It’s Australia! It needs no introduction. The country has everything to satiate your wanderlust. When it comes to Australian tourism, Darwin isn’t the first of the names that come to mind.
However, that doesn’t define the beauty and charm of this exquisite Australian city. Also known as the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia, Darwin is bathed in tropical heat.
This only tropical city in Australia is also the gateway to the Top End. Hence, you can expect plenty of water attractions, rich history, and modern landscapes. Not only this, the city also infuses cultures and has a cosmopolitan feel to it despite being remotely located on the verge of the Aussie Outback.
Planning a 7-day trip in Darwin is certainly a great deal if you do not want to miss out on anything. With that being said, let’s create an ultimate Darwin itinerary for your 7 days vacation in this beaut part of Australia.
No time to read now? No problem, save a pin to your Pinterest board for later!
The Ultimate Darwin Itinerary – 7 Days in Darwin
- Where to Stay in Darwin
Day 1
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- The Museum and Art Gallery
- Military Museum
- Stakes Hill Wharf
Day 2
- Nightcliff Jetty
- Litchfield National Park
- A Hike at Litchfield
Day 3
- WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
- Aquascene
- Crocosauras Cave
- Cruise at Sunset
Day 4
- Tiwi Islands
- Experience Tiwi Art
Day 5
- Breakfast With a View at Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Wave Lagoon
- Leisure Time
Day 6
- Berry Springs Nature Park
- Territory Wildlife Park
Day 7
- Kakadu National Park
- Yellow Water Cruise
- Enjoy the Wildlife at Mitchell Street
- Before you leave for Darwin
Day 1:
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
The first stop on your Darwin tour should be all about nature. Hence, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens it is. The garden sprawls over a huge 42 hectares of area and is amongst those few places in the world where estuary and marine plants grow naturally. Established in 1891, this place holds a variety of tropical plants, both exotic and native species.
The Museum and Art Gallery
The Museum and Art Gallery (MAGNT) features different galleries that showcase interesting exhibitions all round the year. It is unlike other museums and is ideal for visiting people of all ages, including kids. Along with displaying Aboriginal art, the place features different interactive galleries to keep visitors engaged.
Military Museum
This is a place for all the history buffs as it takes you back to wartime. The museum talks about what the city of Darwin went through in WWII. For that, there are exhibits and multimedia presentations.
The key exhibits here are wartime vehicles, artillery pieces, firearms, and even uniforms. If you want to know more about the war history in Darwin, we recommend you to visit Stokes Hill Wharf. Here, you will find the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, where you can learn about the bombing of Darwin through a virtual experience.
Stokes Hill Wharf
Sum up the day by visiting the very famous tourist site of Stokes Hill Wharf, situated within the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. It is also a popular spot amongst locals. You can also admire the view of giant cruise ships docked at the terminal.
There are also plenty of retail shops, restaurants, and eateries. Finish your day with a scrumptious dinner at one of the restaurants while enjoying the sublime Top End sunset view.
Day 2:
Nightcliff Jetty
One of the low-profile yet serene places in Darwin, Nightcliff Jetty extends into the sea and boasts a perfect setting. This tourist site comes with a beautiful combination of serene ambience, soothing sea breeze, and picturesque views.
However, there is much more to it! Nightcliff Jetty is also a popular local hangout with a takeaway van and picnic tables and is dotted with a lush green park. There is also a walking and bicycle path along the coastline, which is also loved by tourists.
Litchfield National Park
After spending some quality time at Nightlife Jetty, it’s time to undergo an hour and thirty minutes drive to Litchfield National Park. The park is located outside Darwin, and you can explore it on your own by car.
However, if you don’t prefer self-drive wildlife exploration, you can also go for a guided tour with Aboriginal cultural experiences. The park is home to beautiful waterfalls cascading into the small pools along with bushwalks and waterholes. You can also take a dip into the crystal-clear water.
A Hike at Litchfield
If you have time after exploring Litchfield National Park, you can also go for a hike for some much-needed adventure. There are many bushwalks at Litchfield. However, a prominent one stretches over to a 3.5 km walk that goes alongside Walker Creek.
Not only this, there is also a 39 km Tabletop Track that goes all the way to hidden waterfalls for pro trekkers. It is important to note that you need to register with Park before indulging in this long trek. However, before planning the trek, make sure you check the info on whether it is operational or not.
Day 3:
WWII Oil Storage Tunnels
Situated on Kitchener Drive, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels is another historical tourist site that talks about the war history in Darwin, Australia. It was built by the Civil Construction Corps with the aim to safeguard Darwin’s oil supplies from the Japanese.
Serving as an underground museum, here, you can learn about how these tunnels played a crucial role in protecting the oil supplies. Not only this, the tunnels also display a rich collection of photographs from wartime. From May to October, the tunnels remain operational from 9 am to 4 pm. From October onwards, it operates from 9 am to 1 pm.
Aquascene
Get ready for a unique, fun experience of feeding fish in the ocean at Aquascene. The place is located in the downtown of the city, some 3 km from WWII Oil Storage Tunnels. This is the place where tourists and locals visit to feed fish.
Since the place is popular for feeding fish, you can expect to see hundreds of them visit the shore at high tide. This has been an important ritual in the region for more than 50 years.
Crocosauras Cave
Another amazing thing to do on your Darwin 7 days itinerary is the cage of the death experience at Crocosauras Cave. At this amazing tourist site, you will once in a lifetime opportunity to discover the world of crocodiles.
The place hosts 9 interactive shows on a daily basis that together give you an insight into the rich wildlife of Australia. Here, you can perform plenty of daring activities, including a Big Croc Feed Show, Meet the Reptiles show, Cuddle a Snake or Lizard, and even feed a young crocodile.
