The 5 best parks in Darwin

The Jingili Water Gardens are located on the banks of Gurrumbay (Rapid Creek). In the Larrakia language, Gurrumbay means elbow, which is also the shape Rapid Creek makes. The bend in the river is a special place for the Larrakia people, who generously share it with us all. The very best part of the Jingili Water Gardens is in its name: the water. Throughout the nature reserve, you’ll hear the soothing sound of running water coming from glorious water features, lily ponds and fountains. How’s the serenity, eh? Before you get too relaxed, take the time to explore the all-abilities play space (including a balance log, accessible swings and musical instruments), the skate park (where weekly skate nights are held), and the community orchard (growing free tropical fruit for all). 

Overlooking Darwin Harbour and stretching the length of The Esplanade from the Northern Territory’s Parliament House to Doctor’s Gully is the green grass of Bicentennial Park. Even locals feel like they’re on holiday when they visit this spot, thanks to its shady trees, ocean breeze and the bougie Hilton hotel across the road. This is a place where people gather to watch the boats sail by, pay respect at the Cenotaph war memorial and celebrate the annual Greek Glenti festival. It’s a place where kids squeal on the flying fox and climb the enormous rope tower at the playground. And, it’s a place where city workers escape the office for a dose of nature. How lucky we are to have such a vast parkland in the very heart of the city. 

Don’t be fooled by the name. This reserve might be called Sunset Park, but you can visit it any time, even at sunrise, if you fancy. You’ll find the park along the Nightcliff Foreshore, next to the Nightcliff Jetty, just off Casuarina Drive. Look for the palm trees, playground and exercise equipment, and enjoy the space from dawn to dusk and beyond. As the name suggests, Sunset Park is the spot to watch a famous Top End sunset and drink in the last light of the day. But it’s also a good place to start the day, with a leisurely stroll and an early morning latte from the nearby Cry Baby coffee cart. 

Three words: inflatable fun park. The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is home to an epic aqua park with a four-metre-high, floating, inflatable obstacle course. Need we say more? If it requires spelling out, this park is a guaranteed good time. As well as the aquatic jumping castle, the Waterfront has a luxurious grass area surrounding the public swimming lagoon, an on-land playground and a nearby wave pool. You could easily spend a day at the Waterfront, alternating between swimming in the saltwater, sun basking on a deckchair and snacking on treats from the neighbouring restaurants (ideally the salt and pepper crocodile from Snapper Rocks or a fresh mango sorbet from Trampoline Gelato). 

Situated in the post-card-pretty East Point Reserve, is the picturesque Lake Alexander and its surrounding parklands. The water is fit for swimming (a real treat in croc country), and the land is fit for relaxing, exploring and enjoying. There are all the usual trappings of a good park – barbecues, picnic tables and playgrounds – as well as walking trails, paddle board hire and a folklore shark sighting. As the yarn goes, a “shark” was spotted in the man-made lake in 2022 and led to a temporary closure. Alas, it was a case of mistaken identity, and a metre-long milkfish was caught in the lake two weeks later, much to the relief of locals. Today, Lake Alexander remains a tranquil (and shark-free) escape.