3 Days in Darwin
Darwin sits basking in the tropical sun at the top of Australia. It’s a unique crossroad of time and cultures and makes a great stop-over when travelling abroad. The Larrakia people are the traditional inhabitants of the Darwin region and continue their eternal connection to country here. They have welcomed many families that have arrived from all over the world. The result is a fusion of cultures that has Darwin boasting a multicultural paradise with very unique experiences.
Day One:
A great way to get a feel for Darwin is at one of the local markets. Parap Markets operates on Saturdays. Arrive early to enjoy an exotic tropical breakfast. On offer you’ll find flavours from all around the world, all grown locally. Choose from fresh fruit juice and smoothies, freshly ground coffee, pancakes, salads, curries, fruit salad, satay and of course Laksa. Darwin locals love their Laksa and many say you won’t find a better Laksa anywhere in the world. Of course, all the usual delights are on offer including vegan options.
Enjoy your meal while you watch the passing parade of shoppers. Be entertained by the soothing sounds of a local musician. Afterwards explore the brightly coloured corridors of goods for sale. On display you'll find hand-crafted jewellery, pottery and carvings. Colourful art hangs next to cool tropical clothing and leather crafts. Pick up a souvenir or something special for yourself. 
When the heat builds up seek out the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Australia. There is something of interest for everyone at the museum and visiting exhibitions keep the collection fresh. Lose yourself among the many artifacts, specimens and works of art.
The shady verandah of the museum café is a great place to take a break or enjoy some lunch. Feast on Thai coconut prawns, steak or wild-caught barramundi. Just beyond the tropical garden Darwin Harbour glistens in the sunlight. Small boats flit back and forth as relays of fisherman come and go searching for that secret spot.
Walk off lunch with a stroll to Tactile Art Gallery situated beside the Museum. Beautifully displayed, the Tactile Arts Gallery showcases contemporary art and crafts created by talented locals. Here artistic styles and techniques have been applied to all forms of expression, including glass and jewellery, ceramics, pottery, textiles and print. This is a great spot to pick up a truly unique gift.
Retail therapy can be hard work so take a break across the road at the Ski Club. The Ski Club is a must visit Darwin icon. Quaint and picturesque the small hut-style bar is shaded by huge mahoganies with incredible views across the harbour. So close to the harbour that on spring tides you might get wet. Enjoy a cold drink here and just chill out in the cool sea breeze until the sun paints the evening sky in Darwin’s glorious tropical style.
Returning to your accommodation is quick and easy. Nothing is very far away in Darwin. Catch a ride on an e-scooter, taxi or your favourite rideshare service. When you’re ready head out in the city to explore the many exquisite meal options. You will be amazed by the diversity of food available in the city centre. Darwin’s multicultural community serves up a mouth-watering feast of flavours throughout the year inspired by fresh local produce. The variety includes tapas, juicy char-grilled steak and a 7-course degustation. Indulge yourself because after the meal you’ll be able to burn off those calories at one of Darwin’s clubs or bars. Options include everything from beer gardens and backpacker joints to posh cocktail bars and dance clubs.
Day Two:
Start your day with a stroll along one of Darwin’s many coastal paths. Take in the tropics and be one with the natural environment. Look for crimson finches among the pandanus that line the turquoise waters. Grab a coffee and some breakfast at one of the Street Food vendors then kick back in a beanbag and just gaze out to sea. You might catch a glimpse of dugong or manta ray that are common in these waters.
Nearby Lake Alexander is safe, calm and warm as a bath, the perfect spot to try out a stand-up paddle board or just have a swim. Roll out a towel on the lush green grass and drift off under a shade tree. Kingfishers reside in these trees and occasionally bomb the water in search of food. 
Just a short walk up the beach path is an area scattered with WWII gun emplacements, towers and munitions bunkers. These structures are a reminder of the Bombing of Darwin when the town was attacked by Japanese aircraft during WWII. A visit to the Darwin Military Museum showcases artefacts, old movies and displays presented in air-conditioned comfort and is definitely worth a look.
The Darwin Waterfront is a great spot to enjoy a meal, have a swim and relax in the shade. Lunch options include everything from counter meals to Asian fusion and seafood. Dine-in or grab a takeaway and settle down by the water’s edge and just relax. For those a little more motivated take on the wave pool, the 3x3 basketball court or join in a game of beach volleyball. There are plenty of bars about should you get thirsty.
Stokes Hill Wharf is a just a short stroll from the Darwin Waterfront and is another great place to enjoy a meal or beverage. It is also a centre of activity with boats departing for harbour cruises, fishing charters and sightseeing adventures. A harbour cruise is a great way to see Darwin. Choose a sailboat or motorboat to cruise the calm waters of the harbour as Darwin’s famous tropical sunset puts on another show.
Day Three:
Darwin is a major base for First Nation Art and there are many galleries located in the City Centre. Stroll from store to store to find sculptures, weavings and beautiful oil paintings that celebrate an ancient culture and share stories of the Dreamtime.
Bordering the city centre is Bicentennial Park. Situated on top of the low coastal cliffs Bicentennial Park offers inspiring views across Darwin Harbour. A shady path meanders through the Park for over one kilometre and is a delightful place for a stroll. Dotted amongst the trees you’ll find many interesting and engaging things. A viewing platform, perched out over the cliff, offers uninterrupted views of the harbour. Further along the Park you’ll hear the sounds of children enjoying themselves at the playground. Nearby a ships cannon commemorates the USS Peary that was bombed and sunk during WWII.
At one end of Bicentennial Park is Aquascene, a fish feeding sanctuary where 1000’s of wild fish and rays call in to feast on stale bread. It’s a fun spot to get up close and personal with our scaly friends. 
At the other end of Bicentennial Park is the Deckchair Cinema. Nestled upon the shore of Darwin Harbour and fringed by remnant rainforest the Deckchair Cinema is the most amazing venue to experience an outdoor movie.
Finish your day at one of the clubs lining the shore of Fannie Bay. These relaxing and laid-back venues all enjoy million-dollar views that are free for you to enjoy. Dress up or dress casual it doesn’t matter in Darwin. Chat to the locals while you enjoy a refreshing beverage and the cool sea breeze as the sun sets over the harbour.