Darwin: a family-friendly getaway in 48 hours

Sometimes you can’t afford the time or the money for a lavish family holiday. We get it. Here’s something short and sweet that the kids will love, but which won’t break the bank.

2pm

If you’re travelling from the east coast you’ll probably arrive in Darwin at lunchtime. In that case, head to your hotel and get settled.

Only being a short trip, you want to stay somewhere central and within walking distance to most activities. The Darwin Waterfront is the perfect choice; you’ve got a heap of fun activities and restaurants outside your door and still only a 10-minute walk to the CBD.

Accommodation choices down at Darwin Waterfront include Adina Apartment Hotel and Vibe Hotel – and we’re pretty sure there’ll be no complaining about that view!

3pm

Spend the afternoon right where you are. Down at the Darwin Waterfront you’ve got plenty of water-based activities that’ll wear the kids out in no time.

The Wave Lagoon is a hit with kids of all ages, with admission just $5 for under 15 years or $18 for a family pass.

For something a bit more low-key the Recreation Lagoon is right next door and completely free.

6pm

There are stacks of dinner options down at the Darwin Waterfront – Mexican, Vietnamese, pub grub, seafood – the possibilities are endless.

If you’re up for a short stroll, wander out on the wharf for a selection of seafood dining.

8am

Do as the locals do and put laksa on your breakfast menu! Parap Markets are a food haven, rich with flavours of Asia and the odd crepe too. Just a 5-minute drive from the CBD you can also pick up some great souvenirs. The Parap Markets run every Saturday morning, rain, humidity or shine.

11am

A scoot back to the CBD – just 10 minutes’ walk from your accommodation – and you’ll reach Crocosaurus Cove. This place needs no introduction – it’s a must do on every Darwin visit, with safe croc interactions for all ages.

3pm

By now you’re probably up for some more food (who isn’t). Darwin is brimming with stacks of hip eateries and organic markets. While the kids might not appreciate the cool factor of hitting some of these hole-in-the-wall cafes, you’ll be able to get some Insta-cred with your jealous friends back home.

Just opposite Crocosaurus Cove on Mitchell Street is Alley Cats Patisserie. Their crazy creations will heat up your social media feed and have your kids’ eyeballs popping out of their sockets.

If you’re here in the dry season you can hit the Malak Marketplace on Saturday evenings; an organic farmers market full of homemade goodness.

Otherwise, wander back down the mall and hit any of the local cafes and get a touch of shopping in while you’re at it. The Star Village is a cool little spot off the mall with cafés, boutique shopping and even a chocolate shop!

7pm

For something completely unique, the Deckchair Cinema is an absolute must! Open nightly throughout the Dry Season, the Deckchair Cinema screens recent release films in the outdoors while you watch on – yep, you guessed it – deckchairs.

8am

After grabbing breakfast at one of the nearby cafés, take the family to Aquascene, where you can hand feed the hundreds of fish that come to shore at Doctors Gully, right in the heart of Darwin. This activity is really dependent on tide times and seasonality – so check online whether it’s running first.

11am

Darwin has a rich military history and what kid doesn’t love checking out planes? The Darwin Aviation Museum is about a 10-minute drive from the CBD and houses an impressive collection of the Territory’s aviation history, including a massive B52 Bomber.

Experience the all-new RFDS and Bombing of Darwin Harbour Experience at the Darwin Wharf. This experience puts you in the middle of the bombing through virtual reality technology – the kids will love it and you’ll feel good about getting them keen on Australian history.