Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

159 places

Explore local places

Parliament House — Image credit: Department of the Legislative Assembly

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Northern Territory Parliament House

Parliament House is located in State Square at the end of Mitchell Street, adjacent to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and Government House. It stands on one of the nation's most significant historic sites. Overlooking the striking Darwin Harbour, the building rests on the site of the Darwin Post Office and Telegraph Station, which was bombed during the first bombing raid on the Top End on 19 February 1942. Parliament House in Darwin opened in 1994 and is a magnificent example of contemporary tropical architecture. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure from the entry foyer and enjoy a leisurely walk around the building or participate in a free public guided tour every Friday at 10.30am from April to October. Online Bookings are essential.

Darwin City NT

0.1 km away

USS Peary Memorial

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

USS Peary Memorial

A 4-inch gun from the USS Peary now stands as a memorial, pointing toward the site where the ship lies wrecked beneath Darwin Harbour. It honours the 91 crew members who lost their lives when the ship was sunk by Japanese forces during the bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942 – the United States Navy's greatest loss of life in Australian waters. The wreck of the U.S.S. Peary is heritage-listed, along with several other World War II shipwrecks that remain as powerful reminders of the first Japanese air raid on Darwin and Australia. This attack was driven by Darwin's strategic importance in the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of the Pacific and Southeast Asia between December 1941 and February 1942. These wrecks serve not only as memorials to those who died defending Darwin but also as significant artefacts of Australia's maritime history. They offer valuable insight into the types of vessels and defence equipment used during World War II, preserving the legacy of those who served.

Darwin City NT

0.2 km away

Cage of Death

Amusement and Theme Parks

Crocosaurus Cove

Located in the heart of Darwin City, Crocosaurus Cove is home to the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles, including the iconic saltwater crocodile. Discover each of Crocosaurus Cove's 10 interactive shows daily, and learn all about Australia's incredible wildlife. Watch a huge saltie dine on his lunch during the Big Croc Feed Show, cuddle a snake or lizard during the Meet the Reptiles Show, and feed a feisty juvenile croc from the Fishing for Crocs platform. Then, capture a family photo with Fluffy the baby croc, or go for a dip in the Swim with the Crocs pool. Crocosaurus Cove is also home to the famous Cage of Death, Australia’s only crocodile dive. Swim with one of the largest saltwater crocs in the world, and marvel at his prehistoric features and mesmerising gaze. This is a truly up close and personal experience that must be done. Don’t miss Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin’s ultimate urban wildlife experience.

Darwin NT

0.3 km away

Doctor's Gully Catalina Base. An M. Owen stitch of images from the Stuart Gore Collection SLWA — Image credit: Stuart Gore

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

WWII Catalina Base – Doctors Gully

Discover one of Darwin's lesser-known historic locations at Doctors Gully — a wartime staging ground that supported key Royal Australian Air Force operations in the Top End. Set within the broader precinct near the well-known Aquascene property, the area reveals layers of history from World War II through to Darwin's early development. During the war, Doctors Gully operated as a vital support site for the "Black Cat" Squadron — Catalina flying boats tasked with long-range reconnaissance, mine-laying, and covert missions across the Pacific. While few structures remain, the site formed part of an essential northern defence network. Visitors can explore two original WWII oil tanks and follow the Peels Well Rainforest Walk, leading to Darwin's first water source — blending wartime, natural, and civic stories in one location. Although the wartime base infrastructure sits within the broader precinct, the Aquascene property owners have actively contributed to preserving local history. They have recovered and displayed maritime artefacts from Darwin Harbour and continue to share the area's story with the public. Enjoy a self-guided walk, visit the oil tanks, and stroll to Peels Well. Then relax at Aquascene — take in harbour views, enjoy the café (open daily), and experience the iconic fish feeding, held on the high tide (ticketed entry applies).

