Dating, Darwin style

There are plenty of places to fall in love in this city and with the city itself. We’ve put together our top 7 great dates in Darwin to get you started.

For those who like a glass of champagne washed down with some of the city’s finest sunsets aboard a boat. Downstairs there’s also some fine dining to be had.

A Charles Darwin Sunset Cruise offers visitors the chance to see the Northern Territory capital in the most romantic of ways, from the water, looking back over the city as the switch is flicked on the evening lights. In this champagne hour, sit on the top deck as the sun dips to the west and learn about the history of Darwin and the Larrakia people who have called this land home for centuries. While their totem is the crocodile, local Aborigines won’t eat crocs as it’s believed if you don’t eat them, they won’t eat you.

The dating game is crazy anyway, so why not head to this colourful carnival atmosphere whose mantra is “eat, drink, love and be loved”. At the very least, you are bound to have a laugh.

Perched on Cullen Bay Marina, Lola’s Pergola prides itself on funky food, cold craft beer, beautiful wine and amazing spirits and describes itself as “the greatest show on earth”. Tall claims indeed, so pull up a stool and watch the fish feeding in the marina anyway.

For those who find sitting under the stars while watching a movie the ultimate in romance, it doesn’t get any better than this. Featuring popular, foreign and independent films and a licensed bar, this could potentially be your best date, well, to date.

Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema, an outdoor oasis which captures the cool breezes off the harbour, is ripe for romance. Slung low in an old-fashioned canvas chair with the love of your life, sip a drink, and watch the latest flick while cheeky possums scurry around your feet.

Australian movie industry legends such as Sigrid Thornton and Baz Luhrmann are huge fans of this outdoor cinema, one of the last great surviving movie houses under the stars.

Slip down to Cullen Bay Marina at sunset, set up a spot on the lush green lawn, grab some fish and chips and you have all the ingredients for a ripe romance.

If you want to show your potential paramour that you know your way around a menu, head to East Point Nature Reserve. They’ve wrestled crocs to get them on this award-winning menu at Pee Wee’s at the Point and you’ll have plenty to smile about after eating here.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and what better way to prove your kitchen prowess, whether you be male or female, than taking a cooking class at this contemporary Korean restaurant tucked down a funky lane. Chef at Little Miss Korea, Chung Jae Lee, is the ultimate entertainer and if you return for a meal with your beloved, he’s a good ice breaker too.

The way to a woman’s heart is usually through a good night’s sleep. Throw in her own private deck access to a yawning lagoon straight from the room, and you are on a winner. Book a lagoon room at Mindil Beach Casino Resort and you won’t regret it. You can even show off your hunting and gathering skills by wading over to the pool bar and ordering a cocktail or two.

There’s romance… and then there’s a curation of 46 craft beers to taste with your beloved. The Precinct is a modern pub located at Darwin’s picturesque Waterfront. But, The Precinct offers much more than just beer – contemporary food, quality wines and the waterfront views make for an enjoyable date for two. You can even opt for an antipasto picnic basket on the lush green lawns!

Spoil your loved one at Wharf One. Start your date on the alfresco deck with an aperitive or French champagne then show your date how fancy-pants you are by moving onto a full experience degustation. Wharf One offers the freshest and most delicious local and Australian produce to make it easy for you to woo through food.

Check out more ideas for a date in the Darwin romance guide.