like your little ones, the city makes up for its size in personality, offering plenty of boisterous indoor and outdoor adventures.  Make the most of the tropical year-round heat with water parks, a wave lagoon and fishing trips, or beat the sun with indoor experiences at Crocosaurus Cove or the MAGNT. Here’s our pick of the best things to do with kids in Darwin – tried, tested and guaranteed to burn off some energy. 🏝️ More of the best things to do in Darwin🥐 The best cafés to go with kids in Darwin🌳 Darwin's top parks for outdoor fun

If there’s one thing Darwin abounds in, it’s aspiring Barramundi fishermen. If it abounds in two things, the other is gorgeous green spaces.  The Top End is flush with nature, boasting more parks and playgrounds than there are skyscrapers. Whether you need to breathe in some fresh air, burn off some energy with a brisk walk or reconnect with your inner child on a swing set, Darwin has a park for you. 🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🚗 The best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best bakeries in Darwin

Café culture in Darwin has seriously stepped up its game in recent years, and now we’re spoiled for choice with brunches and barista brews that are anything but basic. Narrowing down the best spots is no easy feat, but someone’s gotta do it. Luckily, our local writers along with Time Out’s Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have chomped and sipped their way through the city's café scene to bring you the best recs. Whether you need a quick caffeination station with the likes of Coffee Man on the way to work, or you’re hunting for a relaxed brunch spot like Eva’s Botanic Gardens Café while on holiday, or a Singaporean spot that’ll change the way you think about breakfast thanks to Kopi Stop, Darwin’s ever-expanding café scene has you well and truly covered. Here are the best cafés in Darwin right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 Darwin's best restaurants🥐 The best bakeries in Darwin☕️ The best cafés in Australia

When it comes to steak, Darwin has got that certain sizzle. From wood-grilled rib eyes with harbour views to hearty rump steaks at buzzing local pubs, the Top End knows how to do beef right. And who better to guide you through the city’s best than Alley Pascoe — a freelance writer based in the Northern Territory with her finger firmly on the pulse of Darwin’s food scene.   Whether you’re after a perfectly seared steak in a waterfront location like Wharf One, a pub meal at an old favourite like Hotel Darwin, or want something with bold flavours like they have at Moorish Café, this guide has you covered. So, sharpen your steak knives and bring your appetite — here’s where to find the very best steak in Darwin. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍔 The best burgers in Darwin🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars

The Northern Territory is the unofficial watering hole capital of Australia: literally, and alcoholically. After a day spent exploring the best natural swimming spots, Darwin is where the action is at for a nice cold bevvy and some good pub grub. And with the city boasting year-round warm weather and a stellar waterfront scene, it’s almost a crime not to kick back al fresco at one of Darwin's best pubs. We’ve chosen the best pubs in Darwin for their tasty specials boards, central location and snug atmosphere. Shenannigans is your go-to for late-night live music, The Precinct is our top pick for waterfront views, and Sweethearts serves up the best pub grub in town. See you at the bar! 🍺 The best bars in Darwin🍔 Where to find Darwin's best burgers🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin

Juxtaposition – that's what makes a good burger. A juicy patty sandwiched between a lightly toasted bun, gooey cheese paired with the tangy crunch of a pickle, the freshness of lettuce combined with a house-made burger sauce...   If your mouth is watering just thinking about burgers and you happen to be in Darwin, you’re in luck. We got local foodie Alley Pascoe to compile a list of the very best burgers in Darwin right now. Yep, she selflessly tried, tested and rounded them up for you – all in the name of research. Editor’s favourite burgers in Darwin 🍔 Best beef burger: Patty Shack Burger Bar ✨ Best luxe burger: De La Plage 🐓 Best chicken burger: Besser Brew Bar For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍻 Darwin's top bars for a night out🍽 Darwin's best Indian restaurants

As the old saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as a bad pizza’ – because even when it’s average, it’s still a treat. This rings especially true for the pizzerias in Darwin, where every pizza is a slice of heaven.  Our local Darwin pizza expert, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the cheesiest, sauciest, tastiest pizzas in the city. From slices with a sea view at Nightcliff foreshore, to mouthfuls of flavour at the most authentic Italian restaurant in town, this list of the best pizzas in Darwin won’t let you down. In the same way, pizza will never disappoint you. 🍕 The best pizza in Australia🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🍽 Darwin's best restaurants

Darwin is a colourful melting pot of cuisines, offering everything from crocodile croquettes and kangaroo burgers to creamy laksa, tropical smoothie bowls and bush tucker treats. Yet, sometimes only a classic Aussie meat pie or sausage roll will get you through the day. Luckily, Darwin is home to a mix of old-school bakeries and bread-centric cafés, where you can curb your carb cravings year-round. Here are the best bakeries in Darwin, as recommended by locals. 🥐 The best cafés in Darwin🌳 What to do in Darwin🍽 Darwin’s greatest restaurants

Darwin is often celebrated for its Asian food scene – a natural result of its proximity to South East Asia – but that’s only part of the story. The city also offers a taste of Italy, with authentic pizzerias and trattorias across the Top End. We've enlisted Ronja Sen, a Darwin-based writer who knows all the local hotspots, to round up the best Italian restaurants in Darwin for a bit of la dolce vita. At Il Piatto, you’ll be able to dig into handmade pastas while enjoying sweeping waterfront views. Alfonsino’s brings Neapolitan tradition to life with San Marzano tomato-based pizzas, while The Taste of Italy delights with everything from arancini to tiramisu made from family recipes. Here are the best Italian restaurants in Darwin. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍔 The best burgers in Darwin🥩 Darwin's best steaks🍽 The best restaurants in Darwin

There's something to be said about Chinese food, Darwin-style. The city's eateries are turning up the wok hei to deliver meals that are fresh and full of flavour. We roped in local writer and foodie Leah McLennan to give us her list of the best Chinese restaurants in Darwin. At Pink Chopstix, the dumplings are as silky as the tropical breeze that wafts through this waterside venue. Yummy Noodle in Casuarina is about noodles in all its myriad, flavoursome forms – just as the name suggests, while Hingston Chinese has been a local gem for well over 20 years thanks to its generous portions and top-notch hospitality. So, get your chopsticks ready and dive in to discover the best Chinese restaurants in Darwin.  For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍛 The best Indian food in Darwin🥩 The best steaks in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

What does the city of Darwin have in common with a vindaloo curry? They’re both best enjoyed hot (with a mango lassi in hand). Considering these similarities, it makes sense that there’s a thriving Indian food scene in the capital of the Northern Territory.  Up here in the tropics – where chillies grow all year and mangoes fall off the tree in summer – our Indian restaurants are brimming with biryani, chole bhature and yes, butter chicken, too. From high-end dining experiences to late-night stops, our local food writer, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the best Indian restaurants in Darwin. Yup, spice is definitely nice! Editor's favourite Indian restaurants in Darwin: 🌊 Best special occasion: Hanuman 😋 Best cheap and cheerful: Darwin Tandoor 🍛 Best fusion: Nirvana For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars for a night out

The Northern Territory is absolutely brimming with natural wonders, including countless natural pools, beautiful bushwalks, breathtaking mountain ranges and rugged coasts. Full of adventures, this outback territory is also brimming with knowledge, thanks to the many Aboriginal people who call the land home.  There's so much to learn about their ancient culture – one of the oldest in the world – whether it’s through listening to a Dreamtime story or learning how to respect the land we’re lucky to walk on. Fuel up the 4WD, dust off those hiking boots and get ready for an adventure like no other with our guide to the best places to visit in the Northern Territory. Editors' favourite places in the Northern Territory: 🌈 Best for cultural experiences: Uluru 🌳 Best for hiking and swimming: Litchfield National Park ☀️ Best for adventure: Kakadu 🌳 Your ultimate guide to Litchfield National Park☀️ Everything you need to do in Uluru🌅 The best things to do in Darwin

For 60,000 years, the First Nations peoples of the Northern Territory have walked these lands. You can follow in the footsteps of the world’s oldest living culture by embarking on one of the territory's most spectacular hikes. From multi-day adventures in the Red Centre to easy-going walks in Litchfield National Park, there’s a hike to suit every mood and ability. Feel the red dirt under your feet, breathe in the scent of gidgee trees, and watch the sun light up the colours of the countryside on one of these best hikes in the Northern Territory.  Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, is eager to tick off the Larapinta Trail or the Kings Canyon Rim Walk next. What about you? 🌳 The best places to visit in the Northern Territory🚗 The best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best bakeries in Darwin

