Whether you're in Darwin for business or pleasure, there are plenty of reasons to spend time in the Northern Territory's capital city. From its beautiful waterfront to its natural parks and national parks, you'll find that the best places to visit in Darwin have a lot to offer.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Located just two kilometres northwest of Darwin's city center, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are known for their collection of tropical species. These 42 hectares of parkland gardens feature interactive exhibits, waterfalls, rainforest, and open grass regions. They also have free parking and are wheelchair accessible. There are also a number of walking trails and a playground.
The botanical garden features a number of themed walks, including a rainforest loop that is filled with brightly colored flowers and plants. There is also an African-Madagascan garden that showcases the world's largest baobab trees. Another garden highlights the flora of the northern region of Australia.
The gardens also offer guided tours that teach visitors about the history and uses of the exotic plants hidden in their grounds. There are also self-guided tree walks that allow you to enjoy the sights of the gardens at your own pace.
Located in the gardens is the historic former Wesleyan Methodist church, which is the oldest building in the city. It was originally built in 1886. The old church building is now home to Eva's Botanical Gardens Cafe.
The Botanic Gardens also have a gift shop and picnic and BBQ areas. There are several different entrances to the gardens, including the Geranium Street entrance. This is closest to the Cycad Garden and the Gardens Visitor and Event Centre.
There is also a nature preserve that features 42 hectares of native and tropical flora. This area includes an orchid house and a cafe. It also has a tree house and a rainforest waterfall.
Territory Wildlife Park
Located in Berry Springs, Territory Wildlife Park is a large zoo and nature park in Northern Territory. It is the ideal place for families to experience wildlife in the wild and natural settings. Its attractions include a nocturnal house, an aquarium and walking trails. The park is spread out over 400 hectares of bushland, which is a natural habitat for the animals.
The park features a host of native Australian plants and animals. Visitors can take a wallaby walk or have a mud crabbing experience. The park also offers a variety of educational activities for all ages.
The park offers many other attractions including a raptor show, a nocturnal house and a freshwater whipray encounter. Its main station is air conditioned and there are free shuttle trains that run between the main park and the other attractions. There is also a cafe, where visitors can have a cup of coffee or a barbecue.
The park is also home to a large number of regal animals. You'll see kangaroos, prickly echidna and carnivorous marsupials. You'll also find a large saltwater crocodile.
The park is one of the most popular places to visit in Darwin. It is a good place for families to get an up close and personal experience with some of the area's most exotic and regal creatures. The park is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is recommended that guests wear a hat, sunscreen and warm weather clothing.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Located in Darwin, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility is a museum style attraction. It features interactive exhibits, films and virtual reality. This is one of the top attractions in Darwin. It is open 9:30am to 5:00pm daily.
Visitors can learn about the history of Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) through a hologram presentation. The hologram, which is portrayed by an actor, tells the story of John Flynn and his vision. The hologram also tells the story of RFDS today.
Located on Stokes Hill Wharf, the RFDS Tourist Facility is a must-see attraction. There is an air-conditioned facility with interactive exhibits. It is also home to decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft that is accessible to the public. It is suspended from the ceiling and is aero medically equipped.
The RFDS Tourist Facility is one of the top attractions in Darwin. There is also a virtual reality experience that re-enacts the Japanese bombing raid on Darwin Harbour in 1942. The facility also has a window that provides a view of a 1942 bombing platform.
The RFDS Tourist Facility offers a self-guided tour. There are also hologram cinema sessions and interactive displays. They are available in English, German, French, Simplified Chinese and Japanese. Guests can also purchase tickets for the RFDS. They are valid for 30 days.
The RFDS is an iconic service that is responsible for emergency medical care in rural and remote communities in Australia. It was founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn.
Tjuwaliyn / Douglas Hot Springs Park
Located on the Douglas River in the Northern Territory, Tjuwaliyn / Douglas Hot Springs Park is an incredible oasis. The site is a nature reserve and a wildlife park, which is owned and managed by the Wagiman people. These indigenous people are known for their colourful fabrics and their passion for football.
You'll be amazed at the natural scenery and wildlife of this park. There are cascades, quiet pools and a sandy beach. It is also home to native animals. It is best to visit in the dry season.
The park is a great spot for a weekend getaway. There are camping sites, barbecues and picnic areas. You can also take a boat tour of the area. The Douglas River is filled with wildlife. You may see crocodiles, eagles and other creatures.
The park is free to enter. It features crystal clear swimming holes. There are also rock pools, waterfalls and numerous short walks. The area is perfect for a family day out. You can also enjoy activities such as fishing, horse riding and hiking.
The park is owned by the Wagiman people, who are traditional owners of the land. The area is considered to be sacred. They still perform ceremonies in the area. There is a museum that features historical artifacts and a taxidermy crocodile.
The area is also known for its rich history. It is the location of the largest military attack in Australia, during World War II. There are many tours that show you the key sites of the raid. You can also visit the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels.
Parliament House
Located in Darwin, the Parliament House is the seat of government for the Northern Territory. The building has a huge Main Hall, as well as an impressive portrait gallery.
The building was built to withstand extreme monsoonal weather. The facade is made of Paradise White Carrara marble, while the paving outside the entrance is red Christmas Bush granite. The colour scheme reflects the eucalypt green of the Australian landscape.
The highlight of the building is the main hall. You can take a tour of the museum, which houses an impressive collection of cultural objects. It is also worth visiting the nearby Chung Wah Society, which features a temple.
The Defence of Darwin Experience is a fascinating interactive museum, which highlights Darwin's role in the Second World War. It includes photographs of the aftermath of the air raid, as well as first-hand accounts of the event.
One of the best things to do in Darwin is to visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. This is one of the best places to see indigenous art in Australia. It is also home to one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in the country.
The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a major attraction in the city. This is an area of the city with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is also the location of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which features a museum.
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Located in Darwin, the Hidden Valley Holiday Park is a boutique holiday park featuring a range of accommodations, from deluxe 1 bedroom family villas to spacious en suite tent and RV sites. It's a mere 10 minutes from the city centre, and offers a range of amenities and activities. It is also near some of the city's most interesting attractions, including the Darwin airport and Charles Darwin National Park.
The Hidden Valley Holiday Park also has a number of nifty perks, such as a onsite restaurant, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, and free BBQs. While some guests may not have found the site particularly attractive, others have praised the property's friendly staff, facilities, and location.
The park is a great base for exploring the city, with the Darwin Entertainment Centre and Casuarina Square just a short drive away. And with a hotel shuttle service, it's easy to get to the airport in under 20 minutes.
The on-site cafe has some nifty amenities, from free Wi-Fi to an alfresco dining area. It's also got a pool, the size of which a number of visitors took advantage of. However, the park's one block of amenities may be a bit of a deterrent to some guests.
The resort-style pool is a nice touch. Other features include barbecue and picnic areas, and laundry facilities. Several units at the Hidden Valley Holiday Park are equipped with flat-screen televisions and refrigerators.
