What to Do in Darwin, Australia

By Food & Wine
Updated March 08, 2017
© Lisa McTiernan
F&W’s photo tour series captures life in Darwin, Australia. Here, photographer Lisa McTiernan showcases the best of the Northern Territory's largest city, from its beautiful beaches to markets and restaurants.
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Sea Darwin

© Lisa McTiernan

Darwin is famous for its stunning tropical sunsets; people gather daily on the foreshore to soak it up. Take an eco-tour through Darwin Harbour, get dropped off on an exposed sandbar and watch the sunset over the water. Stokes Hill Wharf, seadarwin.com.

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Alley Cats Patisserie

© Lisa McTiernan

An Alley Cats institution, Cronuts are a divine pastry hybrid. Part croissant, part doughnut, they’re handmade in house using organic flours. The flavors change daily, but the Chocolate Pistachio Cronut is a standout. 14/69 Mitchell St., facebook.com/Alleycatpatisserie

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Moorish Café & Tapas

© Lisa McTiernan

On balmy evenings tapas is a popular choice. The city comes alive at night as people unwind with cocktails and dishes such as fresh NT wildcaught Jewfish in coconut and lime and Olives marinated in chilli, lemon & sumac. 37 Knuckey St., moorishcafe.com.au

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Sunset Fish and Chips Tour

© Lisa McTiernan

For a perfect evening, enjoy local, wild-caught King Threadfin Salmon, crumbed calamari and beer-battered chips with a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer with a stunning Darwin sunset. Stokes Hill Wharf, seadarwin.com.

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Darwin Fish Markets

© Lisa McTiernan

The pristine waters of the Arafura Sea provide the best prawns, bugs, squid and fresh mud crabs to restaurants. Francis Bay Drive, Fishermans Wharf, darwinfishmarket.com.

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Mindil Sunset Markets

© Lisa McTiernan

Relax under the trees behind Mindil Beach and check out the variety of food on offer. Sample the tastes of Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Greece, Portugal and more. Maria Liveris Drive, mindil.com.au

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Cullen Bay Marina & Restaurant Precinct

© Lisa McTiernan

Cullen Bay boasts a selection of quality dining establishments overlooking the Marina. Lunch or dinner is the perfect time to dine surrounded by the luxurious mansions and yachts. Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay, cullenbaymarina.com.au

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Eva’s Café

© Lisa McTiernan

Eva’s café is nestled under palms at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens and offers sweet relief from the tropical heat. The all-day breakfast is perfect for lazy weekends. Gardens Road, botanicgardenscafe.com.au.

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Mindil Beach

© Lisa McTiernan

Famous for its weekly markets, the jewel in Mindil Beach’s crown is definitely its colorful sunsets. Go early in the week to avoid the market crowds and bring a bottle of your favorite wine. Maria Liveris Drive, darwin.nt.gov.au

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Parap Markets

© Lisa McTiernan

Fresh NT mango, orange and passion fruit juice is a weekly ritual for locals at Parap Markets, along with the spicy Paw Paw Salad. Parap Road, parapvillagemarkets.com.au.

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Territory Made Markets

© Lisa McTiernan

Local art, gourmet food and cold drip coffee rule at Territory Made. It’s open during the cooler dry season, May through September. Gardens Road, The Gardens, territorymade.net.

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Lulu & Daw

© Lisa McTiernan

Hidden in the Star Village, Lulu & Daw are all about tropical luxury. This stylish boutique stocks all Australian designs, with beautiful fashion and accessories perfect for the tropical lifestyle. Shop 4, Star Village, 32 Smith St. Mall; luluanddaw.com

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Dundee Quad Safaris

© Lisa McTiernan

Escape the city and experience the Northern Territory lifestyle at Dundee Beach. Hire a beach house, jump on a quad bike and explore the white sands of five-mile beach, part of a working cattle station. Sample outback treats cooked for you on the barbecue while relaxing, and spot wild buffalo and crocodiles at the Finniss River. 6 Zuleika Road, dundeebeachquads.com.

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Nightcliff Foreshore

© Lisa McTiernan

Take a stroll, ride a bicycle or sit and catch the sea breeze along the Nightcliff foreshore. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, crocodiles and dugong sometimes seen close to shore. Casuarina Drive, Nightcliff, darwin.nt.gov.au.

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Cucina sotto le stelle

© Lisa McTiernan

Known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza, this kitchen under the stars on the Nightcliff foreshore is a local weekend favorite. The menu changes each night. Highlights include the squid ink tagliatelle, panna cotta with NT mango and the best pepperoni pizza in the territory. Next to Sea Breeze Carpark Chapman Road, Nightcliff, facebook.com/cucinasottolestelle

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Mary River and Kakadu National Parks

© Lisa McTiernan

Hands down, the best way to witness the breathtaking beauty and the sheer scale of the Northern Territory landscape is from the air. An outback helicopter tour offers the opportunity to taste dishes made with crocodile, kangaroo, emu and buffalo. Arhnem Highway, Northern Territory outbackfloatplanes.com.au

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