Lush green grass, wide open spaces and nearby national parks, Darwin was made for caravaning. Whether you are looking for a relaxing rest stop, a base for exploring Litchfield and Kakadu, or an activity-filled bargain, there’s a caravan park in Darwin for everyone. Grey nomads, backpackers and modern-day adventurers alike.  As you would expect in a capital city, there are options; less expected is the style and range of extras on offer. See what takes your fancy.  ⭐️ The best hotels in Darwin🌳 Your ultimate guide to Litchfield National Park⛺️ The best caravan parks in Australia

Litchfield National Park is a lush and verdant corner of the Northern Territory that's often forgotten. Located just 1.5 hours from Darwin city, this national park is overflowing with thundering waterfalls, crystal pools and vivid greenery that has to be seen to be believed. In a part of the world where pretty much all bodies of water are to be heavily avoided at all costs (read: saltwater crocs), Litchfield is a special oasis for swimmers and weary travellers alike. As the traditional lands of the Marrathiel, Marranunggu, Werat, Warray and Koongurrukun people (amongst many others), Litchfield is a deeply ancient and sacred place that's been protected by its people for millennia. After memorable trips, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and contributing writer Maya Skimore have put together this guide to the best things to do in Litchfield, where sacred beauty and natural wonders await at every turn. When is the best time to visit Litchfield National Park? The park's wild beauty, profound peacefulness and awe-inspiring views can be experienced year-round – but for swimming, camping and hiking, the best time to head there is the dry season (May to October). During the wet season (November to April), you can still visit the park, but expect heavy monsoon rains to shut access to some swimming holes.  How long do you need at Litchfield National Park? You'll need at least one full day to tick off Litchfield's major highlights, but two to three days is ideal if you want to swim at multiple waterfalls, go on a few bushwalks and camp under the stars. 🌳 Your guide to Kakadu National Park🌅 The best things to do in Darwin🌲 Australia's most beautiful national parks

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the land before time (friendly dinosaur babies not guaranteed), Kakadu National Park is for you. Tucked into the Top End of the Northern Territory, just a 2.5-hour drive from Darwin, this World Heritage site is the biggest national park in Australia. It's home to the Bininj and Mungguy people, including 19 distinct clan groups, and has been a site of life, culture and ceremony for more than 65,000 years. Kakadu National Park covers 20,000 square kilometres, and is rich with life: think tiny yellow butterflies, rolling lightning storms, ancient rock art galleries, immense red gorges and deep blue pools. After the adventure of a lifetime, our contributing travel writer, Maya Skimore, put together this list of the best things to do in Kakadu, including where to stay and eat. Trust us, a trip here is one that makes you fall deep and will stay firmly within you long after you leave.  What's the best time to visit Kakadu? In this far northern part of Australia, there are six seasons, with each one bringing something wonderful to the table. The dry season, or Yegge and Wurrgeng (May to October), is the most popular (and arguably the best) time to hit up Kakadu, with most of the attractions open and free from the big floods that come through in the wet. If you like cooler weather and low humidity, head north from mid-June to mid-August in Wurrkeng, the cold weather season. While the rest of Australia is gripped by big-time winter shivers, Kakadu is still balmy, with daily temps averaging 30 degrees by day and 17 degrees by night. The floodplains are dry, visitor sites are open for business, and bird lovers can see thousands of rare water birds frolicking in the shrinking billabongs. 🌳 What to do in Litchfield National Park🗺️ All the best things to do in Katherine☀️ The coolest places to visit in the Northern Territory

The Stuart Highway slices straight down the middle of Australia. At the cross-section between the south, north and west is Katherine. Population: 10,000. Kilometres to Darwin: 317. Activities: endless.  Whether you are stopping through on a Top End road trip or sticking around to explore the Big Rivers Region, there’s plenty to do in the town where the outback meets the tropics. Our local NT expert, Alley Pascoe, recommends day tripping to Nitmiluk National Park, where you can cruise the mighty Katherine River, tackle some of the legendary Jatbula Trail and cool off at Leilyn/Edith Falls. We've also included the best spots to eat in town in this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Katherine. When is the best time to visit Katherine? The best time to visit Katherine is during the dry season from May to September, when you can enjoy warm days and cool nights with minimal rainfall. Many tour operators close during the wet season from October to April, with frequent road closures due to flooding.  🌳 The best places to visit in the Northern Territory☀️ All the best things to do in Darwin💗 What to do in Alice Springs