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, try 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’ll have 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.
For the bigger kids, the Aqua Water Park is also down at the Darwin Waterfront. It’s so fun you’ll be cutting the line to have a go too!
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 like 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 cafés, 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 cafés 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.
Day 1
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Darwin Waterfront
See & doThe Darwin Waterfront is in the heart of Darwin's CBD just walking distance from Smith Street Mall and the Esplanade.
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Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon
See & doCatch a wave at Darwin's coolest Waterfront attraction, the Wave Lagoon.
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Darwin Waterfront Recreation Lagoon
See & doDive into the saltwater Recreation Lagoon and embrace the tropical lifestyle of the Top End.
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Darwin accommodationView 48 options
Day 2
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Parap Markets
See & doThe Parap Markets, located close to the city, in Parap, will tantalise your senses with a mixture of Asian cuisine and the aroma of freshly ground coffee.
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Crocosaurus Cove
See & doLocated in the heart of Darwin City, Crocosaurus Cove is home to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile.
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Star Village, Smith Street Mall, Darwin
See & doNamed after the Star Theatre, the Star Village is significant to the social history of Darwin.
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Deckchair Cinema
See & doThe Deckchair Cinema is a majestic open air cinema situated on the gorgeous Darwin Harbour.
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Darwin accommodationView 48 options
Day 3
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Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary and Cafe
See & doSince the early 1950s a unique and natural phenomena occurs on the high tide amongst the tranquil tropical waters of Darwin’s Doctors Gully.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility
See & doSee, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as this facility brings history to life.
Book this trip
Book it yourself
Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon
Day 1
Aqua Park Darwin
Day 1
2 nights’ stay in Darwin accommodation
Check-in: Day 1
Check-out: Day 3Crocosaurus Cove
Day 2
Deckchair Cinema
Day 2
Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary and Cafe
Day 3
Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility
Day 3
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