Top 10 free things to do in Darwin

Darwin is a thriving tropical capital, whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or simply a traveller looking for a few extra activities to fill your days – there are plenty of free things to see and do in the Top End of Australia.

Watch a tropical sunset

Sit back on the beach or relax at one of Darwin’s waterfront venues as the sky turns on brilliant colours and the sun disappears into the ocean. Mindil Beach, Cullen Bay and East Point Reserve are all hot spots to get the most spectacular view of the day.

Mindil Beach Markets sunset in Darwin — Mindil Beach sunset

East Point Reserve Darwin — Sit back and watch the sunset from one of Darwin’s waterfront hotspots

Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Learn about the Northern Territory’s history and sciences, peruse Aboriginal art or enjoy the outside harbour views at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT. Don’t miss the Cyclone Tracey exhibit and seeing “Sweetheart”, a 5m crocodile captured in 1979 after a series of attacks on fishing boats.

Darwin Museum and Art Gallery in Darwin fossils exhibition — The Natural Sciences collection features animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens from northern Australia and neighbouring regions

Darwin Museum and Art Gallery in Darwin cyclone Tracey exhibition — Cyclone Tracey exhibition

Darwin Museum and Art Gallery in Darwin Sweetheart exhibition — Don’t miss out on the story of Sweetheart – the Northern Territory’s most notorious crocodile!

Take a road trip to Litchfield National Park

Take a day trip to the waterfalls and waterholes of Litchfield National Park, nature’s very own water theme park. Bushwalk a rainforest trail, swim under cascading waterfalls and marvel at the massive termite mounds. Free wi-fi is now available at Wangi Falls.

Litchfield National Park Magnetic Termite mounds — Magnetic termite mounds

Lady sitting at the edge of the water at Sandy Creek Falls Litchfield National Park — Sandy Creek Falls

Aerial view of Florence Falls Litchfield National Park — Florence Falls

Go for a swim at Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs is a 40 minute drive from Darwin and a great place to relax in nature. Take your own picnic and go for a dip in the pristine waters with several waterholes connecting through monsoon forest.

People swimming at Berry Springs Nature Park near Darwin — Swimming at Berry Springs Nature Park

Friends eating at Berry Springs Nature Park The Rainbow Cafe near Darwin — Rainbow Cafe at Berry Springs Nature Park

Relax at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Located next to the CBD, the Darwin Waterfront is where it’s all happening with a lush grassy area to chill, surrounded by palm trees and a recreational swimming lagoon. The waterfront hosts an ongoing calendar of free activities such as morning yoga classes, festivals and movies under the stars during the dry season. The free Waterfront Shuttle Bus operates daily for you to explore the sights from Jervois Park to Stokes Hill Wharf and everything in between.

At the Dakota band performing at The Precinct beer garden at the Waterfront — At The Dakota performing at the Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront palm trees — Tropical palm trees at the Waterfront

Friends walking through the the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon — Enjoy a swim in the Recreation Lagoon at the Waterfront

Stroll through the Botanic Gardens

Close to the city; wander through monsoon forests, coastal fore-dunes, mangroves and woodlands at George Brown Botanic Gardens. Spot native birds and discover traditional uses of local plants on a self-guided walk.

George Brown Botanic Gardens fountains Darwin — George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

A couple walking in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens in Darwin — George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Spot wildlife at East Point Reserve

A favourite for the locals, you can walk, ride or drive through East Point. The reserve covers almost 200 hectares and features military history, nature walks and the opportunity to spot wallabies at dusk. Barbecue and picnic facilities are also available.

Cycling at East Point Reserve Darwin — Cycling at East Point Reserve

Meander through the markets

Experience Darwin’s lively market scene at Mindil Beach Sunset Market from May to October, and the suburban weekend markets held in Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek year-round. Enjoy the food, music and entertainment on offer.

Fire twirlers at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin — Enjoy a performance from one of the many buskers at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Fresh fruit at Rapid Creek Markets in Darwin — Mingle with the locals and try the local produce at one of the suburban weekend markets

Free wi-fi

Free public wireless internet access is available in Smith Street Mall, at the public library in Parliament House, the airport, as well as the Darwin Waterfront and Mindil Beach Markets. Want to post a selfie while exploring further? Free wi-fi is now available at Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon).

Darwin Wave Pool phone photo — Remember to check for free wi-fi at the Darwin Waterfront in the CBD

A display at the Defence of Darwin museum — Download the free Defence of Darwin Experience app

Check out the art galleries

There are several galleries in Darwin’s CBD including Mason Gallery, Mbantua Gallery and the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery. Take a short trip to the inner-city suburb of Parap and visit NCCA Art, Outstation Gallery and Nomad Art. You may walk in with the intention to have a look and come out with a purchase or two. Darwin also has some eye-catching street art and pop up galleries during the festival season.