Turn up to Darwin in spring, a truly magical time of the year when warm sunshine is a given. While southern Australia remains chilly, in the Top End it's... different. Different in every sense. We've turned up the flavours and the fun factor, the colours and the connections to Country.
Darwin's spectacular sunsets are epic year round. But in spring the startling colours that light up the western sky each evening are even more impressive. Find yourself a table at one of countless alfresco restaurants, bars and cafes for front row seats. Or pick up fresh produce from the markets, pack a picnic and settle in at a waterfront park for the daily sunset show.
But it's not just the weather that's turned up for spring. There's outdoor action aplenty in national parks and nature reserves across the Top End. Foodies too are spoilt for choice with tropical produce and fresh-caught seafood featuring on many menus. As the seasons change, take a tour with traditional custodians to learn about Aboriginal connections and how seasons influence cultural practices.
The best thing about the Top End in spring? Turn up for more affordable holidays when there's great deals on offer and there's less crowds too. Here’s our top 10 things to do around the Top End in spring.
1. Visit waterfalls and swimming holes
Nothing compares to a chopper ride or scenic flight over Kakadu National Park to see Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls at their majestic best. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Darwin is Litchfield National Park with a number of waterfalls, freshwater swimming holes, walking trails and campsites. Local favourites are Buley Rockhole, Greenant Creek and Tjaetaba Falls, Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) with its walking trail through a valley lined with paperbark trees.
Berry Springs Nature Park is another local favourite for its thermal spring pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the grounds or call into Berry Springs Tavern, a country style pub less than one hour drive from Darwin.
Make sure you check the NT Parks websites to find about any road or park closures before you go.
2. Wine & dine with the locals
You’ll find Darwinians lunching, picking up coffee and cakes or tucking into dinner at the many great restaurants and cafes across the city. Darwin's multi-cultural community ensures there's a diverse food scene both in the CBD and in the suburbs.
Try Sweet Brew, a hip little joint with an industrial theme located in a converted warehouse. Or Laneway Coffee in Parap where all day breakfasts and specialty coffee make it a popular dog-friendly locals favourite. In the city, Precinct Tavern is in the heart of Darwin Waterfront and has a bistro style menu.Rabbit Hole has a large shaded front verandah, Chow dishes up flavours from South East Asia while Eva's Botanic Garden Cafe has a relaxed vibe with decks shaded by gardens.
For dinner don't miss the modern Sri Lankan flavours at Ella By Minoli where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva puts a modern spin on traditional flavours. Tuck into tapas and sangria at European-inspired Moorish Cafe. Linger over an extensive wine menu at Stone House Wine Bar and Kitchen in the historic sandstone Sue Wah Chin Building.
3. Catch epic sunsets. Every. Single. Day
Any local will tell you that Darwin sunsets are epic, no matter the time of the year, but they are particular spectacular towards the end of the year as clouds build up in the western sky.
Settle in for a front row seat over dinner or sundowner drinks at one of the many waterfront venues across Darwin. Pull up a waterfront seat at the Darwin Ski Club, Darwin Trailer Boat Club or next door at Darwin Sailing Club for panoramic view over Fannie Bay. At Stokes Hill Wharf you'll find casual outdoor dining cooled by ocean breezes, or board one of the boat cruises such as Sea Darwin to enjoy sunset views on a relaxed harbour cruise.
4. Delve into Darwin’s WWII history
For a state of the art virtual reality experience of the bombing of Darwin, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility at Stokes Hill Wharf is a must. The Defence of Darwin at Fannie Bay is another captivating interactive exhibition space telling the WWII history in the Top End. As is Darwin Military Museum at East Point and the WW2 Tunnels beneath Darwin city. Make sure you download the app before you go.
5. Hook a Top End barramundi
Fishing is a Territory-wide pastime with barramundi revered as the most sought after fish to hook. Local fishing enthusiasts will tell you that nothing compares to hooking a big barra in the Top End. Even more so when there's the chance to hook a barraworth one million dollars. The Million Dollar Fish competition is open to all fishos - young and old, locals and visitors alike. Don't miss the opportunity to bag yourselfone of the tagged barra which are released each year in waterways across the Territory.
6. Head to the local markets
Darwin's markets are a favourite place for locals to pick up fresh produce, tuck into some of the city's famed laksa dishes or catch up with friends over a coffee. The vibrant Parap Markets are held every Saturday – rain, hail or shine. Rapid Creek Markets are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings and is good for fresh produce grown locally by Darwin’s vibrant multicultural community. If you haven’t tried a Green Papaya Salad, Sri Lankan String Hoppers, or tasted exotic fruits like Sapodilla, this is the place. On Sunday morning, visit Nightcliff Markets which has a friendly atmosphere, a great selection of food with fresh produce, local craft stalls and live music.
7. Take in art, culture & natural history
Allow a couple of hours to take in all the exhibits of Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with it’s natural history, Cyclone Tracey exhibitions and world renowned Aboriginal art. Aboriginal culture is part of everyday life in the Top End and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience many aspects of this ancient culture. Pop into Aboriginal Bush Traders in the CBD where you can pick up ethically sourced gifts and art or linger over coffee and a bush-tucker themed cafe menu.
8. Admire Darwin's street art
Darwin city's buildings and walls are adorned with stunning artworks that transform the city into a living canvas and create a colourful vibe. Wander through laneways to see galleries of larger-than-life murals painted by some of the most well-known street artists from Australia and around the world. Take a guided Street Art Tour for an insight into the stories behind the art and the annual Darwin Street Festival (held in May or June) or download the interactive app to see many murals enhanced with 3D illustrations.
9. Where to see crocs
Saltwater crocodiles are the Territory's most well-known creatures so it's an absolute must to see these Apex predators (in safety of course) while visiting the Top End. Visit Crocosaurus Cove where you can sign up for its “Cage of Death” swimming experience. You'll be immersed in a perspex cage and dropped into a pond with some of the parks largest crocs for a unique view up close and personal.
For something a little less adrenalin-pumping, head out of town towards Adelaide River and board a boat for the Jumping Crocs tour. Not only will you see crocs up close, you'll learn about their territorial habits and the eco systems they inhabit on an informative, guided cruise.
10. Swim, splash & slide
Staying cool in the Top End is top of mind for both locals and visitors alike. But Darwin has your back. There are plenty of fun outdoor opportunities to stay cool and lap up the sunshine. On the Darwin Waterfront where lush parklands are surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and retails outlets is the Wave Lagoonwith its tube-riding and boogie boarding pool. Adjacent is the free saltwater Recreation Lagoon where a sand beach is shaded by palm trees.
Further afield, on the Nightcliff foreshore you'll find the locals swimming laps at Nightcliff Pool or catching up over coffee and enjoying sea breezes and ocean views.
And that’s just for starters. No doubt about it, spring is a great time to be in Darwin, when you'll enjoy fewer crowds and great holiday deals. Same thing goes when visiting the Top End during the tropical summer - another great time to travel while the rest of the world is cheek-by-jowl at overcrowded beaches in southern Australia.