Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Darwin?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Darwin?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Darwin, Australia? Most people spend two to three days in Darwin during their visit. After all, the authentic town will let you take a hike, swim at the beach, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Many people use Darwin as a gateway to Kakadu National Park. It's often just a stop off enroute, but if you spend some time in town you can visit the waterfront area and explore the nice green spaces. There are also some interesting museums in town.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Darwin? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Darwin?

For many visitors, three days in Darwin would be just the right amount of time for this city. In fact, lots of tourists spend two to three days in the authentic town to check out the amazing hiking and terrific beaches. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.

How to spend 3 days in Darwin

Known for it's hiking, Darwin sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

The public transit in Darwin is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Darwin is Mindil Beach, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

The beautiful beaches await you in Darwin, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

A few tour suggestions include:

Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise ($50)
The Croc Bus to the Famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise ($87)
1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch ($140)

Is 4 days enough time in Darwin?

Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Darwin at your own pace to experience the hiking, the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the cuisine. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

Darwin, Northern Territory (Tourism Australia)

How to spend 4 days in Darwin

Having 4 days in Darwin will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

Is 5 days enough time in Darwin?

With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Darwin has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Darwin as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the hiking, the beaches, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for families. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

The Ghan, near Darwin (Great Southern Rail)

How to spend 5 days in Darwin

With 5 days in Darwin, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Shopping in Darwin is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Darwin, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.