Things to see in Darwin
Attractions
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
A multi-million dollar development complete with restaurants, bars, an events complex, sun lawns, wave pools and stinger-free swimming areas, Darwin's vast new waterfront area has given the city a contemporary feel. There's still space for tradition though – it's a short walk to Stokes Hill Wharf, where sunset barramundi and chips remains an essential Darwin experience.
Address: Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Kitchener Drive, Darwin, NT 0800Telephone: +61 8 8999 5155.
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.auAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The one-stop shop for everything you need to know about this part of the world includes excellent collections of Aboriginal artwork, arts and crafts from Southeast Asia and the Pacific, a maritime gallery, minerals and insects, a giant stuffed crocodile, and a room set aside for visitors to experience some of the force of Cyclone Tracy.
Address: The Gardens, 19 Conacher Street, Darwin, NT 0820Telephone: +61 8 8999 8264.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat-Sun 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.magnt.net.auAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Darwin Military Museum
This recently renovated museum, housed in a former gun command post, focuses on the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese. Astonishingly, more WWII bombs fell on the city than Pearl Harbor. Displayed are field and anti-aircraft artillery, historical weapons and Japanese swords. The immersive Defence of Darwin Experience tells the story of Darwin's role in the war.
Address: East Point, LOT 5434 Alec Fong Lim Drive, Darwin,Telephone: +61 8 8981 9702.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700.
Website: http://www.darwinmilitarymuseum.com.auAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Parliament House
Australia's Parliament House opened in 1994. The building is a lovely example of tropical architecture and also houses Northern Territory Library. Guided tours depart from the foyer every Saturday at 0900 between February and November; and also on Wednesdays at 1030 between May and September. Tours last 90 minutes and are free.
Address: , Mitchell Street and Bennett Street, Darwin, NT 0800Telephone: +61 8 8946 1512.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat-Sun 0900-1800.
Website: http://www.nt.gov.au/lantAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Constructed to protect Darwin's oil supplies from bombardment during WWII, these tunnels, the longest of which stretches 170m (558ft), extend from the Wharf and house an excellent photographic display of wartime images. The tunnels can be found beneath the cliffs of the city, a short walk from the city centre and the Esplanade.
Address: , Kitchener Drive, Darwin,Telephone: +61 8 8985 6322.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 0900-1600 (May-Sep); Mon-Sun 0900-1300 (Oct-Apr).
Website: http://www.ww2tunnelsdarwin.com.auAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Fannie Bay Gaol Museum
Not the most uplifting experience, this one-time gaol (jail) tells the tales of those incarcerated here, including many indigenous inmates. Operating from 1883 until 1979, the original building comprises of two blocks containing six cells, a kitchen and a washhouse. The infirmary was added in 1887 and contains the gallows that held the last executions held in the Territory in 1952.
Address: Fannie Bay, East Point Road & Ross Smith Avenue, Darwin, NT 0820Telephone: +61 8 8941 2260.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700 (May-Oct); Wed & Sat 1000-1500 (Nov-Apr).
Website: http://www.magnt.net.au/fannie-bay-gaolAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Crocodylus Park
This place is crowded with crocs; you get to walk over them (on a bridge), hold them (just the little ones) and see them in all stages of life, from hatchlings to adults weighing half a tonne. Croc-feeding sessions take place daily at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. There's a diverse range of other wildlife too.
Address: Berrimah, 815 McMillans Road, Darwin, NT 0828Telephone: +61 8 8922 4500.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.crocodyluspark.com.auAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
Helicopters and planes (including a Spitfire and a B-52 Bomber) compete for space with the wreckage of a Japanese Zero at this award-winning museum. Expect engines, relics, uniforms and bombs as displays depict the Territory's involvement in civil and military aviation from the early pioneers and record breakers to WWII and the jet age.
Address: Winnellie, 557 Stuart Highway, Darwin, NT 0832Telephone: +61 8 8947 2145.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700.
Website: http://www.darwinsairwar.com.auAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Crocosaurus Cove
Fancy seeing a crocodile swim over you? Crocosaurus Cove is designed like an aquarium for crocs, even allowing visitors to enter the 'cage of death' and hang out in a croc's territory. There's a reptile enclosure, a twice daily croc feeding show, plus a turtle sanctuary. Entertaining, but a poor second to seeing crocs in the wild.
Address: City Centre, 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT 0800Telephone: +61 8 8981 7522.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1800.
Website: http://www.crocosauruscove.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary
High tide at Doctors Gully sees hundreds of milkfish, mullet, catfish, bream and barramundi come to shore, and the main appeal of a visit here is the chance to feed them by hand. Rays, cod, mangrove jack and diamond fish lurk in the shallows too. The waters are now protected as an official marine sanctuary.
Address: , 28 Doctors Gully Road, Darwin, NT 0820Telephone: +61 8 8981 7837.
Opening times:
Hours vary according to tide, check website for details.
Website: http://aquascene.com.auAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Tourism Top End
Address: , 6 Bennett Street, Darwin, 0800Telephone: +61 8 8980 6000.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1700, Sat-Sun 0900-1500.
Website: http://www.tourismtopend.com.auOffering everything from maps and advice to tour and accommodation bookings, plus travel and car hire, this visitor centre is the best place to start your trip.
