Darwin is one of the most unique and magical regions of Australia. Nestled at the tip of the Northern Territory, Darwin is the heart of what makes Australia special with its strong Aborginal hertiage and continuing cultures and traditions.
It's because of this we're excited to share with you our Darwin City Guide featuring our "Top 9 Family Attractions", which is just some of the great family attractions that you can find in this incredible special city.
So make sure check out the entire Darwin City Guide which has been put together just for you, so you know can plan your perfect family day out in Darwin! Top End here we come!
Main Photo by Mark mc neill on Unsplash
Image Credit: Tourism NT
In this Darwin City Guide, we can't wait to share with you our top 9 things to do with kids in this iconic Northern Territory capital, plus we share some super fun experiences to bring out the kids in everyone!
We at Family Days Out know budgets are often a factor when travelling - especially with children - so also in this Darwin City Guide we share some things to do that won't cost you a cent!
Getting around Darwin without a car is really easy, so if you need any tips on public transport without any issues, you're in the right place! You'll also uncover some fun facts about Darwin that might surprise you!
There is so much to see in and around the Darwin area, so keep reading as in our Darwin City Guide we share one of our favourite day trips, PLUS you'll discover some famous faces who were born right in the city!
So whether this is your first trip saying "Yes, take me to Darwin" or maybe you've lived here for years yet never explored and you wonder "What is there is to do near me in Darwin?", keep reading because we have the top 9 things to do in Darwin with kids...and so much more!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino
Long before to European settlement, it was the Larrakia people who called the area home, and are the traditional land owners. The Larrakia people actually had trading routes with SE Asia, as well as South and Western Australia too!
51 years after the first European settlement of Australia, the first European set eyes on Darwin harbour, and this was Lt. John Lort Stokes of the HMS Beagle.
The settlement then grew to a city and was officially founded in 1869 and known as Palmerston, however was renamed Darwin in 1911 after the British Naturalist Charles Darwin.
After gold was found in Pine Creek in 1871, the population really exploded!
The city had its fair share of devastation with numerous cyclones, as well as multiple bombings during WWII, however on Australia Day 1959, Darwin was granted city status!
Today, the city of Darwin is a thriving modern capital city and in fact has one of the fastest growing economies in the country. A popular tourism destination, Darwin is a truly unique city that is worth a visit!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Rob Mulally
From nature, to museums, history, culture and wildlife, Darwin offers so much variety when it comes to things to do with the family. So where will you start?
Well, Darwin can be HOT, so why not make a SPLASH at attractions such as Palmerston Water Park, or the popular Wave Lagoon at Darwin Waterfront?
Darwin is also rich in history, so why not check out some of the great museums on offer including the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin Aviation Museum or Darwin Military Museum?
Your stroll through history can also continue via attractions such as the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels Tour and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Darwin is also home to some incredible flora and fauna, so why not explore places such as the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, or Crocosauraus Cove!?
You'll even find some really unique things to enjoy, such as Deckchair Cinema!
With so many fun things to do in Darwin, you might find yourselves staying for longer than just one day - don't say we didn't warn you!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Jarrad Seng
If you don't have a car, don't worry! Getting around Darwin is super quick and easy, with clean, efficient and affordable public transport.
Darwin might be the smallest of Australia’s major cities, but it still has plenty of transport options for families, including buses, cycling and walking.
The city has an extensive bus network, which is super easy to navigate. You can purchase a Tap and Ride card or buy single tickets on board (note this is cash only).
The most useful bus is the route 4 bus, which travels from Darwin Bus Interchange to Casuarina Bus Interchange via the waterfront.
This bus stops by popular attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove, Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory, and Fannie Bay Gaol.
These services run every 10-35 minutes throughout the day.
Another fun way to get around Darwin without a car is the Big Bus Tours hop-on, hop-off bus. You can purchase a one-day or two-day ticket and the bus will take you from the Tourist Information Centre to all the major sights, including Darwin Military Museum, and the Waterfront precinct.
There are also ferry services too.
You can find more information at Australia.com
One of the most fun times to really experience the tropical Top End is during the iconic Darwin Festival which happens every August. This vibrant and energetic festival was born 40 years ago out of the destruction and devastation of Cyclone Tracy which tore through the city on Christmas Eve in 1974.
Celebrating the town's revival, today you can enjoy stunning balmy nights under twinkling lights, making it Australia’s hottest winter arts festival! Combining the quintessential spirit and energy of Darwin with unforgettable outdoor festivities & events, it's a Top End festival not to be missed!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Peter Eve
Just shy of an hour's drive from Darwin you'll find Territory Wildlife Park, and it's well worth a visit! It's here that you not only see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats, but kids can also meet them as they stroll through tree top aviaries, around a natural lagoon and the family can even interact with them during daily presentations!