Cruise at Sunset
End your day 3 with a surreal sunset cruising experience. Head back to Stokes Hill Wharf and board a cruise on catamaran or historic pearling lugger. This 45 minutes cruising tour gives you an opportunity to enjoy an amazing dinner with the beautiful backdrop of the sunset.
Day 4:
Tiwi Islands
Also touted as the “Islands of Smiles”, the Tiwi Islands is a perfect day trip on your one-week in Darwin itinerary. From Darwin, it is a 2.5 hours ferry ride to Tiwi Islands. This place is all about amazing hospitality, beautiful art, verdant rainforests, and stunning beaches.
At Tiwi Islands, you can expect to indulge in unique indigenous culture along with the stunning beauty and the sublime charm of this place. The islands are also a designated Aboriginal Reserve. Hence, the best way to explore them is through an island tour from Darwin, which allows you to be a part of dance performances, traditional songs, and art workshops like painting, screen-printing, and carving.
Experience Tiwi Art
Tiwi Islands is a paradise for art lovers. While you are here, stop at one of those art centres where you can explore the local art. You can also shop for the local art and craft. On the tour, make sure you visit Tiwi Museum, where you’ll find the Tiwi creation stories. Also, visit the Catholic Church, which boasts a beautiful Tiwi-style design.
Day 5:
Breakfast With a View at Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Darwin Waterfront Precinct is one of the busiest and most popular places to explore in Darwin. This place buzzes day and night as it is open 24 hours. So, be ready to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with a spectacular view.
The place is dotted with high-end restaurants, laid-back cafes, and bars. So, there is something for every type of foodie. We recommend you to research before picking the one choice for your delicious breakfast, which is apparently an easy task.
Wave Lagoon
Wave Lagoon is located at Darwin Waterfront Precinct. So, enjoy your breakfast at ease as the next location is right next to you. Wave Lagoon is a good hygienic pool ideal for taking a dip and beating the heat.
If you’re on a trip with your kids, this is the place they’ll surely love on this one week in Darwin itinerary as it is ideal for children. Along with that, you’ll also have the option to bask on the white sand beach, which is man-made. This is one such place where you can easily spend 6-7 hours.
Leisure Time
After being in the pool for so long and enjoying the best time, your body requires some rest. However, if you still have some energy left, go on a leisure activity. Take a stroll around the streets or Darwin, or just rest in your hotel room – it’s your choice!
Day 6:
Berry Springs Nature Park
Some 50 km from downtown of the city, there is Berry Springs Nature Park. It is a famous spot for swimming and picnicking. The park is dotted with different pools and even has a small waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool.
Not only this, Berry Springs Nature Park also boasts lush greenery. The nature park is free of cost, and hence, it makes for a perfect location to spend a few hours in Darwin.
Territory Wildlife Park
Located near Berry Springs Nature Park is your next stopover – Territory Wildlife Park. The park gives you the opportunity to enjoy an up-close encounter with flora and fauna of the Top End.
You can wander around a natural lagoon through treetop aviaries and also through an aquarium to capture the sight of wild species. However, make sure to check the timings and other details before planning a visit to Territory Wildlife Park.
Day 7:
Kakadu National Park
An hour and a half drive away from Darwin, Kakadu National Park is the place where you will get to experience the oldest living culture on earth. This popular tourist site beautifully depicts the beauty of Australia.
For a fact, it is the biggest national park in Australia, and hence, indeed, a must-visit one. Sprawling over 20000 sq km of area, Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
One of the key highlights of the place is the breathtaking horizons that you can capture from the top of the Kakadu escarpment. The lush green rainforests, beautiful lagoons, rocky gorges, and the world’s oldest Aboriginal rock art are a few more talking points of Kakadu National Park.
Yellow Water Cruise
After you’re done admiring the stunning magnificence of Kakadu National Park, it’s time to indulge in an ultimate cruising experience. Yellow Water Cruise is one of the best cruising experiences in Australian tourism.
The tour operates year-round and offers you two options – a 90-minute cruise and a 120-minute cruise. It takes you through the heart of Kakadu through the wetlands of the region.
This indigenous-owned yellow water cruise tour takes you through the rich wildlife, dramatic scenery, and rugged landscape of the renowned Yellow Water Billabong.
Not only this, the water cruise tour also gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to indulge in a birdwatching experience where you can capture Australia’s bird species represented in Kakadu. There are at least 60 species in the region, and hence, expect to capture some rare birds on the tour.
Enjoy the Nightlife at Mitchell Street
Now, it’s time to bid adieu to Darwin in style. So, your last night should be all about the nightlife. There are many bars and pubs in the city where you can have the best of your time while exploring the nightlife of Darwin.
Mitchell Street is one prominent location that is a hideout for people who want to explore the nightlife of Darwin. From pubs and nightclubs to beer gardens to terrace bars to live music venues to street-side dining, there is almost everything Darwin has in its fold to give you an amazing time.
Before You Leave for Darwin
Before you set off on your way to Darwin, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Darwin
Easily reach Darwin, Australia by flying into the city’s international airport, driving through picturesque routes from nearby cities, or taking a scenic train or bus journey to experience the tropical beauty of the Northern Territory.
Where to Stay in Darwin
Please enter your desired location and dates in the search box below to find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Darwin
Ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Darwin by packing essentials such as lightweight and breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the city’s tropical climate.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around here, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Australia
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your Ultimate Darwin Itinerary. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning an Australia trip soon then check out our other Australia content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- The Best Things to Do in Brisbane – A Complete Guide to Visiting Brisbane
- A Complete Guide to Visiting Tasmania – Don’t Miss this on your Australian Trip!
- The Best 7-Day Road Trip in South Australia – Plan Your 7 Day South Australia Itinerary here!
This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. For more information read our Affiliate page.
Pin it for later!
