Leah McLennan

We're calling it – Darwin is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s that far northern city where people put ice in their beer, dodge cyclones and take their life into their hands if they ever step into the sea. And while there is something a little untamed about Australia’s northernmost capital city, that’s what makes it so much fun to visit.  Whether you’re here to access the majesty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, check out the incredible international food scene or just planning to kick back by the water in this tropical paradise while the rest of the country shivers through winter, there’s something in Darwin for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Darwin right now.

As Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin’s 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. RECOMMENDED: The 17 best things to do in Darwin.

For food-loving visitors to Darwin, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. From harbour-front dining showcasing the tropical fruits and local wildlife – such as crocodile and kangaroo - to intimate cafés with inventive cross-cultural fare and famous weekend markets, here are eight reasons to get onboard that flight to Darwin. RECOMMENDED: The 17 best things to do in Darwin.

The aerial assault on Darwin Harbour by Japanese forces on 19 February 1942 stands as the most significant military onslaught Australia has ever faced. Darwin Military Museum is a must-visit to fully grasp the magnitude of this event. Located in the historic precinct of East Point, the collection features artillery pieces, vehicles and a lookout tower, offering a glimpse into the life of soldiers stationed in this remote outpost.

In the fun-loving suburb of Parap, just five minutes from the CBD, Outstation Gallery is where the heart of remote Aboriginal art beats in Darwin. Specialising in contemporary art from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, the Western Desert, the Kimberley, and Central and South Australia, this gallery bridges the gap between remote artists and the urban audience. Artworks range from bark paintings and hollow logs to fibre art and acrylic paintings.

Tiwi Islands are a cultural gem off the coast of Darwin, renowned for their distinctive art and cultural practices. Tiwi Design presents a collection that ranges from fabrics, intricate wood carvings and pottery to the famous Pukumani burial poles. March is a special time on the Islands, marked by the Tiwi Island Football Grand Final and Art Sale, a festive fusion of sport and art that draws visitors from far and wide. While you’re there, don’t miss the Patakijiyali Museum, an intimate space that holds records of important information about the Tiwi dreamtime and spirituality, the Catholic Mission, the role of the Tiwi people during World War II, and the Islands’ proud football heritage.

Darwin's urban landscape is a canvas for creativity, with outdoor street art galleries like Austin Lane and Shadforth Lane transforming the city's alleys into vibrant showcases of contemporary art. These open-air galleries feature murals and installations by local and international artists, adding a splash of colour and intrigue to the city streets. Don’t miss the portrait of the late singer Gurrumul and the very special memorial piece for the late, great Vincent Lingiari, both in central Darwin.

A haven for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, Darwin Aviation Museum presents an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts that narrate the story of Darwin's pivotal role in World War II. The centrepiece is a massive B-52 bomber on loan from the United States Air Force, complemented by tales of heroic flights and the evolution of air travel in Australia. Also in Darwin, don’t miss the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) tourist facility at Stokes Hill Wharf, where you can experience the history of the RFDS through virtual reality, holograms and interactive displays.

Want to see art and design from more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres in one place? Every August, Darwin becomes the epicentre of Indigenous art with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). From traditional bark paintings and weaving to contemporary sculptures and textiles, the fair showcases the spectacular diversity of Aboriginal art. The event is more than just an art fair; it's a cultural celebration, complete with workshops, performances, films, fashion shows and more.

In the funky suburb of Parap, the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA) is Darwin's avant-garde art space, dedicated to presenting contemporary art from the Northern Territory and beyond. With a focus on innovation and experimentation, the exhibitions span a diverse range of mediums and themes, from digital media and performance art to social and political commentary.

Equal parts classic and contemporary, PepperBerry pays homage to the Territory's abundant produce. Noteworthy is the fresh bread with saltbush-spiced dukkah, miso tempura crocodile with mango and green chilli sauce, and kangaroo fillet with quandong and star anise spiced beetroot purée. Dessert and drinks are equally satisfying – think lychee panna cotta and a jungle bird cocktail, perfectly matched with Darwin’s tropical setting.

Nothing can beat a great curry and few chefs can outdo Minoli De Silva’s jaggery goat with spiced sticky figs. The former MasterChef contestant has set up a city centre establishment that marries creativity with reverence for traditional Sri Lankan ingredients. Fill the table with curry leaf-cured snapper, spiced lamb ribs and black pepper pork belly, and pick from Ella’s extensive cocktail list, where ingredients like makrut limes, cardamom and pandan steal the spotlight.

In Darwin's core, Moorish Café invites diners to traverse from Marrakech's vibrant markets to Mediterranean shores. Feast on tapas that have taken inspiration from around the globe while spotlighting the Territory’s finest ingredients. Showstoppers include jewfish in coconut and lime, medallions of local Gunbalanyan eye fillet of beef and banana prawns with tamarind, honey and chilli sauce. Wind down with a pitcher of sangria or pick from the robust wine list.

Set within the snazzy Vibe Hotel at Darwin's Waterfront, Curve mirrors the city’s diverse culinary panorama with a menu spanning local seafood to global classics. A meal might include melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet or Humpty Doo barramundi with coconut pumpkin puree, followed by creamy panna cotta with quandong puree and fresh berries. Hotel guests have the convenience of not having to leave the building for a top-notch Darwin dining experience. No taxis required.

Chef Shu’s elegant restaurant takes you on a culinary journey through the best of Indian, Malaysian and Thai gastronomy. Standout dishes include nonya satay chicken, local mud crabs, beef vindaloo curry and the legendary hot Hanuman Oysters. Tucked beside the Darwin Entertainment Centre, this stylish restaurant with Asian wood carvings and high ceilings is the ideal choice if you’re seeking a seamless evening of dining and entertainment. Heading to Alice Springs? You’ll also find Hanuman in Central Australia.