Free things to do in Darwin – 11 Amazing Ideas

The Ultimate Bucket List – Free things to do in Darwin

There are so many wonderful free things to do in Darwin. So whether you’re on a budget or you’re just looking for the affordable things to do in Darwin, you’re in the right place. Put on your t-shirt, shorts and thongs (flip-flops), slap on some sunscreen and delve into Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory. ‘The Top End’ as it’s known by Aussies, is closer to Bali than any other Australian capital and you can certainly feel the multiculturalism. Its population is low at just 132,000, but that adds to the relaxed charm. It is known as a gateway city, a gateway to surreal national parks and authentic outback adventures.

The Larrika people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region and they have a deep spiritual connection to the land. They were known as ‘Saltwater People’ due to their close relationship with the sea and trade. When you visit Darwin (or anywhere down under) it’s respectful to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and also to respect the land.

How to get to Darwin:

BY AIR:

Darwin has become an increasingly popular spot for travellers flying to Australia from Asia. For example, you can fly to Darwin from Singapore in just 4 hours. Darwin International Airport has flights from all major Australian capitals including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Cairns and flights will usually take between 3 and 4 hours.

To get into Darwin from the airport you can catch a Taxi which will cost around $30 AUD or the cheaper alternative is to get the Darwin Airport Shuttle Bus. This runs for 24 hours and you can get a single ticket for $10 or a return for $18. It’s easy and convenient to book online via their website.

BY TRAIN:

Yes, that’s correct. Since 2004, you can get a train to Darwin from Adelaide with a stop in Alice Springs. This is one hell of a journey, covering a whopping of about 3000 km and it takes just over two days. This must be unreal and next time we return we would love to do this trip.

BY CAR:

There’s a number of routes to get into Darwin depending on which state you’re coming from. Most roads are sealed, although there are 4 wheel drive tracks for adventurous souls. We got to Darwin using the Savannah Way and had no problems.

When to go to Darwin:

Darwin has a wet and dry season rather than a winter and a summer. Therefore, if you can, you should visit in the dry season, from April to September. Avoid the wet season from December to March because you won’t be able to do many of the free things to do in Darwin including the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Market. However, it’s good to know that the sun does shine a lot in Darwin and temperatures rarely go over 34C because of its position by the sea.

The Top 11 Free things to do in Darwin

Pick and choose from this list of free things to do in Darwin. There’s something for everyone from markets, museums and incredible national parks. 

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Modelled on the Asian night markets, Darwin comes to life every Thursday and Sunday at 4pm-9pm.  It’s certainly our favourite of the free things to do in Darwin and the best market we have ever visited in the world. Eat your way through numerous cuisines from over 300 independent businesses whilst enjoying live traditional music. You can taste crocodile here, amongst some other Aussie delicacies. You won’t want to miss it. 

Darwin’s Cullen Bay Marina

It’s a little out of town but is definitely the place to be if you fancy some food in some of the best restaurants in the area. It’s an extremely modern establishment, to protect its occupants from any cyclones. When you’re there, make sure you visit the boardwalk to enjoy the relaxed, tropical lifestyle that the locals enjoy on a daily basis and watch the boats go in and out of the harbour. You won’t be disappointed. 

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art and History

I know what you’re thinking, another museum? But we can vouch for this one. The spectacular, free Museum and Art Gallery of The Northern Territory is located on the waterfront and enables you to learn so much about the unique natural environment and culture of the area. Two stand out exhibitions include, the destruction display of the 1974 Cyclone Tracey and Sweetheart the Crocodile who was a 5.1m dominant male responsible for attacking dinghies in the 1970s.

Watch Iconic Sunsets

Of course Australia has some of the best sunsets in the world but Darwin’s sunsets really shine. We strongly believe it’s the best view in town and we made time for the deep red and orange and purple sunset every night. No it’s not Photoshop (we promise) they must be seen to be believed. So why not join the crowds at the Mindil market on the beach? 

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Open 7am-7pm and across the road from Mindil Beach is the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. These gardens are 42-hectares and were established in 1886. They are still standing after natural disasters and the bombings from World War II, which is pretty impressive. Also, there are a lot of facilities here, including barbeque facilities, a cafe, toilets and a picnic area.

Bicentennial Park

This is a green space with scenic views across the harbour located in the CBD. There’s a lot of historical information around the park where you can learn about the bombings in 1942 and visit the Cenotaph. This is a great spot to take some photos and enjoy the sea breeze.

Waterfront Precinct

Park yourself under a tree to appreciate the shade at this waterfront destination. You can easily walk here from downtown and is many people’s favourite part of the city. There’s a range of eateries to choose from and  they put on free activities. For example: cinema nights, yoga classes and live music, not to mention the stinger free beach.

This is definitely worth a visit, so make sure to check the calendar for what’s on when you are there.

Search for Crocodiles

There are numerous places to see crocodiles in Darwin, but it depends on whether you want to see them in captivity or in the wild. Having only seen videos, the Crocodylus Park seems quite intense. It has underwater cages and feedings but is known to be one of Darwin’s best attractions. We were lucky enough to see (just) one in the wild but you can also take a tour along the Adelaide River. 

Now it is important, whilst you are in Darwin, you must respect the signs for deadly crocodiles, stay safe and stay back, as the waters are riddled with them. Did you know crocs kill more people than sharks? 

Top Affordable and Free things to do in Darwin out of the City Centre:

Berry Springs Nature Park

Located just 10km or 40 mins from Darwin, you’ll find Berry Springs Nature Park. Here you’ll find native wildlife and birds. This is a good spot to have a picnic in the picnic area. Alternatively, you can swim in clear pools to cool down on a hot day as multiple waterholes connect through the forest. If you want to see the flower’s bloom, visit between March and April.

Swim in waterfalls at Litchfield National Park

Just one and a half hours away by car, you’ll get to experience deep gorges, croc free-swimming holes, termite mounds and stunning waterfalls. This national park is definitely one of the best in Australia. You truly feel like you’re in the outback with the abundance of wildlife and the heat. Luckily, after some bushwalking in the red dirt you will be rewarded with a cool down in one of the swimming holes. Our favourite is Florence Falls, which is easily signposted so you can’t miss it. It’s worth noting that we had a 2 wheel drive vehicle and still managed to see everything we wanted to!

Kakadu National Park – ($25 entry per person)

It’s time to connect with the oldest living culture on earth. The park covers 20,000 square kilometres (bigger than Switzerland) and is one of Australia’s national treasures. Therefore, it’s very difficult to visit in just one day (go to Litchfield for a day trip). The essential things to see and do include admiring and understanding its rock art, experiencing bush walking and appreciating the culture and spirit of this land. Get ready to let Kakadu change you. 

Good to know: if you are over 16 years old, you will have to pay $25 to enter the park. However, this pass lasts for 14 days and once you are inside the national park, the activities are free, which is why it has been included on this list.

Darwin is definitely a destination like no other capital in Australia. Truthfully, we felt like we were in a different country all together. No matter when you visit, we are sure you’ll not forget your visit to Darwin in a hurry. What are your favourite free things to do in Darwin? Or what are you most looking forward to doing when you go? Let us know in the comments! 

If you are heading to other  Australian state capitals, look at our guide to Sydney and Melbourne.

 As always, happy travels!

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Photo Credit: averagelives.com

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