Your ultimate guide to Darwin and Tiwi Islands

Experience a melting pot of people, culture and wildlife at Darwin and Tiwi Islands, a distinct sanctuary in the far north.

Destinations Northern TerritoryYour ultimate guide to Darwin and Tiwi Islands

Asian-influenced food, vibrant outdoor markets, numerous adventure activities and the largest number of crocodiles in the world await discovery for those planning a Northern Territory holiday. If you’re seeking a destination with a difference, the Northern Territory capital of Darwin is one on your bucket list.

Best things to do in Darwin

Stunning gorges, waterfalls and billabongs are must-see Darwin attractions awaiting discovery in Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park and Katherine Gorge. Welcome to Darwin and Tiwi Islands, where untouched nature, azure waters and strong cultural influence come together in an unparalleled experience.

Explore Cullen Bay Marina

Overlook the marina or enjoy an iconic Darwin sunset at Cullen Bay

Dine at one of the many popular restaurants or cafes in the Cullen Bay Marina. This is a favourite spot for holidaymakers and locals alike, with a variety of sensational cuisines including Greek, Italian, Asian, and amazing local seafood. Head to Lola’s Pergola on the marina to enjoy dinner and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere; enjoy vegan delicacies at Ebb & Flow; or indulge in Syrian fare at Damasquino.

Discover Darwin's Famous Markets

Mindil Beach Sunset Market is home to over 200 unique stalls

For shopping, fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, exotic food stalls and entertainment explore Darwin’s markets. There’s plenty of choice between Rapid Creek Markets, Nightcliff Markets, or Mindil Beach Sunset Market where the fun starts as the sun goes down.

Get up close to a crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove

Darwin crocodiles experience — Jump in the Cage of Death to experience Australia's only crocodile dive

Interactive wildlife centres dedicated to fearsome crocodiles are another popular Darwin tourist attraction, providing a chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close. When planning your Darwin family holiday, be sure to include a visit to Crocosaurus Cove for a chance to feed - or even swim - with the crocs!

Go fishing on Mandorah Jetty

The Mandorah Jetty is a great place to throw a line in. Image credit: Sue Chaplin

Just a short SeaLink ferry ride from Darwin, Mandorah Jetty offers an exceptional fishing experience, with opportunities to catch barramundi, queenfish, and trevally. Whether you're an experienced angler or a casual fisher, the jetty’s deep waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot to cast a line.

Stroll along Wagait Beach

Wagait Beach is also home to remnants of World War II history

Wagait Beach is a peaceful coastal retreat just a short ferry ride from Darwin. It offers a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere and is a popular spot for fishing, beachcombing, and simply enjoying the tropical scenery. Be croc-wise as crocodiles can be found near Wagait Beach.

Best things to do in Tiwi Islands

Head across the Beagle Gulf and visit Tiwi Islands, where you’ll be immersed in the Tiwi Islands Aboriginal culture. Known as ‘the island of smiles’, the happy Tiwi Islands people are internationally renowned for their individual style of art.

Learn about Tiwi Islands art and culture

Tiwi Islands are home to art centres such as Tiwi Design, Jilmara and Manupi Arts and Crafts.

Tiwi Islands Aboriginal art is prized by collectors and has been exhibited around the world. Their history and traditional stories are vividly expressed through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, screen-printed fabrics, etchings, prints and jewellery.

The best way to learn about the island of smiles is on a Tiwi By Design Tour. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll learn about island life, tour the historic mission precinct and create traditional art with local artists.

Tiwi By Design
A highly personalised cultural experience, ‘Tiwi By Design’ is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the busy day of one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia.

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Watch the Tiwi Island football

Many players elect to play barefoot and the game is fast and skillful.

Tiwi football is legendary in AFL circles; the Tiwi Islands has produced three Norm Smith Medallists — the highest accolade in the AFL. Catch a game or attend the famous Tiwi Islands Grand Final which draws huge crowds from all over Australia.

Go fishing on Tiwi Islands

Tiwi Islands offer a diverse fishing experience

The Tiwi Islands are made up of the Melville and Bathurst islands and a few other smaller islands. While fishing in Tiwi Islands, one must be respectful towards the traditional owners and custodians of the region. In terms of permits, you don’t need permission to fish intertidal waters around the southern and eastern regions of Melville and Bathurst Islands, however, you must not fish on the west coast of Bathurst Island.

How to get to Tiwi Islands

Situated around 80kms north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands comprises of two main islands – Bathurst and Melville. SeaLink Northern Territory operates a passenger ferry between Darwin and Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, which takes about 2.5 hours each way.

Ferry from Darwin to Tiwi Islands
Travel in air-conditioned comfort on SeaLink NT's state-of-the-art high-speed catamarans between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands.

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Best time to visit Tiwi Islands

The weather in Northern Territory is warm all year round with the seasons described as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. If you’re looking for a tropical break, clear skies and warm days, the dry season between April and October is perfect. It’s also the popular tourist season when people from other parts of Australia visit Northern Territory to escape the harsh winters on the south and east coast.

Looking to explore more of Australia's beautiful island destinations? Here are the 8 best islands to visit in Australia.