Darwin NT

0.4 km away

Two kids enjoying the fish

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary and Cafe

Aquascene is Darwin's number one fish feeding experience and top-rated Darwin tourist attraction. Located at Doctors Gully just minutes from Darwin CBD, Aquascene Fish Feeding has been one of the best things to do in Darwin since 1955. Hand-feed fish in Darwin's calm tropical waters — wild barramundi, mullet, milkfish, catfish and batfish come right up to you at high tide. It's a safe, magical and unforgettable Darwin wildlife experience for all ages. One of the most popular Darwin family activities and Darwin kids activities, Aquascene is perfect for families, school groups, tour groups and visitors looking for what to do in Darwin. Consistently rated among the best things to do in Darwin with kids on TripAdvisor. Open daily at high tide — check the website for today's fish feeding Darwin session times and online bookings. The Gully Cafe on-site serves coffee, snacks and light meals. Gift vouchers available.

Darwin NT

0.5 km away

Old Boab Tree in Cavenagh Street

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Boab Tree in Cavenagh Street

This tree is significant due to its historic, social and aesthetic values. This Boab marks the site of Darwin's first primary school, and later the Darwin High School and the Adult Education Centre. This Boab was planted in the late 1800's and is a fine example of its species. During WWII a "Daisy Cutter" bomb lay unexploded within its shade for several days prior to discovery.

Darwin City NT

0.5 km away

Lyons Cottage

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Lyons Cottage

Lyons Cottage is the only remaining example of colonial bungalow style architecture in Darwin. This simple cottage is built from locally quarried porcellanite stone, timber from Asia and slate roof tiles from England and was constructed in 1925 for the Eastern Extension Australasian and China Telegraph Company, successor to the British Australia Telegraph (BAT) Company. Initially home to the telegraph company's engineer, the cottage was leased to prominent lawyer and politician John 'Tiger' Lyons in 1948. In addition to having a highly successful legal practice, Lyons was a Mayor of Darwin in 1958-59 and served in local government until 1963 when he was elected to the Legislative Council where he served until 1968. He died in 1970. Dorothea Lyons remained in the home until 1972 when she sold the lease to developers who proposed to demolish the cottage and build a high-rise hotel on the block. The cottage was seriously damaged in Cyclone Tracy after which the developers abandoned their plans. Lyons Cottage was proclaimed an historic reserve in 1978 and was acquired by the NT Government in 1984.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

LANT Darwin city — Image credit: Library & Archives NT

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Library & Archives NT

Library & Archives NT (LANT) is the Northern Territory's premier public research library and archival organisation. It collects, preserves and shares the documentary heritage of the Northern Territory and is a trusted steward of Territory memory and history. LANT collections include NT Government archives, books, newspapers, photographs, maps, magazines, ephemera, websites, letters, diaries, community and organisational records, and oral histories. LANT's Darwin city venue is open to visitors and provides a relaxed environment in which to peruse the print and digital collections. On permanent display is the exhibition 'Meeting Ground: Territory Encounters' uncovering the Territory's unique history and diverse cultures that have made it what it is today. LANT Darwin city also showcases its collection through a range of temporary exhibitions, talks, tours and events.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

CWA Red Cross Shop

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

CWA Red Cross Shop

The CWA/Red Cross shop demonstrates one area of the activities of the Country Women's Association; an important and influential women's organisation during the post war period of community re-establishment of Darwin. The site is a ground level rendered brick and concrete structure built as an office and club rooms. The building has been heavily adapted over the years. None of the original windows or doors remain with the exception of two windows of glass blocks.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

Sue Wah Chin building. Conservation works were recently undertaken to the front verandah.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sue Wah Chin Building

