Ten Things to Eat, See and Do on a Trip to Darwin

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It may be famous for its snappy inhabitants, but there's more to do in Darwin than simply spot crocs. This warm tropical city is home to a swag of attractions, from its striking sunsets to its authentic Asian eats and relaxed beachside bars. And for those who love the great outdoors, well, there's more nature here than you can poke a stick at. What's more, when exploring a tropical destination like Darwin, it's important to lock down some comfortable accommodation, a place where you can wash off the red dirt and escape the heat and mozzies for a night of solid sleep — and a place that'll give you a nice, warm 'welcome cookie' to make you feel at home. That's why we teamed up with DoubleTree by Hilton to curate this guide. Book a room to set up a home base — with harbour views and an outdoor pool set in lush tropical gardens to boot — then get exploring. Need some recommendations on where to start? Here's our list of the top ten things to do in Australia's Top End.

GO SWIMMING AT BERRY SPRINGS

If Kakadu or Litchfield are too much of a mission, try Berry Springs for a pocket of wilderness just 40 minutes from the city. This lush nature reserve is home to clear swimming holes, mini waterfalls and dense jungle greenery, set to the soundtrack of native bird calls. After a dip in the water, take the looped walking track which will lead you through woodlands and a monsoon forest. You can either bring a picnic with you or try a homemade mango ice cream from the Crazy Acres Kiosk. Come during March and April to enjoy the wildflowers.

TRY THE BARRA AT THE DARWIN SKI CLUB

While technically a watersports clubhouse, this waterside spot attracts the locals for beer drinking and sunset watching more so than the jetski hire. Sure, the furniture is of the plastic garden variety and the bistro looks a bit like a shed, but the views of Darwin harbour are worth a million bucks — and to be able to enjoy it in thongs, well that's priceless. What's more, the food is great too, with plenty of freshly caught options, including the juicy Arafura prawns, beer-battered Threadfin salmon and, of course, the grilled local barra. Come on the right night and you may even be treated to some local live music.

CUDDLE A CROC AT CROCOSAURUS COVE

This popular Darwin attraction is choccas with croccas, and trust us, this is as close as you're going to want to get. Inside, you'll find plenty of impressive specimens, including the perpetually bad-tempered Dirty Harry, the battle-scarred Chopper and confirmed bachelor Burt — who ate his last three girlfriends. But they're not all frightening. Head to the World of Crocs exhibit where you can hold a baby saltie, we promise those big unblinking eyes will steal your heart forever. Or for something a bit more exhilarating, why not give the Cage of Death a go. It makes for a great experience (if you live to tell the tale).

EAT DOUGHNUTS AT RUBY G'S CANTEEN AND BAKERY

Every town has a great bakery and in Darwin this is it. Ruby G's selection includes flaky pastries, such as cherry danishes and lemon meringue cruffins, as well as homemade organic breads. Their specialty is doughnuts, with mouthwatering options such as the pomegranate and rose petal ring and the vanilla glazed doughie with volcanic black salt flakes. And if you don't like wastage, well you better get a container of doughnut holes slathered in dark chocolate, too. Ruby G's is hard to miss, with a bakery in Coconut Grove as well as canteens at the Mindil and Parap markets.

SEE THE SUNSET AT THE MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS

Darwin is famous for their electric sunsets and the best place to drink them in is at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a palm-tree lined strip just two kilometres from town centre. Held during 'the dry', the Mindil Markets showcase the best of local arts and crafts, including indigenous artworks and didgeridoos, fashion, jewellery and handwoven rugs. Want a model plane made out of a Jim Beam can? Well, you can find those here, too. There's also plenty of delicious street eats, from Indonesian satays to Greek souvlaki — and croc burgers for the curious (may as well get in first). Once you've made your selection, take your parcel of food to the sand for a relaxed evening spent sky-gazing.

FEAST AT LOCAL FAVOURITE HANUMAN

Ask any Territorian for a restaurant recommendation, and they'll be sure to tell you Hanuman. Named after the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman is a shrine to Indian, Thai and Nonya cuisines. The bright, tropical curries are their specialty with options such as the Mean Moolie made from freshly caught barra simmered with coconut milk, curry leaf and turmeric and their red duck curry with sweet local pineapple. If you can, nab a table on the front deck, which is kept pleasantly cool by an army of fans.

CATCH A FILM AT THE DECKCHAIR CINEMA

Darwin's balmy evenings are perfect for an outdoor movie, especially one with cosy deckchairs. Organised by the Darwin Film Society, the Deckchair Cinema screens a diverse program of films, with a number of local, indie and foreign options not usually shown elsewhere. Come early, not just to save a seat, but also for dinner — local restaurants (including Hanuman) cater from 6pm, before the film starts at 7.30pm. Plus, it's fully licensed with beers and wines available from the kiosk.

EXPLORE THE GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS

You don't have to wade into croc-infested waters to take in the unique flora and fauna of the region. Hop on a bike and make the short cycle to the stunning George Brown Botanic Gardens, just two kilometres from the city centre. Located on an impressive 42-hectare site, the 130-year-old gardens feature various ecosystems, including mangroves, woodlands and a monsoon forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident rufous owls.

BRUSH UP ON HISTORY AT THE DARWIN MILITARY MUSEUM

You may not be a guns and tanks-type person, but history buffs will be fascinated by this comprehensive military museum documenting Darwin's involvement in WWII. Built around original concrete bunkers and an intelligence command centre, the museum contains wartime artefacts, military vehicles and artillery, as well as firsthand accounts and original footage of the infamous Darwin bombings. Don't miss their permanent exhibition, the Defence of Darwin, that uses state-of-the-art immersive displays to recreate that fateful day.

ADMIRE INDIGENOUS ART AT THE MAGNT

The Top End is responsible for some amazing indigenous artworks, many of which can be admired at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). Both contemporary and traditional indigenous artists are represented in this ever-changing gallery, with celebrated works by Jukuja Dolly Snell and Emily Kame Kngwarreye often making an appearance. Other permanent collections include the Cyclone Tracey exhibit, which lets you listen to the screeching winds in a sound booth, plus there's a stuffed five-metre croc called Sweetheart who was the local troublemaker in the 70s.

Explore some of the very best things around Darwin, and when you need a place to refresh, find your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton.