Cheap flights to Darwin (DRW)

When is the best time of year to fly to Darwin?

Located in the Top End, Darwin has a tropical climate with only two seasons - the dry, and the wet.

The best time to visit Darwin is in the dry season, which runs from May to October. Temperatures during this time range from 21 to 32 degrees, humidity sits around 20-35%, and there’s little to no rain. You’ll find blue-sky days and mild evenings, making this the most comfortable time of year to visit Darwin, especially for activities such as hiking, bushwalking, cycling and camping. It’s also during the dry season that Darwin buzzes with events and festivals. The legendary Mindil Beach Sunset Markets also runs over this time, as does Deckchair Cinema featuring Australian and foreign films.

There is something magical about visiting Darwin in January and February, the wet season called Jiorrk by the Jawoyn people, when the land comes alive. However be mindful that due to the volume of rain, some attractions become inaccessible or are closed during this time.

What are Darwin's top attractions?

Darwin offers a myriad of cultural and natural attractions to explore, featuring world-class events and festivals, immersive wildlife experiences, and a creative foodie scene.

Summer Festivals in Darwin

The highlight of the event calendar is Darwin Festival. Each August delivers a program rich in local, national and international talent, with paid and free events on offer. Cabaret, theatre, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars, and family shows, transform this tropical Top End city for 18 memorable days and nights. Grab a tasty dinner from the bamboo food stalls and pop-up bars, then dance to the hottest new bands in the Festival’s open-air big top, The Lighthouse. A former standout show was Limbo, an intoxicating mix combining cabaret, circus and acrobatics.

A community arts festival that truly lights up the city is open-access Darwin Fringe Festival. Supporting the development of the arts community, and with over 100 shows covering more than 11 genres, this July festival showcases diverse local and national works.

Darwin hosts its own International Film Festival each September - and is also home to the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.

Mindil Beach

Soak in the stunning red-orange hue of the Darwin sunset as it drops down the Arafura Sea from this incredible vantage point – and don’t forget to hashtag #mindilbeachsunset on Instagram.

Then enjoy Mindil Beach Markets - running on Thursday and Sunday nights through the dry season, the Markets are a culinary melting pot with over 200 unique stalls. Boasting 60 food trucks - a chance to try local delicacies such as barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile; shop for gifts at the arts and craft stalls; and it’s also a place to enjoy local performance art. An electric atmosphere and must-do on your visit to Darwin, at least once.

Darwin Waterfront

A destination in its own right – you’ll enter an area with lush lawns, swimming lagoons, a place to shop, dine in the waterfront cafes and restaurants, and even catch a wave at the Wave Pool.

Sailing and Cruising around Darwin

Set sail on stunning Darwin Harbour, with experiences running from sunset tours in the balmy evenings, to multi-day trips.

There’s a host of operators to choose from – SeaLink Northern Territory who connect you to the remote communities, Sea Darwin – who offer interactive eco cruise experiences, a boutique dining experience with Cape Adieu Harbour Cruises, and the longest-running operator in Top End cruising, Darwin Harbour Cruises – just to name a few.

National Parks

Darwin is perfectly positioned close to two of the Northern Territory’s most stunning and renowned national parks – Mary River National Park and Litchfield National Park.

Mary River National Park is located 150km east of Darwin, a wildlife watchers paradise, renowned for the abundance of birdlife, and the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory.

Nestled behind the termite mounds and plains is the locals’ favourite, Litchfield National Park. Walk the short trails to the viewing platforms, then cool down in the plunge pools at Florence and Wangi Falls.

Further afield, a three-hour drive from Darwin, is Kakadu National Park - the largest national park in Australia with its outback desserts, flooded rivers and roaring waterfalls. Covering 20,000 square kilometres (that’s nearly half the size of Switzerland!), this World Heritage-listed park boasts 2,000 plant species and abundant wildlife - from saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles to a wide variety of birds.

A must-do at Kakadu National Park is to visit the sacred site of Ubirr in the East Alligator region, best seen with a guide. Ubirr date back to prehistoric times and is a group of rocky outcrops on the edge of the Nadab floodplain with several natural ‘galleries’ that display a collection of Aboriginal rock paintings. The artworks depict creation ancestors, as well as local animals such as barramundi, catfish, long-necked turtles and goannas. Walk to the top of Ubirr Rock for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains, which are especially stunning at sunset.

Another must-do in Kakadu is a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, floating past gardens of giant water lilies while looking out for all the wildlife — whistling ducks, magpie geese, water buffalo and, of course, the famed crocodiles. The tours are run by Indigenous guides who regale guests with stories of Kakadu, such as how the local Bininj people have used the region’s flora and fauna as food and medicine for millennia.

