Top 5 things to do in Darwin this winter

Seeking a little warmth as the weather cools down? NT blogger Jen has just the answer: head north to her hometown of Darwin.

With an average winter temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, it’s fair to say us Darwin locals have a pretty different relationship with the months of June, July and August compared to many other Australians.

It’s no surprise then the Top End is one of the most popular destinations for those wanting to escape the cold weather down south, especially since winter also coincides with our (more) tourist friendly dry season.

If a trip to Darwin is in your sights for winter, check out my top five favourite things to do in and around Darwin:

1. Head to the markets

Nothing says holidays like a stroll through the markets and the Mindil Beach Markets is where it’s at. The atmosphere here is unreal!

Roadkill Cafe at Mindil markests has all your Aussie dishes with kangaroo, crocodile, buffalo and emu on the menu

Run every Thursday and Sunday afternoon throughout the dry season, it’s such a great place to grab a dish of multicultural goodness, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset, enjoy the local talents and shop until your heart’s content!

My favourite thing to do there is to watch local music talent, Emdee, a beautiful concoction of didgeridoo and drums. They are truly one of a kind.

2. Time your trip around one of our events

– If you love a good fascinator and a chance to frock up, the Darwin Cup Carnival festivities kick off in July and

– The Darwin Festival in August is another great opportunity to see Darwin turn it on for visitors and locals alike.

3. Give fishing a go

Even if it’s not your usual cup of tea at home, I think every visitor should give this popular Territory pastime a go (When in Rome…).

My favourite fishing spots are a bit of a drive from Darwin, but if you are a fan of road trips and looking to see of NT that just the capital city, I highly recommend a trip to Yellow Water in Kakadu National Park or Finniss River out near Dundee for some barra fishing.

Make a weekend of it, grab some snacks for the road, a BBQ meat pack, gas cooker and swag and head out for a good camping and fishing weekend.

4. Hit up the Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Stay, play and dine in style and with ease at the Waterfront, which is only a short stroll from the heart of the city. This place screams Darwin, bringing together all the best of our tropical lifestyle into one beautiful environment.

Cooling off is super easy at the waterfront, with the Wave Pool if you are after a fun and crazy day, or the Recreation Lagoon if you are more looking for a relaxing day of floating and sunbaking!

5. Visit East Point Reserve

This is one of my favourite locations in Darwin, conveniently located in Fannie Bay which is only a 10 minute drive from the heart of the city.

The park has a good range of facilities for recreational use spanning 200 hectares. There are loads of barbecue and picnic facilities adjacent to Fannie Bay Beach offering undisturbed views of our famous sunsets and walking tracks tracing through the natural bushland.

– If you’d prefer someone did the cooking for you, Pee Wee’s on the Point is a beautiful restaurant, hidden amongst the flora and fauna.

– For an educational insight in to the military presence here in Darwin, the Defence of Darwin Military Experience is a must-see.

Where to stay?

Convinced? I have just the hotel for you! My hubby and I were lucky enough to spend the weekend recently at the fabulous Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront (formerly Medina).

The hotel’s proximity to the CBD is definitely a pro for visitors but being based in the heart of the waterfront precinct itself is also a major drawcard.

There is no greater way to spend a weekend away than lounging around on a huge king size bed, watching your favourite movies in ultimate style, cooking up a mini-storm for lunch in the sleek and modern kitchenette, watching the sun go down from the balcony that overlooks the entire Waterfront precinct before making your way down to the Curve Bar and Restaurant, and indulging in gourmet pizza and a beautifully cooked steak.

Yum!