Darwin, The Northern Territory’s multicultural and dynamic capital, is packed with fun for families. Here are the best things to do in Darwin for kids.
The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Showcasing some of the biggest saltwater crocodiles in Australia in the heart of Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove is a must-see attraction in the Top End. Catch one of nine daily reptile shows including the jaw snapping Big Croc Feed Show and interactive hands-on reptile talks. A highlight for teens is getting face-to-fang with a saltwater crocodile during a 15-minute Cage of Death dive for kids aged 15 and over.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility sure knows how to do a museum right. There’s a 55-seat hologram cinema, virtual-reality glasses that enable you to relive in vivid detail the 1942 Japanese bombing raid on Darwin Harbour, a decommissioned Pilatus PC-12 aircraft from the RFDS and a live map showing the current location of RFDS planes… and that’s just the beginning.
Get a local’s perspective on Darwin’s history, people and sights with Walk Darwin. The team runs short, themed guided walking tours, such as the ‘Mural Meander’ taking in the street art and the ‘Reflections Walk’ delving into the history of the World War II bombing of the city.
Cruise along the Adelaide River to find one of the huge saltwater crocodiles that live in the murky waters. Watch these incredible animals from the Cretaceous period jump impressive heights from the water to feast on chicken carcases.
Near Berry Springs (see no. 3), the Territory Wildlife Park is your one-stop shop for seeing local animals. The Wallabies and Wallaroos are a definite highlight, but the park is home to a huge range of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, emus and pythons.
Fancy a dip? Beach swimming in Darwin can be dangerous due to crocs and stingers, so the enclosed Wave Lagoon is the perfect alternative. Ride a boogie board at Darwin’s safe, stinger- and crocodile-free Wave Lagoon. A wave machine cycles through 10 different patterns, producing waves up to 1.2 metres high. 20-minute bursts of simulated waves are followed by 10 minutes of calm conditions. The lagoon is located at Darwin Waterfront.
With everything from a large taxidermied saltwater crocodile named Sweetheart to a collection of different kinds of smoking pipes, you’ll find all sorts in the Northern Territory’s largest museum. It’s a must if your family wants to learn more about the history of the territory, with exhibits charting the territory’s Indigenous and European stories.
The museum has some great public programs for children, such as prehistoric picnics and creating and naming new animals. Discover MAGNT’s latest tours, talks and workshops here.
On the edge of Darwin’s harbour, the Deckchair Cinema boasts first-class sunset views. The main attraction here though is the incredible open-air cinema, with 250 deckchairs and 150 straight-backed chairs (cushions are provided but it’s recommended you bring your own for extra comfort). And, because it’s independent, the cinema often has access to unique films that other places aren’t playing.
What’s better than fish and chips? Fish and chips with a view, of course! Projecting out into Darwin Harbour, Stokes Hill Wharf is still a working wharf for many of the businesses in the area, so you’ll be able to watch the comings and goings while you enjoy your food. And, for the non-fish-eating folks, there’s plenty of other dining options, including char grill, Thai and Indian.
A three-hour drive from Darwin, Australia’s largest national park contains more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites, created over 65,000 years of Indigenous occupation. Plunge pools, towering waterfalls and deep gorges are some of Australia’s most stunning scenery, and a huge variety of bushwalks allows you to really immerse yourself in the landscape. For a unique perspective take a scenic flight over the park and witness Jim Jim and Twin falls in all their glory.
Just a 2.5-hour ferry ride north from Darwin are some of the most remote art centres on the planet. Wurrumiyanya, the largest community on the Tiwi Islands, is host to a fantastic arts centre famous for its carvings and textile designs where visitors can meet the artists.
These glassy, spring-fed pools are 40 minutes from Darwin. During the Second World War, the army used them as a rest and recreation camp. Today they’re popular with people looking for a quick dip, but even if you’re not keen on jumping in, the short Monsoon Forest and Woodlands Walk takes you through the nearby bushland – a stunning walk in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Visit this wildlife park in Darwin to see newborn crocs right up to five-metre giants. You can touch baby crocodiles and other reptiles and watch the crocs and monkeys being fed.
The park is also home to lions, meerkats, spider monkeys, reptiles marmosets and cassowaries.
Open: 9am – 4pm
Cost: Adults $40, children $20, under three years free
The Darwin Military Museum was founded in the 1960s by Lieutenant Colonel Jack Haydon and members of the Northern Territory branch of the Royal Australian Artillery Association (RAAA).
The museum is housed in the original concrete command post bunker. Kids will love the interesting war memorabilia from all over the Territory. There is a fascinating array of weapons, photographs and equipment used by the fighting men and women of the day.
Cost: Adults $20, children $10, under five years free
15. Visit the WWII Oil Tunnels
These giant tunnels are located under the cliffs of Darwin city. The walls of the tunnels showcase photographs and displays of darwins history.
There are interactive displays and ‘the digger’, a sculpture made from parts from the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
Cost: Adults $8.50, children $5.50, under four years free
Hop into the water and hand-feed fish as they swarm around you, or lean over the concrete steps if you want to stay dry. This fish feeding experience in Darwin is eco-certified.
There are also beautiful gardens to explore on the property.
Cost: Adults $15, children $10, under three years free
Darwin Waterfront is a fantastic place for families to visit. It is where you will find the Waterfront Beach Club where you can relax Bali style in a daybed. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafes. During the school holidays there are a number of programs such as craft sessions with a fairy, free scuba diving lessons, sports competitions and games, face painting, and pizza parties.
There is also a free shuttle to drop you off at the Darwin things to do between Jervois Park and Stokes Hill Wharf.
Darwin’s ferris wheel sits at the end of Stokes Hill Wharf. The 35 metre ride offers 360 degree views of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and the ocean. There is also a mini-golf course for more family fun at Stokes Hill Wharf.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are home to an impressive collection of north Australian and tropical fauna spread across 42 hectares. The gardens also have a children’s playground with a big treehouse, log swing, slide and climbing frame.
When you get peckish there are BBQs, picnic tables and Eva’s Botanic Garden Cafe. Eva’s cafe is in a heritage-listed church. Kids will love the toy play area and cute sculptures. You’ll love the fantastic coffee.
The botanic gardens are open 7am to 7pm daily.
The squids club playroom at the Boatshed Coffee House and Cafe is fantastic for kids. It has a chalkboard for drawing, plays movies and lots of toys. Is it located on Cullen Bay’s Marina Boulevard where you can feed the fish from the outdoor tables.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a spectacle not to be missed.
On Thursday and Sunday afternoons from April to October, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market is the place to be. They have great food, jumping castles and all kinds of kids’ entertainment to keep the little ones going.
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Main image: Wave lagoon at Darwin Waterfront © Tourism NT/Peter Eve
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