Join the ‘Ultimate Tour’ with Outback Floatplane Adventures for an action-packed itinerary designed to showcase the NT at its best. Climb aboard a luxury floatplane and fly over Darwin Harbour on a short 30-minute flight complete with a spectacular (and effortlessly smooth) landing on Sweet’s Lagoon. Then board a luxury vessel and enjoy lunch while cruising the pristine waterways, encountering all the animal inhabitants. There’s even an opportunity to take a cooling dip in a (croc safe) pool. Next up, you’re whisked away by helicopter from a nearby helipad for a short, scenic flight over the floodplains of Litchfield National Park. Saving the big thrills for last, you’ll board Gale Force, a state-of-the-art airboat that takes you on an exhilarating ride in and out of the rainforest channels.

To help plan your trip, make sure to check out the Darwin tourist attractions to add to your itinerary.

Where to eat in Darwin?

From casual fish and chips at the Darwin Waterfront to Gold Plate Award restaurant, Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin offers unique eats in central Darwin to suit every budget and taste.

Where to find the best Cafes?

Once hard to find a Darwin café that didn’t serve its coffee in a mug, the city is now sprouting cool cafes.

Housed in a disused surf club storeroom (how inventive) is De la Plage, overlooking Casuarina Coastal Reserve, 25 minutes north of the CBD. Run by a Belgian/Australian-Turkish duo the café’s menu inspired by their heritage. Check out Four Birds, on Smith Street, best known for their haloumi bagel. And across Darwin mall venture to The Pearl, a contemporary bar/restaurant known for its fabulous Saturday brunch menu that includes poached lobster rolls (oh my!). They also do a great range of gluten-free and vegan fare too.

The new favourite Darwin-hang out, quoted as ‘the Darwin café ideal for a Melbourne laneway’ is Laneway Specialty Coffee in Parap, wrapped in an industrial interior. Think healthy breakfast bowls, brisket burgers, campos coffee and hipsters.

Rays Patisserie and Café, (formerly Alley Cats), is another must-try, and favourite to the Darwin locals, known for its tasty and imaginative menu.

Where to find the best dining?

Savour the Asian-influenced culinary delights created with locally sourced ingredients - mud crab, barramundi, Kakadu plum, lemon myrtle, and even green ants. Here’s some top dining picks.

With pole position at Darwin Waterfront, Wharf One Food and Restaurant is a treat – with its signature wood-fired dishes, tapas through to barramundi.

Located in the heart of Darwin is a hidden gem (until now) tucked down Austin Lane. Charlie’s of Darwin is the town’s first gin distillery, with both a restaurant featuring shared Australian produce, and a more casual rooftop bar for light meals.

A must is to dine at Hanuman Restaurant, with its south-East Asia influence and decor, dishing up everything from their signature dish butter chicken, to hanuman oysters.

For an outstanding fine-dining experience look no further than Darwin Club in the renovated heritage-listed Admiralty House – the sister restaurant to Brisbane’s renowned Char Char Char.

If you’re after a Gold Plate Award restaurant venture to Pee Wee’s on the Point, based in the East Point Nature Reserve, known for its incredible local produce menu.

Where to find the best food and artisan markets?

Darwin offers a host of vibrant, colourful and famed markets, offering local produce, street food, art trinkets and live music.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

One of the biggest markets in Darwin, which interestingly started as a small night market some 30 years ago, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets now boasts 300 stalls set up beach side. You’ll find everything from Vietnamese paw paw salad for dinner, a tarot card reader, and Aboriginal art. Open Thursday and Sunday evenings throughout the dry season.

Parap Village Markets

An institution in Darwin since the ‘80s, the Parap Village Markets is a must-do for your Saturday Darwin itinerary. From craft stores to the Asian-influenced street food, its located just 5 minutes from Darwin CBD.

Malak Market Place

Open on Saturday’s from 4pm during the dry season is Malak Market Place, where you not only source local produce from the growers, it’s also an artisan paradise – fashion, jewellery and even furniture can be bought.

Nightcliff Markets

All about vintage – recycled clothing, vinyl and books – this is a lovely arty market. Open every Sunday from 8am-2pm, there’s also food trucks for when you’re peckish, coffee, and live music.

Rapid Creek Markets

The city’s oldest market, 20 minutes north of Darwin CBD, you’ll find predominantly Asian stalls at Rapid Creek Markets – open every Saturday and Sunday from 6.30am to 1.30pm.

Where to find the best cheap eats?

From flavour-packed Indonesian at cafes, to chargrilled octopus at the food markets, you’ll find plenty of tasty value meals all over Darwin.

Start at Chow in Darwin Waterfront for a laksa, try chili beans in coconut sauce at Sari Rasa in the City Centre, and vegetarian café Eat at Martin’s at Coconut Grove for chocolate and chickpea cake.