Mindil Beach is one of Australia’s best beaches. Many visitors are surprised to find such a pretty tropical beach so close to a regional capital city. Some locals swim at Mindil during the dry season, but the possible threat of crocodiles and jellyfish makes this unwise for visitors to try. Better swimming is over at at Casuarina, which is patrolled by surf life savers, or alternatively at the Wave Lagoon water park and the free Leanyer Recreation Park. Still, at any time of day, a walk along the splendid Mindil Beach is not to be missed.
The Northern Territory is known for the blazing colour of its sunsets, and it’s at this hour of the day that Mindil Beach really shines. Every Thursday and Sunday from late April to the end of October, people flock to the city’s iconic beachside market at sunset. Try Asian noodles or seafood from one of the food stalls, listen to live music, relax during a massage or simply watch the sunset. Pick up fashion items made from crocodile skin or paintings and crafts by Aboriginal artists. The illuminated market stalls provide a picturesque setting for a tropical night out.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is inspired by the night markets of Asia. The Darwin version includes similar food stalls, but has an indigenous focus. Browse handmade items, jewellery, Aboriginal paintings, musical instruments and sculptures.
For dinner, sample an array of international cuisine from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia and, of course, from the Aussie outback. This is your chance to taste kangaroo sausages! If you arrive early, take your meal to the beach in time to watch the sunset.
After dark, enjoy displays of fire twirling, acrobatics, dance or live local music. There’s plenty for kids to do, too, from a petting zoo to jumping castles and family-friendly musical acts.
Mindil Beach is just over 2 kilometres (1 mile) from the centre of Darwin, and getting there is easy on foot or by bus. Plastic bags are banned, as part of an initiative to save marine turtles that visit Darwin’s beaches.
Mindil Beach Tours and Activities
Visit Mindil Beach
Plan a trip to see Mindil Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 71 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
Head to Doctors Gully at high tide to see a natural phenomenon turned tourist attraction, as shoals of fish come to the shallow waters to be fed by hand.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Learn the stories behind Aboriginal paintings, local wildlife, regional archaeology and the cyclone that flattened Darwin in this gallery that has free admission.
Bicentennial Park
Take a break from the city and stroll through this calming natural space. Pass harbour views, native flora and sobering war monuments.
Top Mindil Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Mindil Beach
- Holidays and getaways similar to Mindil Beach
- Are there hotels near Mindil Beach?
- Hotels near popular Darwin Attractions
- What kind of hotels are in Mindil Beach?
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Darwin Waterfront
- The Esplanade
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Darwin Convention Centre
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Fort Hill Wharf
- Casuarina Beach
- Smith Street Mall
- SKYCITY Casino
- Hidden Valley Raceway
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Marrara Sports Complex
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Parap Village Markets
- Hotels near Darwin Waterfront
- Hotels near The Esplanade
- Hotels near Cullen Bay Marina
- Hotels near Darwin Convention Centre
- Hotels near Darwin Harbour
- Hotels near Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Hotels near Fort Hill Wharf
- Hotels near Casuarina Beach
- Hotels near Smith Street Mall
- Hotels near Government House
- Hotels near SKYCITY Casino
- Hotels near Hidden Valley Raceway
- Hotels near Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Hotels near Wave Lagoon
- Hotels near Marrara Sports Complex
- Hotels near Stokes Hill Wharf
- Hotels near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Parap Village Markets
- Hotels near Darwin Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near TIO Stadium