14 free and budget things to do in Darwin

1. Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr

Find a bustling hub at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Jam-packed with outstanding dining options, a mix of laid-back pubs and bars feature incredible views across an artificial saltwater lagoon. This popular swimming spot is patrolled year-round, making it ideal for escaping the heat. On the shore, shaded lawns and deckchairs provide even more space to chill out.

2. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott

Open from late April to late October, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets presents the best of multicultural Darwin. Amid the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, over 200 stalls showcase exciting art, culture and cuisine just off the beachfront. Meanwhile, live performances ranging from music and comedy to dance and circus acts level up the joyful atmosphere.

3. Dripstone Cliffs

Soak up unbeatable sunsets from the Dripstone Cliffs. Set about 15 kilometres from Darwin CBD, this striking spot is bound to provide the serenity your holiday demands. Head down the staircase to reach the pristine sands or settle into cool shade amid grassy picnic areas. Nearby, several WWII-era observation posts provide a glimpse of the past.

4. Wave Lagoon

Image: Tourism NT/Peter Eve

Spanning 4,000 square metres, the Wave Lagoon is one of the city’s most popular destinations. Featuring 10 wave patterns, which gradually grow from a meandering ripple to over one metre tall, this fun-loving experience is great for seeing out a hot summer day without fear of crocodiles or stingers. Entry is $8 for visitors aged 15 years and older.

5. Deckchair Cinema

Deckchair Cinema is a thriving sunset picture house dedicated to blockbusters and indie flicks during the dry season. Although you’ll have to stump up $18 for a ticket, it’s not every day you get to watch a big-screen film ‘en plein air’ with sea views to match. Held within Jervois Park, you’ll find a fully stocked kiosk serving hot snacks and cold treats.

6. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is Darwin’s premier arts institution, featuring immersive permanent exhibitions highlighting Indigenous art, climate change in the Top End and Cyclone Tracy’s devastation. From late June, check out Australia's richest art prize, the 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), celebrating contemporary work across painting, sculpture, textiles and more.

7. Parap Village Markets

Open every Saturday at 8am, the Parap Village Markets is the best place to experience the Northern Territory’s tropical flavours. Operating a short trip from the CBD since 1982, the market captures the city’s Southeast Asian history through laksa, pho and fresh fruit and veggies. As you wander from stall to stall, you'll also encounter live music, specialist craft stores and coffee stands.

8. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Image: Tourism NT/Nick Pincott

Just outside the CBD, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens features 42 acres of native and introduced tropical species. With exceptional biodiversity spread between rainforest walks, orchid houses, waterfalls and lily ponds, these landscapes surround playgrounds and a charming cafe. Established over 130 years ago, it’s the perfect place for an adventurous stroll on a scorching day.

9. Charles Darwin National Park

Plunge into nature just outside the city at Charles Darwin National Park. Renowned for its diverse landscapes and WWII-era infrastructure, including a bunker-turned-visitor centre, scenic walking trails and city views encourage visitors to delve deeper into the wilderness. Alongside critical wetlands and mangroves, the park's biodiverse systems support fascinating invertebrates, fish, birds and reptiles.

10. Stokes Hill Wharf

Bordering the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon, the historic Stokes Hill Wharf is a blissful location to admire the city’s coastal ambience. Home to easygoing restaurants and bars, delightful seafood dishes and ice-cold drinks pair superbly with the scenery. The wharf is also a stellar spot to cast a line or people watch as fishing vessels and harbour cruises dock and depart throughout the day.

11. Burnett House

Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Explore architectural history at the Burnett House – a heritage-listed residential property designed by Beni Burnett. Born in Mongolia and working extensively across Asia, Burnett served as the Northern Territory’s principal architect in the 1930s. As one of only two remaining homes of its kind, the Burnett House showcases its creator’s international influences. Entry is $5, with guided tours available for an extra cost.

12. Dudley Point Lookout

Discover sprawling ocean views from Dudley Point Lookout, a stunning vantage point on the edge of East Point. Set a 15-minute drive from the city centre, winding walking trails and lakeside paths provide an incredible setting for dawn or dusk strolls. Nearby, explore WWII history at the Darwin Military Museum for a fee. However, historic military installations built into the cliffs also flank the lookout itself.

13. Howard Springs Nature Park

Cooling off is easy at Howard Springs Nature Park. As the name suggests, this spring-fed haven sees freshwater emerge from a small waterfall to cascade down eight artificial rock pools. Taking advantage of the lush surroundings, wildlife such as turtles and lizards hide in the undergrowth. Plus, playgrounds, BBQ areas and walking trails are ideal for families and solo travellers.

14. Jingili Water Gardens

The Jingili Water Gardens are another thriving green space in the northern suburbs. Set along River Creek or Gurrumbay – meaning ‘elbow’ in the traditional Larrakia language – this sprawling garden features a landscaped lily pond adorned with soaring fountains. There’s also a covered playground, a skate park and even a community orchard lined with citrus and stone fruit trees.

Words: Hudson Brown