The Sue Wah Chin Building, also known as Stone Houses, was built in 1888 by Kwong Sue Duk (also known as Sun Mow Loong) and featured hipped roofs. It is a single storey building divided into five commercial premises. Each shopfront has an identical pattern of openings with a central door and a window each side. The tenancy at the far left of the building was fortified to protect the opium held there at Kwong Sue Duk's distribution centre. The building is one of only a handful of nineteenth century buildings of any sort that survive in the Darwin city centre and represents a time in the development of the Northern Territory that saw the establishment and expansion of the Chinese population as a significant component of the Darwin community. It has close associations with the well-known Chin family, who owned the building from 1921 until 2008. As for others, this building survived cyclones in 1897, 1937 and 1974 as well as bombing raids during World War II. Following Cyclone Tracy, the badly damaged hipped roofs were replaced with a flat roof. Folklore says the building was in five discrete parts to accommodate Kwong's wives. That was never the case.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

Old Admiralty House

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Admiralty House

Florenz August Carl Bleeser, a postal official and botanist of increasing renown, bought this block and an adjoining one in 1931. He erected his home on this one and established a small museum on the adjacent one, including designing and planting a garden with unusual trees, palms and orchids in a shadehouse. Bleeser died during World War II and the family did not return to Darwin. His garden existed when Old Admiralty House was moved to this site in 1951. The design, shadehouse and some of the original trees in the garden remain today. The house continued as the home of the most senior naval officer in the north until 1983. It suffered minor damage during Cyclone Tracy and was used as an art gallery and coffee shop until early 1993. The house is a good example of an amended Burnett "B" type tropical house, the grandest of a series of tropical designs by BCG Burnett. It is one of only two "B" type houses remaining in the Central Business District of Darwin.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial

The Darwin Cenotaph commemorates Australian men and women who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The memorial was originally erected outside Government House in 1921 to commemorate those who had served in World War One. It was relocated to the Civic Centre in 1970 and then to its present location in Bicentennial Park in 1992.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

Helen

Spas and Retreats

Nurture Beauty Boutique

Established in 2006, Nurture Beauty Boutique has been at the forefront in looking after the ladies and gents of Darwin and a lot of tourists. Situated in close to Darwin city's Post Office it's an easy walk from hotels in the area. A boutique salon with a relaxing ambient feel, specialising in Facials Advance skin care treatments, Body Sculpting and cosmetic tattoos. Cosmetic Tattoo or PMU including Ombre/Powder brows, Microblading, Feather brows and 3D brows, are fast becoming a popular trend, these brows are a semi permanent option for improving the appearance of your eyebrows. Helen begun her training in Melbourne and then took advanced classes with world renowned PMU artist's. Want to learn more? go to the website and down load the free E-Book and book your appointments online. Helen Wilkinson is a fully qualified Beauty therapist with 39 years experience in the industry.

Darwin City NT

0.6 km away

Frog Hollow – mature trees on the site. The landscape is well maintained

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Frog Hollow

Frog Hollow is highly valued by the Darwin community for its social, industrial relations and educational associations. It is valued as natural parkland in the central city area. It was used as worker camps in the early years of Commonwealth jurisdiction over the NT from 1911. Living conditions were squalid and described by the Northern Standard as ‘humpies’ and ‘bag huts held together by wire’. Frog Hollow had a single tap, no toilets and mosquito-infested water pools. By 1936, private houses were being constructed at Frog Hollow. In 1938, however, land was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth for military uses, including construction of a 200,000 gallon petrol tank for piping fuel to the jetty, and installation of a drainage system. A workers camp remained until the bombing of Darwin in 1942 when all land was acquired by the military. A fuel tank at Frog Hollow was destroyed in a bombing raid on 2 April 1942. In 1949, a parliamentary inquiry recommended that a school be built on land adjacent to Frog Hollow to support the rapidly growing post-war population. Darwin Primary School opened in 1954 and closed in 1984. The buildings are now used for community arts.

