Darwin is Australia’s northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant, tropical environment and rich cultural heritage. Here’s how to explore the best of Darwin and the surrounding Top End:

DARWIN HARBOUR SUNSETS

Australia’s Top End is famed for its vivid red sunsets – a result of outback earth scattered through the atmosphere – and one of the best ways to experience this magical time of day is with a Darwin Harbour sunset cruise. From aboard the Charles Darwin, a tri-level catamaran, you can embrace the Northern Territory’s super-relaxed vibe as you take in the salt-laden balmy breezes and paint-palette sky, keeping watch for the mythical green flash that’s sometimes evident as the sun goes down.

But before the day ends, there’s much to see and do. Darwin might be Australia’s smallest capital city, with a population of around 140,000, but it has a big personality. Here are some of the most fascinating places to explore.

MARKETS AND MORE

It’s a ritual for locals and visitors alike to hit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday 4pm–9pm, April to October) and Parap Village Markets (Saturday 8am–2pm, year-round). At both places, it’s almost de rigueur to slurp a bowl of spicy laksa. In town, one of the most intriguing shopping spots you can explore is the Air Raid Arcade running between Cavenagh Street and Austin Lane.

NATIONAL PARKS

Northern Territory’s national parks, Kakadu and Litchfield, offer a wealth of natural beauty and cultural significance. Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates with its diverse landscapes, from wetlands and sandstone escarpments to ancient rock art and vibrant wildlife. Highlights include the Nourlangie and Ubirr rock art sites, the scenic Yellow Water Billabong cruise, and the dramatic Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls.

In contrast, Litchfield National Park, a short drive from Darwin, is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and intriguing termite mounds. It’s perfect for a day trip, featuring swim spots like Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, along with picturesque picnic areas. Together, these parks provide a comprehensive experience of the Northern Territory’s rich natural and cultural tapestry.

DELVE INTO HISTORY

The Darwin Military Museum, located near East Point Reserve (another great sunset-watching spot), tells the story of the 1942 Bombing of Darwin – a surprise aircraft manoeuvre that’s known as the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. Another of the city’s history-shaping events was 1974’s tragic Cyclone Tracy – find out more inside the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory on Fannie Bay.

BEST EATS

Darwin’s newish Waterfront Precinct, a short walk from the city centre, features family-friendly recreation and wave lagoons, and is partially encircled by eateries. Take a seat at Wharf One Food & Wine, Hot Tamale or Oyster Bar Darwin. You can also stroll around the precinct to reach Stokes Hill Wharf (the spot where your evening cruise departs from). The wharf is home to more restaurants and the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility – an attraction that combines the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the Territory and the 1942 bombing of Darwin. For a distant view of Darwin combined with excellent fare, head to long-time favourite Pee Wee’s at the Point at East Point Nature Reserve.

Adelaide’s metropolitan charm and surrounding regions are a feast for the senses. Here’s a guide to making the most of your time in this delightful city and its nearby wine regions:

Barossa Valley

Just an hour’s drive from the city, the internationally acclaimed Barossa Valley is home to some of Australia’s oldest vines still producing wine. Dating back to the first days of settlement in the 1840s, the German and English pioneers brought cuttings with them from Europe.  Known for big and bold Shiraz, some of Australia’s most recognised producers call the Barossa home. Think Penfolds, Jacobs Creek and Grant Burge – and if artisan produce tickles your fancy, a visit to Maggie Beer farm is a must.

Adelaide Hills 

Leafy green trees wrap around the streets of the Adelaide Hills, and the colours change as the seasons evolve. The Hills, as it’s colloquially known, is the place for wildlife encounters, nature walks, beautiful botanic gardens and wine. The higher altitude and crisp air lend itself to cool-climate drops, with the region best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, a visit to the Adelaide Hills makes a fantastic day trip. Most cellar doors overlook rolling hills covered in vines, with delightful townships in between. Other highlights include the Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens and the charming German town of Hahndorf, where you can pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm or order a pint at the Germans Arms Hotel.

McLaren Vale

Less than 40 kilometres from Adelaide is McLaren Vale, the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Here you’ll discover an acclaimed wine region with more than 80 wineries and accompanying culinary delights. It’s hard to label this beautiful region as just one thing. Think coastal scenery meets rural farmland and scattered vineyards meets artisan producers meets heritage buildings – McLaren Vale fits somewhere in the middle. Grenache is the varietal the region is best known for with its Mediterranean climate, but beyond wine, you’ll also find small breweries and distilleries dotted around the region. If quirky art and architecture is your area of interest, don’t miss the d’Arenberg cube.

Adelaide City Centre

Adelaide is a well-designed city. The perfect square blocks and straight streets make it easy to explore on foot and you’ll find a host of major attractions within the city centre. Wander through the Art Gallery of South Australia, which has an excellent permeant collection that includes works by Picasso and Renoir, and the Adelaide Oval, where you can take a guided tour and imagine your favourite team running onto the field of this 50,000-person stadium.

Rundle Mall is your port of call if shopping is your game, with major retailers and boutiques lining the pedestrian street. If local produce has your heart, a visit to the Adelaide Central Market will be essential to your local produce education. Walk through the aisles of colourful fruit and vegetable stands and savour artisanal cheeses, oils, herbs, and just about anything that makes you say ‘Ooooh’. Pick a few of your favourite things for a picnic at the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, or venture down to Glenelg, easily accessible by tram, and watch the sun set over the beach. If you’re keen to bar hop, consider a visit to Leigh St and Peel St, where small bars and acclaimed restaurants line the streets.

Local Heros 

Every Australian State has a heritage brewery. Victoria has VB, Queensland has Great Northern, and South Australia has Coopers. As Australia’s largest owned brewery, you’ll find Coopers in almost every pub around town. If you’re a lover of fine ales, take the Coopers brewery tour to learn about the production process, accompanied by an in-depth beer tasting.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Then how about visiting Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s. Haigh’s stores are sprinkled throughout Adelaide, all with a wonderful in-store experience and enough chocolate to curb even the sweetest tooth. But, if you want to discover how the chocolate is made, visit Haigh’s Chocolate Factory, located on the edge of the city, which offers both self-guided and fully guided tours.

RM Williams, a national icon, is also based in Adelaide. Each boot is handcrafted in South Australia, and while you can’t visit the workshop, you can visit the next best thing: RM’s original workshop, where the man himself began making boots and leather goods. On every pair of boots, you’ll find the address – 5 Percy St Prospect – a nod to the origin. A visit to Percy St is a walk back in time with the heritage museum showcasing the history of the man and why he was such an important figure for rural Australia.

If this has sparked your wanderlust, now is the perfect time to book your adventure! For a limited time book The Ghan in 2025 and receive 3 nights free in Adelaide or Darwin. Find out more here: www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/special-offers/