Darwin looms large in the Australian imagination but it doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves as a first rate family travel destination.   A regional township perched at the top of a vast continent it provides the ideal winter escape for families oppressed by bleary days during the Dry Season months of May-September.  During the Dry Darwin becomes what can only be called a glorious city of cooling breezes, stunning sunsets and community celebrations.   Families visiting Darwin should expect to get wet – the city has invested in keeping its young inhabitants happy and cool.  There are two free waterparks – Leanyer  Recreation Park which includes four giant waterslides, a water splash area for young children and a swimming pool.  Palmerston Water Park has more water splash areas and a super-slide racer.  In the wharf district is located a giant wave pool that is very moderately priced – we paid $18 for our family’s all day access.  Access to the Wave pool includes use of boogie boards and inflatable tubes.

Darwin’s Wave Pool

Darwin has two free waterparks

The Darwin Museum and Art Gallery

The Darwin Museum and Art Gallery is an impressive tribute to the region’s history and culture.  Permanent exhibitions include one sharing the experiences of Cyclone Tracey which decimated Darwin in 1974 and a display of boats from the region.  There is a small children’s interactive area.  Locals in the know dine at Cornucopia, the museum’s cafe which is excellent.

Learning about Aboriginal Culture at Darwin Museum

Litchfield National Park

Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park

It is difficult for me to contain my enthusiasm when discussing Litchfield National Park.  An hour and a half south of Darwin Litchfield offers family friendly hikes and blissful waterhole swimming.  The steep stairs down to Florence Falls are worth the trip, even when carrying a chubby toddler.  Wangi Falls has a small kiosk and gently sloping grass leading to a huge waterhole.  Taking a picnic to Litchfield National Park is highly recommended.

Magnetic Termite Mounds at Litchfield National Park

Swimming at Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park

Howard Springs Nature Park

Howard Springs Nature Park

A short drive out of town Howard Springs Nature Park is an idyllic picnic spot where visitors can feed giant barramundi and turtles, little ones can play in a tiered series of pools and older children will enjoy a playground that includes flying foxes.  A brief, family friendly hike through pandanaus trees and rainforest is also on site.

Mindil Beach Markets

You will want to hold onto your kids if visiting Mindil Beach’s famous markets on either a Thursday or Sunday during the Dry.  Crowds throng to the beach to eat and watch the sunset en masse.   There are free children’s activities at the markets – such as circus games but the highlight is letting the kids frolic on the beach beneath the glowing orange sunset.

Mindil Beach

Crocodile experiences

Fishing for crocs at Crocosaurus Cove

Darwin is very proud of its crocodiles and there are numerous opportunities to get up close and personal with them.  Darwin Crocodile Park, Crocosaurus Cove in the CBD was a big hit with my own kids who loved feeding little crocs with a fishing rod contraption.  One of the most unique experiences we’ve had a as a family was swimming in a pool adjacent to the crocodile enclosure and separated only by glass.  Further afield, hoping on a Jumping Croc cruise on the Adelaide river allows families to witness the spectacle of massive wild crocodiles jumping out of the water to be fed.

Dining

Darwin’s unpretentious dining is a big win for families.   Stokes Hill Wharf is an eatery at the end of a wharf which serves delicious seafood and Thai options, as well as views that money can’t buy.  Super Pizza in Fanny bay is a traditional Italian restaurant where, while we waited for our meals our kids were offered dough to mould into their own creation – which was then baked in the oven.  Tim’s Surf and Turf is a Darwin Institution in the CBD.  A quiet garden oasis in the city, children eat free before 6.30pm and if you are lucky Tim will join you at your table and do magic tricks.  My picky eaters all surprised me by chowing down on crocodile schnitzel.

Grilled barra and chips on the Stokes Hill wharf – my ideal of culinary heaven

Stay

Accommodation prices were hiked in Darwin at the beginning of the mining boom.  If you do have Darwin in your sites don’t let the prices put you off.  A little bird has told me that as the mining boom is waning property operators are still advertising the hiked prices but many are willing to negotiate for lower rates.  I don’t usually advocate bargaining accommodation prices down in Australia but Darwin is the place to do so.  We booked our own accommodation at Litchfield Apartments via Darwin Executive Apartments and were delighted with our spacious family apartment with cot included at no extra cost.  Extras such as a barbecue and views of the Harbour were warmly welcomed.

A large proportion of flights out of Darwin occur in the middle of the night.  I suggest booking into either the Novotel or Mercure airport hotels to facilitate a smoother journey when traveling with little ones.  The four hours sleep our own kids had before their red eye flight was invaluable.

Subscribe to Bubs on the Move's newsletter to keep updated on great places to visit with kids, travel tips and giveaways.

Your information will NEVER be shared or sold to a 3rd party.