The Best Things To Do in Darwin with Kids

Located in the Northern Territory, Darwin offers a plethora of places and curiosities to explore. In fact, there are so many things to do in Darwin with kids to keep you busy for a few days or a few weeks (or more!). A trip here will have you exploring some of the best things the Top End has to offer.

I spent most of my formative years growing up in the Northern Territory after we relocated from Tasmania. The contrast couldn’t have been any greater. I recall long days around the pool and laughter. My brother and I would collect cicada shells from the trees and suck the honey sacs from the bottoms of green ants. 

Ask my mum what Darwin was like back in the 80s when my family lived there and she’ll be quick to retort “beer and BBQs”. I was hoping Darwin had evolved a little since my childhood, whilst maintaining many of the attributes that I had loved during my own childhood (except box jellyfish – I was happy for them to disappear). We visited to uncover the best things to do in Darwin.

Exploring all the Things to Do in Darwin with Kids

Ignore my mum, Darwin is a vibrant, happening city. Whilst comparatively small, it offers amazing dining experiences, wonderful accommodation options, and both natural and developed attractions that will fill every one of your days if you so wish.

When creating our itinerary I was super keen to visit some of the attractions that had delighted me as a child. To help you on your travels we have rounded up our top things to do in Darwin with Kids.

The Best Places to Visit in Darwin

Aquascene

At the top of my Darwin bucket list was a visit to Aquascene in Doctors Gully. My mum often took us here after school while we waited for dad to finish work. I knew my kids would love it and they did. 

So what is Aquascene exactly? Aquascene is a fish-feeding sanctuary where the whole family can hand-feed a range of wild fish. The waters of Doctors Gully have been declared an official marine sanctuary, so the waters are clear and the fish are plentiful. 

When you arrive, you will note feeding platforms in the water. You can choose whether to wade into the water and feed the fish, or stay on dry land and put your hands in the water. 

The bread seems to keep appearing so you can continue feeding the fish for the entire length of your visit. Awesome fun (and the fish don’t bite).

• Where: 28 Doctors Gully Road, Darwin, Northern Territory 
• Hours: dependent on tides. Check here. 
• Cost: Families (2 Adults plus 2 or 3 Children aged between 3-15): $43.00 
• Website: www.aquascene.com.au
• Read about our trip to Aquascene.

Darwin Military Museum

During WWII, Darwin was a hive of military activity which peaked when it was bombed by the Japanese. Scattered around Darwin are a number of military remnants from this time. 

We found the Military Museum most fascinating, walking away with a much richer understanding of Australia during this historic period.

The Darwin Military Museum was the first museum in the city and was founded in the mid-1960s by Lieutenant Colonel Jack Haydon and members of the Northern Territory branch of the Royal Australian Artillery Association (RAAA). 

Housed in the original concrete command post bunker, used by the army to command the two 9.2” guns nearby, you are now able to explore the space which features a fascinating array of weapons, photographs and equipment used by the fighting men and women of the day. It is also fully air-conditioned. 

Make sure you check out the incredible Defence of Darwin Experience when you visit. 

• Where: LOT 5434 Alec Fong Lim Dr, East Point NT 0820
• Hours: Open 7 days per week | Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.00 pm | Sunday and public holidays 10.00am – 3.00 pm
• Cost: Family Pass  $45.00
• Website: www.darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au
• Read about our trip to the Darwin Military Museum

Darwin WWII Tunnels 

The Darwin Underground Oil Storage Tunnels were constructed following the Japanese air raids of Darwin on 19 February, 16 March, and 16 June 1942 where 7 of the 11 above storage oil storage tanks on Stokes Hill Wharf were destroyed. 

This secret endevour saw  400 Civil Constructional Corps labourers set about digging the tunnels with mere picks, shovels, and hand-held pneumatic tools. It is said that the conditions of the build were quite unbearable with the humidity reaching 90% and the temperature hovering around 32°C. In the end, they never held oil.

Today you can visit and explore the underground tunnels. The tunnels interior are horseshoe-shaped in cross-section, concrete formed and steel lined. The concrete shell is 635 mm thick at top and 533 mm thick at the side walls.

• Where: Darwin Waterfront, Kitchener Dr, Darwin NT 0800
• Hours: Opening hours are 7 days a week | May to September 9.00am – 4.00pm | October to April 9.00am – 1.00pm | Closed 7-25th December
• Cost: Adult $8.50 | Child (4 – 16 years) $5.50
• Website: www.ww2tunnelsdarwin.com.au

Get Up Close to a Crocodile!

A trip to the Northern Territory isn’t complete until you’ve held a crocodile in your hands. Both Crocodylus Park and Crocosaurus Cove will provide you with the opportunity to do just this in a safe environment (please don’t try to do this in the wild!).

Crocodylus Park 

In 1994, Professor Grahame Webb (one of Australia’s world-known zoologists) opened Crocodylus Park which has become the largest crocodile and wildlife attraction in the Northern Territory.

