Discover the Northern Territory’s vast coastline and remote beaches, and some of Australia’s best boating, fishing and beach-combing opportunities.
The Northern Territory has some of the most pristine coastlines in the Australia. Almost 11,000km of them.
With much of the coastline away from the population centres, the expansive shores and beautiful wildlife offers an unspoilt paradise perfect for exploring.
While the beaches are incredibly beautiful, it’s not always safe to swim or surf. Crocodiles, Irukandji (box jellyfish) and other marine threats frequent our waters from October to May, so make sure you follow all signs and only swim where it’s safe to do so.
Beaches in Darwin
Lameroo Beach
Darwin City is one of the few capital cities in the world with a beach just a short walking distance from the CBD. Lameroo Beach is accessible by stairs from Bicentennial Park on the Esplanade that take you through tropical rainforest to a rocky tidal zone. It’s the original home of the ocean baths that operated between 1922 and 1974 and a significant part of Darwin’s wartime history. Swimming is not recommended here as there’s no lifeguard on duty and crocodiles and Irukandji (box jellyfish) are common.
Darwin Waterfront
For safe swimming year-round, the recreation lagoon and beach at the Darwin Waterfront is a family-friendly spot to enjoy a dip on a hot day. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards 7 days a week and is protected from crocodile visitors and stingers by a seawall.
If you prefer waves with your beach, the Waterfront Wave Pool is a great option. Go for a swim, float in an inflatable tyre, ride a wave on a boogie board or just laze under a beach umbrella. There’s also a toddler play area for smaller swimmers to enjoy the water. Waves cycle through a 10 minutes on – 20 minutes off.
When you’re done swimming, try one of the many restaurants and cafes at the Waterfront Precinct or nearby at Stokes Hill Wharf.
Cullen Beach
Located in Cullen Bay, Cullen Beach is a hugely popular beach for families to enjoy a picnic. Grab some fish and chips, or treat yourself and organise a prepared picnic with an assortment of platters. With a large-grassed area bordered by palm trees and around 250m long, it’s small, but the view is spectacular. This beach isn’t patrolled so it’s safest to stay out of the water.
Finish your night off with a stroll along the canal boardwalk and pose for a picture with the big bronze crocodile.
Mindil Beach
Just outside of the city, Mindil Beach is most famously known for the sunset markets that run between April and October. It’s common for visitors to grab a bite to eat, find a spot on the beach and watch the spectacular sunset over Fannie Bay. It’s also a common spot for swimming between June and September when it’s patrolled by lifeguards from 2pm and 6pm each day (Monday to Wednesday on incoming tides only).
When you’re done, wander over to the Mindil Beach Casino, the George Brown Botanic Gardens or even the Gardens Park Golf Course. All have food and drink options available.
Bundilla Beach (Vesteys Beach)
Further along from Mindil Beach is Bundilla Beach – formerly known as Vesteys Beach – a great spot for a beach walk and to watch the world go by. Bundilla Beach isn’t patrolled by lifeguards so it’s best not to swim here.
Instead, why not wander down to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory or grab a beer at the Darwin Ski Club, Darwin Sailing Club or Darwin Trailer Boat Club? All three clubs offer brilliant sunsets, great meals and regular live music that you can enjoy near the shore.
East Point Reserve
East Point Beach is the most frequently visited part of the East Point Reserve and is great for a dip during the Dry Season. It’s patrolled on Sundays during the Dry and is surrounded by walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, fitness equipment, picnic tables and BBQs, water fountains and toilet facilities. A food van sets up in the main carpark during the dry season for your coffee and toastie start to the day.
Just behind the beach is Lake Alexander, a popular spot for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. The Mangrove Boardwalk is nearby, giving visitors the chance to explore a section of natural mangroves on a steel walkway. Stay quiet and still to see birds, fish, crabs and other animals going about their day.
Nightcliff Beach
The Nightcliff Foreshore is one of the most popular picnic spots in Darwin. With full walking and cycling tracks, the Nightcliff Pool, outdoor exercise stations, playgrounds and the beautiful Nightcliff Jetty, the whole family can stay entertained.
Food vans are regular visitors to the foreshore with 5 different regular spots set up from the jetty through to Rapid Creek. Pasta, coffee, crepes, ice cream, potatoes, Thai food and fish and chips are all on the menu. Grab a bite to eat, put down your picnic blanket and watch the sunset.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is an 8km section of beach between Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek with plenty of spots for swimming, picnicking and checking out nature. The reserve boasts many different natural habitats including beaches, mangroves, monsoon thickets and paperbark forests and sandstone cliffs with walking and biking trails and picnic areas dotted throughout.
The Casuarina Beach Dog Park is an expansive off-leash area for your furry friends. Come at low tide and it seems like the beach is endless. From the dog beach, you can head towards the Dripstone Cliffs, a rocky outcrop which makes a stunning backdrop for family photos.
Next to Dripstone Cliffs, you’ll find the Casuarina Surf Life Saving Club. The club is surrounded by a grassed area great for picnics and is a popular spot for weddings and celebrations. A small café operates daily offering cuisine from around the world, fantastic coffee and regular entertainment. The beach itself is patrolled for swimming on Saturdays and Sundays during the dry season.
There are hiking tracks, mountain bike tracks and military relics across the reserve right through to Lee Point Beach, where you’ll find a picnic area, BBQs and toilet facilities. The beach is great at low tide when the rock pools come alive with crabs, fish and unique sea creatures. Lee Point Beach is not patrolled so it’s best to stay out of the water here.
