Darwin is a thriving tropical capital, whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or simply a traveller looking for a few extra activities to fill your days – there are plenty of free things to see and do in the Top End of Australia.
Watch a tropical sunset
Sit back on the beach or relax at one of Darwin’s waterfront venues as the sky turns on brilliant colours and the sun disappears into the ocean. Mindil Beach, Cullen Bay and East Point Reserve are all hot spots to get the most spectacular view of the day.
Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Learn about the Northern Territory’s history and sciences, peruse Aboriginal art or enjoy the outside harbour views at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT. Don’t miss the Cyclone Tracey exhibit and seeing “Sweetheart”, a 5m crocodile captured in 1979 after a series of attacks on fishing boats.
Take a road trip to Litchfield National Park
Take a day trip to the waterfalls and waterholes of Litchfield National Park, nature’s very own water theme park. Bushwalk a rainforest trail, swim under cascading waterfalls and marvel at the massive termite mounds. Free wi-fi is now available at Wangi Falls.
Go for a swim at Berry Springs Nature Park
Berry Springs is a 40 minute drive from Darwin and a great place to relax in nature. Take your own picnic and go for a dip in the pristine waters with several waterholes connecting through monsoon forest.
Relax at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Located next to the CBD, the Darwin Waterfront is where it’s all happening with a lush grassy area to chill, surrounded by palm trees and a recreational swimming lagoon. The waterfront hosts an ongoing calendar of free activities such as morning yoga classes, festivals and movies under the stars during the dry season. The free Waterfront Shuttle Bus operates daily for you to explore the sights from Jervois Park to Stokes Hill Wharf and everything in between.
Stroll through the Botanic Gardens
Close to the city; wander through monsoon forests, coastal fore-dunes, mangroves and woodlands at George Brown Botanic Gardens. Spot native birds and discover traditional uses of local plants on a self-guided walk.
Spot wildlife at East Point Reserve
A favourite for the locals, you can walk, ride or drive through East Point. The reserve covers almost 200 hectares and features military history, nature walks and the opportunity to spot wallabies at dusk. Barbecue and picnic facilities are also available.
Meander through the markets
Experience Darwin’s lively market scene at Mindil Beach Sunset Market from May to October, and the suburban weekend markets held in Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek year-round. Enjoy the food, music and entertainment on offer.
Free wi-fi
Free public wireless internet access is available in Smith Street Mall, at the public library in Parliament House, the airport, as well as the Darwin Waterfront and Mindil Beach Markets. Want to post a selfie while exploring further? Free wi-fi is now available at Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon).
Check out the art galleries
There are several galleries in Darwin’s CBD including Mason Gallery, Mbantua Gallery and the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery. Take a short trip to the inner-city suburb of Parap and visit NCCA Art, Outstation Gallery and Nomad Art. You may walk in with the intention to have a look and come out with a purchase or two. Darwin also has some eye-catching street art and pop up galleries during the festival season.