The park has been built on the premise of providing visitors with an educational experience. The park is a space for academic research and has contributed to over 200 academic publications. 

Crocodylus Park is a mere 15 minutes from Darwin and is a space where you can see both exotic and native wildlife! Visitors can also enjoy a jumping crocodile cruise.

• Where: 815 McMillans Rd, Berrimah NT 0828
• Hours: The Park is open 9.00am to 3.00pm every day, except for Christmas day.
• Cost: 2 adults and 2 children $120.00 | 1 adult and 4 children $120.00
• Website: www.crocosauruscove.com
• Read about our trip to Crocodylus Park.

Crocosaurus Cove

Boasting the World’s largest display of Australian reptiles, Crocosaurus Cove is right in Darwin city and is the place to head if you think you want to actually experience swimming with crocodiles. 

Crocosaurus Cove features a 200,000-litre freshwater aquarium filled with barramundi, archer fish and whip rays; a billabong full of turtles; and a croc platform where you can fish for them. 

• Where: 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800
• Hours: Open Daily 9.00am – 6.00pm (last entry 5pm)
• Cost: Family tickets from $80.00 | Cage of Death from $180.00
• Website: www.crocosauruscove.com

Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory (MAGNT)

I couldn’t wait to revisit the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory on our trip to Darwin. It was one of my must-do things to do in Darwin with kids due, possibly due to nostalgia. 

It was here that I spent countless hours admiring Sweetheart when I was a kid. She’s Darwin’s answer to Melbourne Museum’s Phar Lap exhibit. He is a super-sized 5-metre plus crocodile that was caught around 40 or so years ago. You can even see the contents of his stomach when he died (44 gallon drum anyone?). Whilst the kids found him fascinating they were most impressed with the cyclone simulator.

MAGNT Darwin overlooks Fannie Bay and presents a dynamic program of internally-developed exhibitions, carefully curated from the collection, and the best travelling exhibitions from around Australia. 

For those visiting with kids, the Discovery Centre is the place to head but you will need to book ahead! 

• Where: 19 Conacher St, The Gardens NT 0820
• Hours: Open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm | Discovery Centre Open Monday – Friday
• Cost: FREE entry
• Website: www.magnt.net.au

Mindil Beach Sunset Market 

If you love exploring markets and sampling a wide range of food, you are certain to enjoy Mindil Markets. It has to be one of the most vibrant of things to do in Darwin with kids. 

Famous for overlooking the Arafura Sea evening sunset and for its diverse cuisines, the Mindil Beach Market didn’t exist when I was a kid and is a welcomed addition to Darwin’s attractions contributing more than $15 million to Territory’s economy every year. It is crowded, I think the entire tourist population flocks to the every Thursday and Sunday, but it is an experience not to be missed.

• Where: Nestled between the Sky City Casino and Botanic Gardens it’s an easy walk via Smith or McMinn streets at either end of the city.
• Hours: operates between the last Thursday in April and the last Thursday in October. 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. 
• Cost: FREE. Free parking is available via Gilruth Drive
• Website: www.mindil.com.au

Leanyer Recreation Park

It’s rare to find a FREE attraction these days that the whole family will enjoy. Leanyer Recreation Park is a water park owned by the NT Government facility and proudly managed by YMCA. 

With three giant water slides, pools, a shaded play area, a skate park and BBQ facilities just to start, we found it to be a great place to head to break up our travels. 

Did I mention that it is free? During the school holidays, the kids are further treated to clowns, jumping castles, mobile discos and face painting. Hooray! This needs to be added to your things to do in Darwin with kids list. 

• Where: 215 Vanderlin Dr, Leanyer NT 0812
• Hours: Wednesday to Friday 2.00pm to 6.00pm | Saturday to Sunday 11.00am to 6.00pm | School holidays and public holidays 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Cost: FREE entry
• Website: Leanyer Recreation Park

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Established over 130 years ago, I loved running through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens when I was a kid. They had the most amazing spaceship in the playground that you could turn from an internal wheel. Sadly, it isn’t there anymore (or maybe that’s a positive) but there’s so much more to enjoy now.

With 42 hectares to explore you’ll find water fountains, playgrounds and amazing floral displays. You can also enjoy a gorgeous meal from Eva’s Cafe. 

• Where: Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820 
• Hours: 7.00am to 7.00pm daily.
• Cost: FREE
• Website: Darwin Botanic Gardens

The Qantas Hangar

Built in 1934, the Qantas Hangar has survived countless cyclones including Cyclone Tracey and the WWII bombings. 

It has exchanged hands a few times since then and has been utilised by the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club (MVEC) since 1999. In that time they have converted the main hangar into a display area where you can view a wide range of stationary engines and vehicles. 

T found this most interesting and spent a good hour looking around.

