Darwin Waterfront Tours and Activities

Darwin Waterfront which includes swimming as well as a large group of people
Darwin Waterfront which includes café scenes, a sunset and outdoor eating
Darwin Waterfront which includes swimming
Darwin Waterfront
Darwin Waterfront


Explore Darwin’s scenic waterfront, where you can swim in the wave pool, see turtles up close and dine in restaurants overlooking the sea.

Head to the Darwin Waterfront and enjoy the music, food and atmosphere of this lively precinct. Just a short walk from the CBD, this picturesque oceanfront esplanade is very popular with locals. Enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, escape the summer heat at its swimming areas or try some seaside dining.

During Darwin’s steamy summers and dry winters, head to the waterfront Wave Lagoon to keep cool. This pool charges a small entry fee but is safe all year and has shallow areas for children. Find your own space in the 4,000-square-metre (43,000-square-foot) lagoon. Alternatively, join the crowds at the wave section, where you can surf up to 10 different types of waves. Nearby, a seawater Recreation Lagoon and beach area are free to use. Find a spot on the sand and work on your tan.

Dry off and visit the Indo Pacific Marine exhibit, where you can learn about the balanced ecosystem of coral reefs. Delight in close-up views of sea horses and clownfish grazing the floors of their enclosures. At certain times of the month, you can take a cruise to a secluded beach nearby to watch turtles laying their eggs.

Take a fishing trip to Darwin’s sheltered reefs and explore the ocean floor. Charter boats can be booked at hotels along the promenade. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, take a jet boat tour around the headland. For something more laid-back, board the restored Streeter sailboat for a sunset cruise.

Back on dry land, head to one of the world-renowned restaurants along the promenade for some fresh seafood. Take a seat at the Deckchair Cinema, an outdoor movie theatre just next to the Esplanade. This cinema shows a range of Australian, popular and foreign films. Movies screen in the evenings between April and November.

The Darwin Waterfront is situated on the southern tip of Darwin’s peninsula. Get there by bus or car and use the metered parking available.

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Water activities

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Darwin Waterfront

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
449
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
322
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

great relaxed setting to while away the day

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walking distance to all you need. shuttle bus available. love the location. will return.

4/5 - Good

Michelle

Loved the walk to the Ski Club at sunset.

Popular places to visit


Top Darwin Waterfront Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

4 out of 5
31 Woods Street, Darwin, NT
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Palms City Resort
DCH on Mitchell

DCH on Mitchell

2.5 out of 5
50 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT
DCH on Mitchell
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin

4 out of 5
6 Carey Street, Darwin, NT
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4 out of 5
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin, NT
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Courtyard By Marriott Darwin

Courtyard By Marriott Darwin

4 out of 5
81 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
Courtyard By Marriott Darwin
Rydges Darwin Central

Rydges Darwin Central

4 out of 5
21 Knuckey Street, Darwin, NT
Rydges Darwin Central
Darwin City Hotel

Darwin City Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
Darwin City Hotel
The Cavenagh

The Cavenagh

3.5 out of 5
12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
The Cavenagh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Darwin Waterfront

At Darwin Waterfront, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including walking along scenic paths and catching a show at the local theatre. The area features a designated swimming zone, an outdoor lido, and a fun water park for families. For those keen on exploring, tour boats offer excursions to discover the stunning marine life and surroundings, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The Esplanade is a vibrant shopping area 966m from Darwin Waterfront, offering a mix of family and city vibes. Smith Street Mall, 805m away, features entertainment and business options. If you're up for a drive, visit Mindil Beach Sunset Market, 3.2km away, for a lively local experience.

Recreation

At Wave Lagoon, enjoy a refreshing swim in a picturesque pool, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. For a more relaxed experience, visit Marrara Sports Complex, where you can indulge in wellness activities. TIO Stadium offers exciting sports events, ensuring an action-packed day for sports lovers.

Adventure

At Hidden Valley Raceway, located 6.4km from Darwin Waterfront, adrenaline junkies can experience thrilling motor racing events in an exhilarating atmosphere. For those seeking outdoor adventure, Anbangbang Billabong, 46.7km away, offers scenic hiking trails amidst stunning natural beauty, perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

Nightlife

At Darwin Waterfront, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. The Darwin Deckchair Cinema, 644m away, offers romantic outdoor film experiences. Meanwhile, Brown's Mart Theatre, just 483m away, showcases captivating performances in a cultural setting, perfect for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Darwin Waterfront

The Darwin Waterfront is a vibrant hub offering a mix of cultural experiences, family-friendly attractions, and business venues. Explore the scenic waterfront precinct, visit local memorials, and enjoy entertainment at the arena. Don't miss the breathtaking views of Darwin Harbour, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation alike.

  • Darwin Convention Centre: This modern venue offers a sleek and professional atmosphere, perfect for conferences and events. With stunning views of the waterfront, it seamlessly blends business with the beauty of Darwin, making it an ideal spot for networking and collaboration.
  • Darwin War Memorial: A poignant tribute to those who served, this memorial is steeped in history and culture. It provides a reflective space to honour the sacrifices made during wartime, surrounded by lush gardens that enhance its solemn beauty.
  • Darwin Entertainment Centre: A hub for family-friendly fun, this vibrant facility hosts various performances and events. From theatre productions to concerts, it’s a lively spot where locals and visitors come together to enjoy entertainment suitable for all ages.

Best time to go to Darwin Waterfront

The best time to visit Darwin Waterfront is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. November is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January83.5°F (28.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February83.3°F (28.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March83.5°F (28.6°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
April82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September82.0°F (27.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November85.8°F (29.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December85.1°F (29.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Darwin Waterfront

To save money during your visit to Darwin Waterfront, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February and November, avoiding the peak season from June to August. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Take advantage of public transport for affordable travel, and explore free activities such as the waterfront parks and markets. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also help you save money.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Darwin Waterfront are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Darwin Waterfront is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Darwin Waterfront is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Darwin Waterfront is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Darwin Waterfront hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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