Don't miss a chance to stroll beneath the surface in a walk-through aquarium where you can meet some of the Top End’s most amazing aquatic life. Keep an eye out for their giant Saltwater croc! It’s the closest you’ll ever get to a salty without risking a scratch!
Image Credit: Territory Wildlife Park
You can't visit Darwin without spending the day surrounded by the mysterious and fascinating crocodiles! Crocosaurus Cove is Darwin’s ultimate urban wildlife experience where families and kids can enjoy a 360 degree viewing experience of stunning saltwater crocodiles, as well as hatchlings and juveniles! Crocosaurus Cove is also home to the world’s largest display of Australian Reptiles as well as the famous “Cage of Death”!
Not only can you come face to face with these magnificent creatures, but you can also swim with the crocodiles, take photos with baby crocs, and discover other amazing creatures such as barramundi, archer fish, and whiprays in their 200,000-litre fresh water tank!
Image Credit: Crocosaurus Cove
Journey through history with a tour of the World War II Oil Storage Tunnels! These now unique tourist attractions were built during World War II and today take you on an atmospheric adventure through history as you make your way through bleak underground tunnels and stairways to a secret room. Here, you can deep dive into the numerous photographs that lend a personal touch to cold history.
The tunnels can be found beneath the cliffs of Darwin city, and you can explore via self guided tours or join a guided tour who can answer all of your questions! An inspiring insight into the brave men and women who served to protect Australia.
Image Credit: Darwin Tours
At this fascinating Tourist Facility, the family can learn all about the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service, also known as the RFDS! Kids can deep dive into the history of its founding by Reverend John Flynn, including how the RFDS started life as a Northern Territory aero medical operations back in 1939!
Hear heroic tales of the RFDS early days and years after, including the tasks and responsibilities of the various pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses! You can also see exhibits telling the story of the infamous Bombing of Darwin Harbour, plus kids can come face to face with real life aircraft too!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Sea Darwin Harbour Cruises offer a number of different cruises for the family, that allow you to really explore the history, heritage, food and sights of Darwin Harbour! From fish and chips on sandbanks, to beautiful dolphin sightings, and even a 60 minute deep dive into the best of Darwin, these cruises are such great fun for all!
Don't miss learning all about the history of the infamous Darwin Bombings either. It's a great way for kids to learn of the events that unfolded in 1942, plus see how a resilient city built itself up again, and again, and again!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
Immerse yourself in history at the Defence of Darwin Experience at Darwin Military Museum, offering families an immersive and interactive experience which can teach all about the story of Darwin's role within WWII.
Throughout the museum you'll find rich exhibits that share the stories of people and events across this historic period, and what's also great is that the Darwin Military Museum also ensures all of the material offered is displayed in way which is compelling to kids, and in a manner they can understand. For those younger kids in the family, the information might be above them however they can still be amazed at the artifacts on display, including unusual equipment!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Sean Scott
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is one of the major aviation museums in Australia. The Centre has an impressive presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory’s involvement in aviation, both civil and military, from the early pioneers and record breakers through World War II and the jet age.
The major display item is a massive B52 bomber on permanent loan from the United States Air Force and is one of only two on public display in the world outside the USA.
Over 18 aircraft, 37 major displays and 21 engines are on display so it's a real treat for kids into their sky engines! They also have regular family fun days, BBQ days and Open Cockpit Days!
Fancy something unusual to do in the city? Why not check out the latest Blockbuster movie under the incredible Northern Territory stars with Deckchair Cinema! Located in the Darwin Waterfront, this very cool open air cinema is open nightly from mid April to mid November.
The program is diverse, offering a range of Australian, popular, family, foreign and classic films, so you'll always have plenty of options to choose from (although with the spectacular scenery all around you, it might just be hard to keep your eyes on the screen!)
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Friederike Franze
The Darwin Waterfront is a great place for families to relax and cool off with a swim, so what better way to beat the Darwin heat than at the super fun Wave Lagoon!? This is a stinger and croc-free wave and swimming lagoon perfect for the kids!
You'll find a fun shallow still water area just for toddlers, and with the Wave Lagoon covering an area of 4,000 sq m metres, it really is great fun for every level of swimming ability. The lagoon is 2m at its deepest point then slopes to a depth of zero so you know there is something for everyone! Get ready to make a SPLASH in Darwin!
Image Credit: Darwin Waterfront
Famous Darwinians!
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress who shot to stardom after placing 2nd on Australian Idol in 2006.
With six Top 10 albums, Mauboy is one of Australia's most successful female artists.
Image Credit: Eva Rinaldi
Nova Peris
Nova Peris is an Australian athlete and former politician, competitively competing in women's hockey & sprinting.