• Where: 22 MacDonald St, Parap NT 0820
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm | Saturday 9.00am to midday | Closed Sunday
• Cost: FREE
• Website: 1934 Qantas Hangar

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

When I was little, the beaches in Darwin weren’t always safe to swim in due to Box Jellyfish and crocodiles. I also remember an escaped monkey problem, but that might be a figment of my imagination. 

The addition of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is wonderful offering a Wave Lagoon and a saltwater Recreation Lagoon (which is free!). Its one of the best things to do in Darwin with kids. 

Dotted with cafes and lush parkways, I would consider staying near this area when we return. Divine!

• Where: 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
• Cost: FREE
• Website: www.waterfront.nt.gov.au

Wave Lagoon

Although we have listed Darwin Waterfront Precinct as one of Darwin’s best attractions, the Wave Lagoon really stands alone as one of the things to do in Darwin with kids that you must visit. 

Covering an area of 4,000 square metres and rolling out ten different wave patterns, from gentle swells to waves up to 1.2 metres high, as well as a shallow are for smaller kids, the Wave Lagoon is on of the only public spaces where you can swim without fear of box jelly fish and crocodiles. 

• Where: Darwin Waterfront | 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800
• Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm daily
• Cost: Family (max 2 adults & 3 children) $25
• Website: Darwin Wave Lagoon

Deckchair Cinemas

I couldn’t find the drive-in where I watched ET when it first screened in Darwin, but we did find the Deckchair Cinemas which offers an interesting take on the movie theatre experience. 

With the temperature typically nice and warm throughout the night during the Dry Season, the Deckchair Cinema will see you laying back in your chair watching the sunset over the ocean enjoying popcorn before your movie viewing. 

Do check to see if a family movie is screening before you go!

• Where: Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT 0800
• Hours: The Deckchair Cinema box office is open from 5:45pm to 7pm everyday and 5-10 minutes before the late session on a Friday and Saturday night.
• Cost: Early Session $40.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children, 5-15yrs) | Late Session $25.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children, 5-15yrs) | Children under 5 years are free!
• Website: www.deckchaircinema.com

Berry Springs Nature Park

I love, love, love Berry Springs Nature Park!! It hasn’t changed from my childhood memories and is super family friendly. The water is divine and it has these little fish swimming within it that nibble at your leg and arm hair. It does get a little busy, so pick your time. 

The only thing, make sure the ranger has done a recent croc scan – they pulled one out a week after our visit!

• Where: Berry Springs Nature Reserve, Berry Springs NT 0837
• Hours: The pools may close for swimming during the Wet Season from October to April due to flooding and water quality. The park remains open for picnics.
• Cost: FREE
• Website: Berry Springs Darwin

Magnetic Termite Mounds

You don’t need to go anywhere, in particular, to see a Magnetic Termite Mound as you will most probably spy a few on any of your adventures outside the Darwin metropolis although Litchfield National Park is THE place. 

Reaching over four metres at their peak, each mound is built by termites and aligned north-south. They often feature arches, bridges, nurseries, insulation and more. 

What an architectural marvel! You’ll want to see these.

Nightcliff Jetty

Nightcliff holds so many memories from my childhood. We lived here for a year or so before moving on to Palmerston (when it was first established) and my mum would take us to explore the rock pools after school before we went home. It is an amazing suburb. 

When I returned with my own family, we booked accommodation in this very suburb so I could enjoy a little nostalgia. The Nightcliff Jetty often has food vans waiting for your order and it has plenty of space to enjoy a picnic. Watch out for the Sunday Morning Nightcliff Markets.

Fannie Bay Gaol

Another spot I visited as a child, the Fannie Bay Gaol was Darwin’s main jail right through until 1979. It had served the city for over 100 years and saw its last hanging in 1952. 

It’s free to visit and will take up about an hour or so of your itinerary.

• Where: Corner East Point Rd &, Ross Smith Ave, Fannie Bay NT
• Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday 10.00am – 2.00pm
• Cost: FREE
• Website: Fannie Bay Goal

RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility 

Founded by the Reverend John Flynn, the Royal Flying Doctor Service began its aero medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. A visit to the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility provide you and the kids an opportunity to learn ​​about the history and the activities of the RFDS’s pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day in the Northern Territory. 

Having visited both the Broken Hill Royal Flying Doctors Service centre and Dubbo Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Education Centre we were thrilled to learn about what the RFDS looks like in the Northern Territory. 

• Where: 45 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT  
• Hours: WET SEASON HOURS – OCT 22 TO MARCH 23 9am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) |  Public Holidays 10:00am – 3:00pm (last entry @ 2:00pm) | Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday
• Cost: $70.00 Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)
• Website: www.rfdsdarwin.com.au

Growing Up in Darwin 

I had to include this. Back in the mid 80s I attended Nakara Primary School. I fell from the centre of this dome and broke my wrist. By memory, I was able to direct T back to the school so we could see if it was still there – and it was!!! This is a 30+ year old climbing frame and it’s still totally functional!!

Have you travelled to Darwin? What attractions would you add? Make sure you read about our adventures further afield in the Northern Territory by clicking here. 

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