Darwin Waterfront Tours

Darwin Waterfront featuring swimming as well as a large group of people
Darwin Waterfront featuring outdoor eating, cafe scenes and a sunset
Darwin Waterfront which includes swimming
Darwin Waterfront showing a garden, landscape views and a bay or harbor
Darwin Waterfront showing a bay or harbor and a bridge


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.

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Reviews of Darwin Waterfront

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

James

nice seafood

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Darwin Waterfront

DCH on Mitchell

DCH on Mitchell

2.5 out of 5
50 Mitchell St, Darwin, NT
DCH on Mitchell
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

4 out of 5
31 Woods Street, Darwin, NT
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
Courtyard By Marriott Darwin

Courtyard By Marriott Darwin

4 out of 5
81 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
Courtyard By Marriott Darwin
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Palms City Resort
Mantra on the Esplanade

Mantra on the Esplanade

4.5 out of 5
88 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Mantra on the Esplanade
Darwin City Hotel

Darwin City Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
Darwin City Hotel
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
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4.5 out of 5
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin, NT
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront
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, enjoy a vibrant mix of activities including scenic walks along the waterfront and captivating theater performances. Dive into the lively entertainment precinct, where you can catch live music and engage in various events. Don't miss the chance for a memorable day trip to explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding Darwin, making your visit a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The Esplanade, located 0.6 miles from Darwin Waterfront, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of business and family vibes. Nearby, Smith Street Mall is just 0.5 miles away, providing entertainment and a lively atmosphere. For a unique find, head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market, 2 miles away.

Recreation

Wave Lagoon is a vibrant pool perfect for families, offering a refreshing escape with its sandy beaches and wave-making technology. For a more laid-back experience, visit Marrara Sports Complex, where you can unwind with wellness activities in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hidden Valley Raceway, located 4 miles from Darwin Waterfront, where the adrenaline rush meets sports excitement. For a different adventure, hike the scenic trails of Anbangbang Billabong, situated 29 miles away, immersing yourself in breathtaking outdoor beauty.

Nightlife

The Darwin Waterfront nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy an outdoor movie experience at the Darwin Deckchair Cinema, just 0.4 miles away, or immerse yourself in culture and family-friendly entertainment at Brown's Mart Theatre, located 0.3 miles from the waterfront. Both venues offer a romantic atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near Darwin Waterfront

At Darwin Waterfront, visitors can enjoy a blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences, with popular attractions including the Darwin Convention Centre and the vibrant Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This area features entertainment venues and memorials, making it an ideal spot for tourists interested in both leisure and local history. Whether you're attending a conference or simply exploring the waterfront, there's something for everyone in this lively destination.

  • Darwin Convention Centre: Experience a modern venue that hosts a variety of events, from conferences to exhibitions. Located right at Darwin Waterfront, its sleek architecture and business-oriented atmosphere make it a hub for professionals and visitors alike.
  • Darwin Entertainment Centre: Just a short walk away, this vibrant facility offers a mix of performances, films, and live events, making it perfect for family-friendly entertainment and cultural experiences.
  • St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral: A stunning architectural gem, this cathedral showcases beautiful stained glass and intricate designs, providing a serene space for reflection and a glimpse into the local culture.

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.

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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
June77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September82.0°F (27.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly 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 during your visit to Darwin Waterfront, consider traveling in the off-peak months of January to February or November when prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance usually yields the best rates, especially if you aim for a Saturday stay. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to compare prices and find budget-friendly options, and look for last-minute deals for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to earn cash for future bookings, further enhancing your travel 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: 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: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results from lowest to highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category—selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Darwin Waterfront with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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