Peris was the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal.
Image Credit: Governor-General of Australia
5 Fun Darwin Facts
Impress your friends with your amazing Darwin knowledge!
- Darwin has been almost entirely rebuilt four times - after three cyclones and one air raid during WWII
- Darwin has some amazing weather, enjoying a year-round tropical climate which averages 30°C (86ºF)!
- Darwin is the smallest, wettest, and most northerly of all Australian capital cities!
- The famed didgeridoo originated from Arnhem Land, which is just east of Darwin!
- Darwin is quite multicultural, with over 60 nationalities making up the population!
Free Things To do Darwin
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Set in a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour is the Northern Territory's premier cultural institution, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) which offers free admission AND so mcuh to see and do with the family!
The collections within the gallery place the region's art, history and culture, and natural history in an Australian and international context, with these collections encompassing Aboriginal art and material culture, as well as visual arts, crafts, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history AND natural sciences! Phew!
Image Credit: MAGNT
Fannie Bay Gaol
Get ready to literally walk through history at Darwin's Fannie Bay Gaol! This Darwin landmark actually operated as Her Majesty's Gaol and Labour Prison in the city from 1883 right through to 1979, with the original building comprising of A and B Blocks A, each containing just 6 cells, as well as a kitchen and even a wash house!
There was an infirmary added in 1887 and you can even see the gallows that were installed for the last executions held in the Northern Territory in 1952. With free admission and self-guided tours, Fannie Bay Gaol is a must for anyone visint Darwin!
Image Credit: Fannie Bay Gaol
Palmerston Water Park
Make a SPLASH at Palmerston Water Park, where the whole family can enjoy a host of water fun, including a 14 metre high, 100 metre long, six-line racer water slide where kids can race friends to the bottom!
Palmerston Water Park also features a wet play area for families and toddlers complete with sprays, water curtains, and a shallow wading pool for those playful little ones. For teenagers you can find another wet play area complete with cannons and buckets for some high intensity interactive play! SPLASH!
Image Credit: Palmerston Water Park
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a great nature filled famfily day out in Darwin, spanning 42 hectares and home to some incredible collections of north Australian and other tropical species!
These botanic gardens also have a host of fun things for kids to enjoy, including finding dinosaurs within the park, checking off birds they spot on their bird locator, and enjoying time in the children's playground! With some amazing wildlife too (including some really special butterflies), this botanic garden is a great free admission experince for any family in Darwin!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
Parap Markets
Delve into the finest tropical flavours and experience a true Northern Territory atmosphere at the iconic Parap Village Markets which run every Saturday 8am – 2pm (rain or shine) all year round! With live music playing the background, Parap Village Markets allow you to really experience what makes Darwin special.
Try local flavours, check out local gifts, and support locally made arts & crafts! The Parap Village Market experience really is an essential part of any visit to Darwin with the family!
Image Credit: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo
Darwin Food | Getaway 2020
A visit to this iconic day trip will see you experiencing one of the oldest cultures on Earth - we of course are talking about Kakadu National Park! It's one of the most beautiful places not only in Australia, but on the planet, and if you have a chance to visit we highly recommend it.
Only 150 km away (around 90 minutes in the car), Kakadu National Park really is a truly special day trip from Darwin! Keep reading to find out more!
Image Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Kakadu in the Northern Territory really is a living cultural landscape. This area has been home to Aboriginal people for over 65,000 years - how amazing is that!?
One of the largest national parks in Australia, Kakadu National Park spans nearly 20,000 sq km, and is actually a dual World Heritage-listed for oustanding cultural AND natural values! The park also stretches 200km north to south, and 100km east to west.
The name "Kakadu" itself is thought to originate from a mispronunciation of an Aboriginal language which is spoken in the NW region of the park - "Gaagudju"
What's also really incredible about Kakadu National Park is that there are over 5,000 recorded art sites which share thousands of years of stories representing Aborginal culture.
It wasn't until the 17th century that non-Aboringal explorers arrived to the area, with the first surviving written account dating from 1623 by the Dutch.
It wasn't until nearly 100 years later that Matthew Flinders famously surveyed the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1802/3.
With some stunning landscapes (thanks to the region bedded under a shallow sea around 140 million years ago, creating some incredible geological formations), and unbelieveable wildlife, Kakadu National Park is an area that every family should experience at some point!
Here’s our top 4 Kakadu National Park things to do:
- Jim Jim Falls
- Croc Spot!
- Take a tour (boat, 4WD, coach...)
- Explore the incredible rock art
We hope you found this content useful! Please share with your friends, and if you have any comments, or want to let us know what we can do to further help you find fun days out with the family, then just email our team at [email protected]!
Let's get the family adventure started!
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Lisa
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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