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Darwin travel guide

Darwin is Australia's northern most city and the capital of the Northern Territory. Home to around 100,000 people, Darwin is known for its tropical lifestyle, markets and as a base to explore the natural attractions of the Top End.


Aquascene
Hand feed wild fish (milkfish, mullet, catfish, bream and barramundi) at high tide. Aquascene is located within a short walking distance of the CBD and Esplanade.
a: 28 Doctors Gully Road, Darwin, NT

Berry Springs Nature Park
Popular for its natural springs and shady swimming holes, south of Darwin.
a: Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs, NT

Charles Darwin National Park
Large remnant coastal mangrove park just east of the city centre.
a: off Tiger Brennan Drive, Darwin

Crocodylus Park
Learn about the largest of reptiles. The park features hundreds of crocodiles form hatchlings to adults.
a: 815 McMillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon, NT

Crocosaurus Cove
Saltwater Crocodile display and home to the Cage of Death (an acrylic cage that is lowered into a croc enclosure for a close up crocodile experience).
a: corner of Mitchell and Peel Streets, Darwin

Cullen Bay
Cullen Bay, a short distance from the CBD, is an upmarket residential precinct with marina, apartments and waterfront restaurants.
a: Cullen Bay, Darwin NT

Darwin Waterfront Precinct
The new Darwin Waterfront is a combined leisure, parklands, tourism and dining precinct on the edge of Darwin Harbour and the CBD. The Wave Lagoon and Recreation Lagoon with artifical beach both opened in opened mid 2009. The Darwin Convention Centre is also located here. Further additions to the area will open in the near future.
a: Kitchener Drive, Darwin

Darwin Wharf Precinct
Situated on Darwin Harbour and only ten minutes walk from the CBD. The wharf offers outdoor dining, amazing sunsets and a base for harbour cruises and fishing charters.
a: Darwin Wharf Precinct

East Point Reserve
East Point Reserve is set on a narrow peninsula and is popular for jogging, cycling and roller blading. Lake Alexander, a popular swimming spot, is also located here. WWII relics from the defence of northern Australia remain scattered around the area.
a: Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point Reserve, Darwin, NT

Esplanade
Bicentennial Park and the waterfront line one side of the Esplanade, while the CBD is on the other. The park offers nice views of Darwin Harbour to Mandorah and is a great a great place to sit down and watch Darwin's stunning tropical sunsets.
a: Esplanade, Darwin, NT

Fannie Bay Gaol
Museum dedicated to the historic prison opened in 1883 and which operated until 1979.
a: East Point Road and Ross Smith Avenue, Fannie Bay

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
These gardens offer shaded paths through a large collection of tropical plants, with a special collection of Northern Australian monsoon flora. Established more than 130 years ago, the gardens have survived numerous cyclones.
a: Gardens Road, Darwin

Indo Pacific Marine
This centre focuses on the unique features of the coral reefs around Darwin waters. A special evening tour operates that allows visitors to watch coral in their nocturnal environment.
a: Wharf Precinct, Darwin, NT

Lyons Cottage
An example of early colonial architecture. The cottage houses displays of Larrakia and early European history.
a: 74 The Esplanade, Darwin

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Large beach-side night market with more than 250 food and craft stalls. The markets are NT's most popular tourist attraction. Open Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season (approx April - October).
a: Mindil Beach, Darwin

Mitchell Street
Mitchell Street in the centre of Darwin CBD is lined with pubs and restaurants, as well as backpacker hostels and other accommodation options. The street gets very busy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
a: Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
A broad collection covering Aboriginal art craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art, maritime archaeology and visiting exhibitions.
a: Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, Darwin, NT

NT Parliament House
Set in State Square, this impressive building is designed for Darwin's tropical climate. Guided tours are available. The Northern Territory Library is also located here.
a: State Square, Darwin

The Deckchair Cinema
An outdoor cinema on the edge of Darwin Harbour. The Deckchair Cinema operates every night during the dry season (April to November). Wine, beer and snacks are available.
a: end of Jervois Road, Darwin, NT

Territory Wildlife Park
The park showcases the native flora and fauna of northern Australia, and is divided into Wetland, Monsoon Vine Forest and Woodland sections. The park is a 50 minute drive south of Darwin in Berry Springs.
a: Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs, NT

Adelaide River crocodile cruises
View saltwater crocodiles in the wild on the Adelaide River. Several operators in the area offer "Jumping Crocodile Cruises". Book ahead or join a cruise on the day.
a: Adelaide River along Arnhem Highway (past Humpty Doo)