Darwin NT

0.6 km away

One of Mason Gallery's two showroomss — Image credit: Mason Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mason Gallery Aboriginal Art

The Mason Gallery brings to Darwin the distinctive designs and bright bold colours of art created by Aboriginal artists of the Arnhemland, Central Desert and the Western Desert regions. Call in to wander through the gallery and see these vibrant interpretations of dreaming stories or even choose a piece to add to your collection. The Australian Aboriginal art seen at Mason Gallery comes from through out the Northern Territory and is of premium quality. The Mason family have extensive experience and knowledge of Aboriginal art, having lived and worked with Aboriginal artists working in the Northern Territory for decades.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Nature’s Way — Image credit: Tourism NT

Natural Attractions

Nature’s Way

Nature’s Way is a scenic tourism drive through Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks. For photographic, wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts, this is a dream drive on a fully sealed road suitable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The 457km drive begins in Darwin and follows the Arnhem Highway through the Adelaide and Mary River wetlands to Kakadu National Park. It then follows the Kakadu Highway before intersecting the Stuart Highway down to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Kakadu is home to some of the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art galleries. It can be explored by car or on hundreds of kilometres of marked walking trails. Travellers can cruise the Yellow Water Billabong or the East Alligator River to see birds, animals and crocodiles. Further south is Katherine, the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park. Swim in the spring-fed crystal clear pool of the Katherine Hot Springs. At Nitmiluk National Park, board a cruise, canoe down the gorge and spot birds, crocodiles and other native flora and fauna. On your return to Darwin stop off for a swim at Leliyn / Edith Falls. Take a scenic walk at Butterfly Gorge Nature Park, north of the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Darwin NT

0.8 km away

Kids enjoying the arcade

Amusement and Theme Parks

Zone 3 Laser Tag

Zone 3 is Darwin's original laser tag arena, bringing fast-paced indoor action to the heart of the CBD since 1993. Players step into a purpose-built multi-level arena filled with ramps, bunkers, neon-lit walls and atmospheric haze, then battle it out using lightweight infrared taggers and vests. Games suit all ages and abilities. First-timers get a full safety briefing and simple rules, while regulars can chase personal bests on the live scoreboard. Team modes, free-for-all matches and special game variants keep every session different. The air-conditioned arena offers a welcome escape from the Top End heat, making Zone 3 a reliable option in both the dry and the wet. The venue is a popular choice for birthday parties, school holiday outings, corporate team building, end-of-season sports celebrations, hens and bucks groups, and casual get-togethers with friends. Party packages, group bookings and private arena hires are available, with a dedicated party room for food, cake and presents. An arcade and lounge area give non-playing guests somewhere comfortable to relax between games. Tag. Move. Connect. Zone 3 blends sport, social play and active fun under one roof, delivering an experience that rewards teamwork, quick thinking and a sense of humour. Located in central Darwin with nearby parking and public transport, Zone 3 is an easy addition to any visitor's itinerary.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Victoria Hotel (the Vic), Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Victoria Hotel (the Vic), Darwin

The Victoria Hotel (‘the Vic’) has been a Darwin institution since its opening in July 1890 and would be, according to the NT Times and Gazette, the ‘best and most commodious hotel north of Townsville’. Commissioned by Ellen Ryan, then of Grove Hill, it was a two-storey porcellanite construction. Initially named the North Australia Hotel, it was renamed Victoria on 11 September 1896. The hotel is an icon of the Darwin cityscape and was the grandest hotel in Palmerston for many years. Ellen Ryan hosted a number of VIP guests, including Mr Justice Dashwood and family and the South Australia Premier, Sir Thomas Playford, in 1892. All hotels in the northern part of the Northern Territory were nationalised by the Australian Government in September 1915 after which the Administrator, the contentious Dr JA Gilruth, ordered the closure of public bar in the Vic Hotel, causing acrimony among already agitated working men. Thus the Vic has an association with the Darwin Rebellion of December 1918 and the issue of political representation for Northern Territory citizens. The Vic has survived three major cyclones and World War II, during which it was compulsorily acquired by the Navy then relinquished in 1945.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Stacks of Damadi's artisan soaps being arranged by the maker. — Image credit: Damadi

