Free Attractions Guide - Darwin, Northern Territory

1. Darwin Wharf Precinct

The Darwin Wharf Precinct is a bustling, multi-use waterside area where commercial and public activities intermingle. The wharf plays host to visiting cruise ships and naval vessels and is also home to shops, a restaurant, alfresco eateries open from 11am to 3 pm and then from 5 pm to 9 pm daily (with live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday evenings), a function centre, pearling and marine exhibitions and historic WWII sites.

There are historic walking trails around Stokes Hill Wharf to stroll along. A 'Survivors lookout', the WWII tunnels (an organised tour), steam pump house and helicopter flights.

+61 8 8981 4268 Off Stokes Hill Road, Darwin Wharf, Darwin

2. Fannie Bay

This walk stretches all the way from Fannie Bay to East Point following the coast the entire way. There is a mangrove walking track that winds its way through a spectacular mangrove forest. One of the most picturesque walk and bike paths around Darwin. Location: East Point Rd Fannie Bay

East Point Rd, Fannie Bay

3. Fannie Bay Gaol

Fannie Bay Gaol is rich in social history and one of the Territory's most important heritage sites. Fannie Bay Gaol operated as Her Majesty's Gaol and Labour Prison in Darwin from 20 September 1883 until 1 September 1979. The original building comprises Blocks A and B containing sixteen stone cells, and a kitchen and a wash house. The Infirmary was added in 1887 and contains the gallows installed for the last executions held in the Territory in 1952. A separate cell block for female prisoners was added in 1928, and a watch tower, "native section" for Aboriginal prisoners, kitchen mess building, remand section and two maximum security wings were added during the 1950s.

+61 8 8941 2260 East Point Road, Fannie Bay

4. George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens

The Darwin Botanic Gardens are more than just beautiful gardens. They provide an avenue into the plant world for our enjoyment, scientific research, conservation and education. The Gardens and Herbarium are part of a national and international network of Botanic Gardens that encourage the exchange of information, plant material and training. These Gardens have strong links with Aboriginal and South East Asian communities.

+61 8 8981 1958 Geranium Street, Darwin

5. Holmes Jungle Nature Park

Holmes Jungle Nature Park protects one of the few remaining areas of monsoon forest in the Darwin area. View a large numbers of birds, mammals and reptiles in the monsoon forest. There is a lookout, walking and cycling path, horse riding, and European history to learn about. Located off Vanderlin drive to the Shoal Bay Recycling Centre and then enter the Park through the second gate on your right, signs show the way.

Vanderlin Drive, Darwin

6. Mindil Beach Sunset Market

The Markets are renowned for the magnificent sunset over Mindil Beach and the relaxed, stunning tropical setting. Visitors can experience this in a vibrant, friendly and stimulating environment. On any given Thursday & Sunday from 4-5pm, throughout the dry season (May-October), market patrons can enjoy the tastes of five continents, with over 1200 different menu items, and an extensive array of handmade craft including crocodile products, indigenous art and jewellery. Every week a variety of live entertainment is offered including live bands, street performers, cultural dance, acrobatics and fire shows.

+61 8 8981 3454 Mindil Beach, Darwin

7. Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)

Set in a tropical garden on Darwin Harbour at Bullocky Point is the Northern Territory's premier cultural institution - the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). The MAGNT collections place the region's art, history and culture, and natural history in an Australian and international context through research, interpretation and collection development.

These collections encompass Aboriginal art and material culture, visual arts, craft, Southeast Asian and Oceanic art and material culture, maritime archaeology, Northern Territory history and natural sciences. The MAGNT complex consists of five major permanent galleries, a touring gallery, educational facilities for school groups, a theatre, the Museum Shop and the Cornucopia Museum Cafe. All contribute to providing an entertaining, diverse and educational experience for the local community and visitors to Darwin.

+61 8 8999 8264 Conacher Street, Bullocky Point, Fannie Bay

8. Rapid Creek Water Gardens

Surrounded by beautiful water gardens and fountains, this park has the most picturesque walk & cycle paths around. There is a huge shaded playground, barbeques, shaded picnic table areas, drinking fountains & toilet facilities. Very close to the Sunday Rapid Creed Markets. Located off Trower Rd turning onto Freshwater Rd, Jingili

Freshwater Road, Jingili

9. The Esplanade, Bicentennial Park

A beautiful area with plenty of shade and area for the kids to run around, there are no BBQ Facilities but is still a picturesque place for a picnic with lovely sea breezes. There is also a walk and bike path with interesting displays of Darwin history splashed along the path. The area also has a WW2 memorial. Located in the city of Darwin itself, head south-east from the city centre in your campervan hire. The park stretches along the harbour.

The Esplanade, Darwin