Darwin Waterfront

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 showing 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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Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
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The Cavenagh

The Cavenagh

3.5 out of 5
12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
The Cavenagh
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

4 out of 5
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Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
Rydges Darwin Central

Rydges Darwin Central

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

Darwin City Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
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DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

4 out of 5
116 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade
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
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Things to do near Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront offers a delightful array of activities for visitors, including scenic walks and engaging theatre performances. You can enjoy thrilling tour boat experiences, indulge in excellent shopping opportunities, and conquer an exciting obstacle course. This vibrant area is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during their stay in Darwin.

Shopping

At Darwin Waterfront, you can explore The Esplanade, just 373m away, offering a vibrant shopping atmosphere. Smith Street Mall, 311m away, is perfect for family and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Mindil Beach Sunset Market, 1.2km away, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Wave Lagoon, a family-friendly pool perfect for relaxation and fun activities. For golf enthusiasts, head to Gardens Park Golf Links, where you can enjoy a round in a scenic outdoor setting. TIO Stadium offers an exciting atmosphere for various sports events.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Hidden Valley Raceway, a motor racing venue 2.5km from Darwin Waterfront, where adrenaline and speed meet. For a scenic adventure, hike the trails at Anbangbang Billabong, located 18.0km away, immersing yourself in breathtaking outdoor landscapes.

Nightlife

The Darwin Waterfront comes alive at night with vibrant entertainment options. The Darwin Deckchair Cinema, located 249m away, offers a unique outdoor film experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, Brown's Mart Theatre, just 186m away, showcases captivating performances that blend culture and romance.

Find the best attractions near Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront offers a diverse range of attractions suited for all types of travellers, from cultural enthusiasts to families. Key places of interest include the Darwin Entertainment Centre and various historic civic buildings, alongside entertainment venues. Visitors can explore top tourist attractions and nearby sites, ensuring a memorable experience in this vibrant area of Northern Territory. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Darwin Waterfront has something for everyone.

  • Darwin Convention Centre: Situated right at the heart of the Darwin Waterfront, this modern venue is perfect for conferences and events, exuding a professional atmosphere ideal for business gatherings. Its stunning architecture and waterfront views create a unique backdrop for any occasion.
  • Government House: A short stroll away, this historic building showcases colonial architecture and offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it's a peaceful spot to absorb the local culture and learn about the governing history of the Northern Territory.
  • Darwin Entertainment Centre: Located slightly further afield, this vibrant venue hosts a range of performances, from theatre to concerts, making it a hub of entertainment. It's a fantastic place for families to enjoy live shows and community events.

Best time to go to Darwin Waterfront

The best time to visit Darwin Waterfront can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Darwin Waterfront falls in November, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Darwin Waterfront falls in July, 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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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)SunnySlightly HighSlightly 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)SunnyAverageAverage
October84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November85.8°F (29.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December85.1°F (29.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Darwin Waterfront

To save money during your trip to Darwin Waterfront, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for better rates, especially on a Saturday, as Thursdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. For transport, walking is a great way to explore the area. Don't forget to look out for promo codes on drinks and activities to maximise your budget!

  • 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: Book your hotel around Darwin Waterfront about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and various other criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay at Darwin Waterfront with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.