Shopping and Markets

Damadi Artisan Soaps and Skincare

Gloriously scented with natural essential oils, Damadi's artisan soaps and skincare are delicately crafted in Darwin, tropical north Australia. Made with ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Australian grown Jojoba oil, its created with the aim of delighting the senses and returning the skin to its supple best. While you're in store, have a look in the curing room and find out more about how soap is crafted. Perfect for gift giving, there are things to suit everybody. As a bonus, it can be gift wrapped, making life easy for you. Follow your nose into the Star Arcade and you will find the tiny Damadi store surrounded by decades of history going back to its early days in the 1930's when it was the first open air movie cinema in Darwin. There's also a sculpture with World War II memorabilia to commemorate Darwin's valiant efforts during turbulent times. Damadi, its more than a shop, its an experience and a story. Take a little piece of the tropics home with you.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery

Readback has been in business in Darwin since 1995. Their Authentic, Affordable Aboriginal Art is purchased ethically and direct from local indigenous men and women artists right here in the heart of Darwin in the Northern Territory. Buying locally allows them to support, promote and offer a steady income to their skilled artists. Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery gets asked time and time again “why are your prices so low compared to others?” The answer is simple, and they practice fair trade. This enables them to offer low, competitive prices and allows customers to make socially conscious purchases. Also, their prices stay the same all year round, with no raising prices in the popular dry season. Readback Aboriginal Art Gallery is fortunate to have talented artists such as the renowned Numina Sisters and their mother, Barbara Pananka Price Mbitjana, just to name a few. Their artists are welcome to take up residence in the gallery section to paint. This is a unique experience to see them in action, and talk to them about their paintings and culture. All artwork is signed by the artist on the back of the painting and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity with a photo and information about the artist and the piece.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Star Village, Smith Street Mall, Darwin

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Star Village, Smith Street Mall, Darwin

Named after the Star Theatre, the Star Village is significant to the social history of Darwin. The theatre was the second open-air theatre in Darwin and renowned for the many great movies screened there, including the infamous 'western' nights. Harold Snell bought the block in 1928 and built the theatre, which opened on 14 September 1929 with seating for 860 people, offices and a milk bar. He sold the theatre to Christina Gordon and sons in 1930. Tom Derreck Harris was the manager at the time and sometimes organised live entertainment. In 1941, Harris leased the theatre from the Gordons. Like most other buildings in Darwin, the theatre was compulsorily acquired by the military during World War II and was not returned to the Gordons until 1951, although the public was allowed back to the theatre in 1946. Harris was granted a lease over the building in 1952 and in 1958 installed air-conditioning and undertook some modernisation. The theatre was destroyed in Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tom Harris Junior built the Star Arcade in 1980. The name is a reminder of the part the theatre played in the cultural life of Darwin for 45 years

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Mbantua Gallery Darwin

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mbantua Gallery Darwin

Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery specializes in art from the Utopia Region in Central Australia. Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery's history with the people of Utopia stretches close to 40 years now and to this day we are still strongly connected with these very independent artists. Also stocking unique jewellery and opals, handcrafted sculptures and beautiful and ethically sourced souvenir range. Open everyday except public holidays.

Darwin NT

0.8 km away

Commercial Bank

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Commercial Bank

Built for the Town and Country Bank in 1884, it was possibly the first building built of stone by private enterprise. In 1887 the building became the premises for the Commercial Bank of Australia. It survived World War II bombing and minor damage by cyclone Tracy, however only the facade remains today.

Darwin City NT

0.8 km away

Colourful choices

Shopping and Markets

Albertini

Albertini is a concept label featuring Aboriginal printed fabrics from remote communities of the Northern Territory, Australia. Each gown is unique in print, design or colour and identifies the artist and art centre to its artwork. Australian wearable art which you can proudly showcase as an original fashion statement. Albertini offers a range of styles from casual wear, day wear and evening couture pieces. Incorporating the art work from the Indigenous artist, each piece has its own identity with a story behind its creation. Fabrics are printed by the artist using their own art work, then given back to designer Adriana, who develops the garments to best incorporate the print.

Darwin City NT

0.9 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.