Darwin is a bustling city that’s full of fun things to do. It’s also a great place to chill out and soak up the Northern Territory’s culture.
One of the best places to visit in Darwin is Kakadu National Park, where you can see a range of incredible waterfalls and learn about the indigenous culture. The park is best explored during the dry season, from May to October.
1. Humpty Doo Hotel
Humpty Doo Hotel is one of the most famous destinations in the Northern Territory. This is a must see for any visitor to Darwin as it’s one of the best examples of old world charm combined with modern day convenience.
The hotel’s biggest claim to fame is its impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the 1880s. This includes a world renowned sandstone fireplace which still glows warmly in the heart of winter.
The hotel also has an impressive array of features, from a state-of-the-art restaurant to a well-stocked bar and a pool with waterfall. Located on 5 acres in Humpty Doo, this is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring. It’s a 40-minute drive from the Darwin CBD and airport.
2. Fogg Dam
Located along the Arnhem Highway, Fogg Dam is one of the only wetland systems in the Northern Territory that is accessible to visitors year-round. It offers a variety of boardwalks through different landscapes, as well as several observation platforms that allow you to see the large number of wading birds that live here.
The reserve was originally built as part of the Humpty Doo Rice project in the 1950s, but it quickly became a wildlife sanctuary. It's a great place to spot a wide range of bird species, and there are also plenty of saltwater crocodiles.
There are several walking tracks in the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, each rated easy and offering fantastic views of the wetlands. The most popular walk is the Dam Wall Access, a 2.2km walk that takes you across the dam wall.
3. Tiwi Islands
One of the most untouched areas of Australia, the Tiwi Islands are a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience authentic Indigenous culture. Only 2.5 hours by ferry from Darwin, the pristine Tiwi Islands offer friendly hospitality, fantastic fishing and distinctive art, as well as exotic landscapes.
The islands are a great way to immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal culture and learn more about their traditional lifestyle, which is centred around family and community. You can also take a look at some of their stunning artworks and textiles.
A Tiwi Islands day tour from AAT Kings is a great option for anyone wanting to explore this beautiful part of the country. The day trip includes a ferry ride, guided tours of the islands and a chance to enjoy a delicious lunch and drinks on board.
4. Crocodile Park
Crocodile Park is a family-friendly attraction in Davao City. It is a place to see and have close encounters with crocodiles, Burmese pythons, lizards and other exotic animals.
The park has a number of attractions including the world’s largest collection of crocodiles, Europe’s longest aquarium and a spider house. There are also interactive and educational crocodile shows for tourists to enjoy.
The park aims to educate people about the various crocodile species, encourage conservation of these creatures and promote wildlife awareness. The facility is also a laboratory for students studying these reptiles.
5. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Set in a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour at Bullocky Point, MAGNT places the region’s art, history and culture within an Australian and international context through research, interpretation and collection development. Its collections encompass Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art and maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences.
The museum also features a permanent gallery dedicated to Cyclone Tracy, the natural disaster that hit Darwin in 1974. Visitors also have the option to see Sweetheart, a stuffed carcass of a 5.1-metre (16.7-foot) saltwater crocodile that was captured and transported to Darwin in the 1970s after terrorising dinghies at a popular fishing spot outside town.
In recent years, MAGNT has faced financial challenges. Its annual budget was cut by 11 per cent over two years as part of the NT Government’s efforts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and shrinking visitation.
