Best Museums in Darwin

"One of the best museums in Darwin is the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility, which you’ll find at the end of the wharf at the Darwin Waterfront. This centre uses new technology like virtual reality and life-size holograms to tell two iconic stories about the Top End. The first is about the Royal Flying Doctor Service, including how it was established and the important work that it does in remote areas of the Northern Territory."

"The first iconic story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known throughout Australia as the RFDS. Using the latest innovations in holographic technology, the hologram of John Flynn is portrayed by an actor who tells the story of Flynn’s vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942."

"The museums in Darwin give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Darwin with these museums."

"Mason Gallery has been a go-to destination to discover Australian art in Darwin since 1997. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of art sourced primarily from the NT. In addition to artwork, this gallery offers a selection of giftware including hand-made jewellery, ceramics and glassware."

"After moving to Arnhem Land for work, Reg and Debra Mason were approached by locals looking to sell their artwork. As the years went on, the quantity of the work became so great they opened a gallery. They quickly became the largest dealer in the Western Arnhem Land area."

"Mason Art Gallery, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Mason Art Gallery. Where: 7/21 Cavenagh St. The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia’s richest Aboriginal art traditions."

"There’s no better place to discover Indigenous Australian art than Outstation Gallery. Outstation works directly with Aboriginal owned art centres. They exhibit and promote the work from emerging and established Indigenous artists."

"This Darwin gallery features paintings and artworks primarily sourced from the Utopia Region of Central Australia. In addition to big pieces of art, Mbantua also carries smaller items and giftware. It’s a popular destination for travellers to bring home a unique souvenir."

"The Paul Johnstone Gallery is committed to sourcing the finest of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artworks. They represent contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists to provide a space to present works by leading artists. The gallery aims to provide a record of the diversity of Indigenous art and its connection to culture, climate and environment."

"Complete with a hidden back-alley entrance and vibrant rooftop bar, Charlie’s of Darwin feels like Melbourne has come to the Top End. It features cocktails served in novelty glasses (including one in a bath), and an impressive menu created by a chef who clearly cares about food. The bar is beginning to distil its own gin, which will be infused with local flavours like waterlily and Kakadu plum."

"While you can always find a lively pub atmosphere in the Territory, there's also a number of new boutique wine and gin bars popping up around the place. Charlie's of Darwin has both a restaurant and large lantern-filled deck area serving up the best gins in town!. You can find Charlies tucked away in the graffiti-dotted side street of Austin Lane."

"The Tap on Mitchell is a great place to enjoy Darwin’s tropical vibes. Nestled beneath the shade of a beautiful leafy tree, The Tap can be found in the centre of the bustling tourist precinct of Mitchell Street. This venue offers a wide range of beers, ciders, cocktails, mocktails, wine and coffees, as well as the pub grub favourites of wraps, steak and even crocodile."

"A popular open air pub in Mitchell Street with a gnarly old fig tree right in the middle of the beer garden. Great atmosphere, a good selection of icy cold beers and an ‘all round’ menu for snacks, lunch and dinner. The Tap Bar is a popular place to meet friends."

"Located only 30 minutes from the Darwin CBD, Howard Springs Nature Park has undergone a makeover in recent years. It’s great for children of all ages as it features a toddlers pool, man-made rockpools and waterfall as well as a large playground with an epic flying-fox. Catch a glimpse of the huge barramundi, cute turtles and other freshwater fish in the waterhole or take a bushwalk to spot other wildlife."

"The Darwin Waterfront is located near Stokes Hill Wharf and is the perfect place for a fun day with the kids. Surrounded by restaurants, the park includes a wave pool and recreational lagoon with an inflatable fun park. Gardens, picnic areas and pathways provide a relaxing green space for visitors."

"The Darwin Waterfront is a nice place to relax and bathe in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the must-do attractions in Darwin. It has a vacation club vibe as there are water attractions, large lawns to sunbathe and various free activities such as Tai Chi courses or open-air cinema."

"The award-winning Hotel Darwin, which dates back to 1940, is an iconic Darwin institution and has been a long-running watering-hole for the people of the city. This is the place to try a variety of local produce including fresh barramundi, thick rump steak and even mouth-watering kangaroo pie!. It provides a relaxed environment with a pool table, sports bar, outdoor dining area, and occasionally fun live music."

"Hotel Darwin is one of the original hotels of Darwin which survived the bombing of Darwin and Cyclone Tracy. Once known as the ‘Raffles’ of Darwin, this icon of Darwin serves a good selection of tap and bottle beers – both imported and Australian. A good place to chill out with an icy cold beer away from the hustle and bustle in the Mitchell Street strip."