Mindil Beach is Darwin's favourite sunset beach. Literally around the corner from the centre of town, its short, sandy strand is perfectly set up for watching the tropical sun slide down into the turquoise Timor Sea. Every evening you'll find a crowd drawn here for sun-down – and also for the weekly beach market that unfolds its wares, as dusk draws in. It's an often eye-opening experience. The Mindil Beach crowd reflects the very diverse culture of this Australian town, which is only a few hundred kilometres from Indonesia, and surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Outback.And the wild array of foodstuffs on offer gives you a clue to the ingredients of Darwin's melting pot. You'll find plenty of traditional Aussie grub, of course – barbies, spit-roasts, shrimp and chips. And plenty of the even-more-traditional Oz bush food – it could be a lizard, it could be a camel, it could be a crocodile. Then there's the Asian influence – Indonesian satays, Malay laksa, Thai tom yum soup and Chinese noodles. Not forgetting the occasional Greek or Italian dish.The original Australians come to market too – Aborigines selling traditional handicrafts, decorative paintings and (of course) didgeridoos. Darwin is the Australian city with the biggest Aborigine population. They'll often start up a camp-fire dance as the stars come out, filling Mindil Beach with the deep resonance of their didges, and bringing a very spiritual feel to what was just a market moments before.The breaking glassy-green waves here may tempt you in for a swim – but be careful. While rare here, giant sea-crocodiles have been known to cruise the surf at Mindil. And between October and May, the rainy season brings in the often deadly box jelly-fish. That's Darwin for you – beautiful, revealing and with the edge of danger you'd expect from living on the wild side of Oz.
Mindil Beach Tours and Activities
Visit Mindil Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 70 activitiesOpens in new tabDarwin City Explorer Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu-2 Day Tour. The best Itinerary.
Water activities
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Shows & concerts
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Reviews of Mindil Beach
4/5 - Good
Be aware of the low and high tide times. Still worth a visit, even in the wet season.
5/5 - Excellent
Tea on Boat Cruise wonderful
4/5 - Good
If you have been once, you don't need to go again.
3/5 - Okay
Extremely crowded and expensive
5/5 - Excellent
Go for sunset! The markets are on Thursday or Sunday and are also fantastic!
4/5 - Good
Sadly the night markets are not on in the wet season.
Popular places to visit
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
You can enjoy retail therapy at Mindil Beach Sunset Market during your stay in Darwin. Wander the waterfront and picturesque gardens in the area.
Cullen Bay Marina
Explore the waterfront in Darwin with a trip to Cullen Bay Marina. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Admire bush orchid displays, spiky palms and local bird species as you explore one of Darwin’s most diverse natural environments.
Aquascene
Make friends with the fishes in the lapping tropical waters of Doctor's Gully, where feeding time brings shoals of colourful fish to play around your feet.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
A museum with something for everyone, featuring aboriginal art, tropical storms, Australian wildlife, a hall full of boats and a crocodile named “Sweetheart”.
Bicentennial Park
Take a break from the city and stroll through this calming natural space. Pass harbour views, native flora and sobering war monuments.
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