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.

Plan a trip to see Darwin Waterfront

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Popular places to visit


Top Darwin Waterfront Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Palms City Resort
The Cavenagh

The Cavenagh

3.5 out of 5
12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
The Cavenagh
Rydges Darwin Central

Rydges Darwin Central

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

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

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

Darwin City Hotel

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

Hilton Darwin

5 out of 5
32 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT
Hilton Darwin
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4 out of 5
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin, NT
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
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
The Leea Darwin

The Leea Darwin

4 out of 5
64 Cavenagh St, Darwin, NT
The Leea Darwin
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 leisurely walks along the picturesque promenade and catching a show at local art theatres. The iconic Deckchair Cinema offers a unique outdoor movie experience, while the vibrant shopping precinct provides a great selection of retail options. This lively hub is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the best of Darwin's culture and entertainment.

Shopping

Enjoy shopping at The Esplanade, just 966m from Darwin Waterfront, offering a vibrant mix of businesses and family-friendly spots. Smith Street Mall, located 805m away, features a lively atmosphere with entertainment options. For a unique experience, visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, 3.2km away, showcasing local crafts and food.

Recreation

Experience the Wave Lagoon for a refreshing dip in the pool, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts alike. For golf lovers, Gardens Park Golf Links offers a scenic course just 3.2km away. TIO Stadium, located 8.0km from the waterfront, hosts thrilling sporting events for an exciting day out.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hidden Valley Raceway, located 6.4km from Darwin Waterfront, where the adrenaline rush and sports atmosphere await. For a scenic adventure, hike the Anbangbang Billabong trail, 46.7km away, showcasing stunning outdoor landscapes and vibrant natural beauty.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Darwin Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of entertainment. Catch a film under the stars at the Darwin Deckchair Cinema, just 644m away, or immerse yourself in culture at Brown's Mart Theatre, located 483m away. Both venues promise a delightful evening out.

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

Find the best attractions near Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront is a vibrant hub where you can explore a mix of culture, family-friendly activities, and business experiences. Key attractions include the Darwin Waterfront Lagoon, the scenic Seafront Promenade, and the bustling Darwin Wharf. Whether you're attending an event at the arena or admiring historic civic buildings, there's something for every traveller to enjoy in this lively part of Darwin.

  • Darwin Convention Centre: This modern venue offers a professional atmosphere for conferences and events, featuring stunning views of Darwin Harbour. Its state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal spot for business gatherings, while its proximity to the waterfront adds a touch of leisure to any event.
  • Government House: A beautifully preserved heritage building, Government House showcases Northern Territory's rich history and culture. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture and lush gardens while learning about its role in local governance and the community.
  • Darwin Entertainment Centre: A vibrant hub for entertainment, the centre hosts a variety of performances, from concerts to theatre productions. It’s a fantastic place for families to enjoy a lively atmosphere and experience the local arts scene.

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 (dry).

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 Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly 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 on your trip to Darwin Waterfront, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance often yields the best rates, while last-minute deals on Expedia can offer additional savings. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, whereas Thursdays are the priciest. Additionally, utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Take advantage of free activities at the waterfront to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Darwin Waterfront about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Darwin Waterfront hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.