Leah McLennan

We're saying it loud and clear: Darwin is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s that far northern city where people put ice in their beer, dodge cyclones and take their life into their hands if they ever step into the sea. And while there is something a little untamed about Australia’s northernmost capital city, that’s what makes it so much fun to visit.  Whether you’re here to access the majesty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, check out the incredible international food scene or just planning to kick back by the water in this tropical paradise while the rest of the country shivers through winter, there’s something in Darwin for everyone.  🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin right now🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🍸 Where to go for a drink in town

What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 40-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of Tasmania’s countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ Australia's most luxurious hotels🥐 The best bakeries Down Under

For food-loving visitors to Darwin, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. From harbour-front dining showcasing the tropical fruits and local wildlife – such as crocodile and kangaroo - to intimate cafés with inventive cross-cultural fare and famous weekend markets, here are eight reasons to get onboard that flight to Darwin. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🌳 The 17 best things to do in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars for a night out

As Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin’s museums and galleries stand as a treasure trove of Australian heritage, offering unparalleled glimpses into European settlement and World War II, the harrowing impact of Cyclone Tracy, and the area’s iconic fauna, such as crocodiles, dingos and 400 bird species.  This city is home to the Larrakia people and is a major hub for Aboriginal art from around the region. Below, you will find eight of the best museums and galleries that Territorians and visitors can’t seem to get enough of. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Darwin.

A haven for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, Darwin Aviation Museum presents an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation artefacts that narrate the story of Darwin's pivotal role in World War II. The centrepiece is a massive B-52 bomber on loan from the United States Air Force, complemented by tales of heroic flights and the evolution of air travel in Australia. Also in Darwin, don’t miss the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) tourist facility at Stokes Hill Wharf, where you can experience the history of the RFDS through virtual reality, holograms and interactive displays.

The aerial assault on Darwin Harbour by Japanese forces on 19 February 1942 stands as the most significant military onslaught Australia has ever faced. Darwin Military Museum is a must-visit to fully grasp the magnitude of this event. Located in the historic precinct of East Point, the collection features artillery pieces, vehicles and a lookout tower, offering a glimpse into the life of soldiers stationed in this remote outpost.

In the fun-loving suburb of Parap, just five minutes from the CBD, Outstation Gallery is where the heart of remote Aboriginal art beats in Darwin. Specialising in contemporary art from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, the Western Desert, the Kimberley, and Central and South Australia, this gallery bridges the gap between remote artists and the urban audience. Artworks range from bark paintings and hollow logs to fibre art and acrylic paintings.

Tiwi Islands are a cultural gem off the coast of Darwin, renowned for their distinctive art and cultural practices. Tiwi Design presents a collection that ranges from fabrics, intricate wood carvings and pottery to the famous Pukumani burial poles. March is a special time on the Islands, marked by the Tiwi Island Football Grand Final and Art Sale, a festive fusion of sport and art that draws visitors from far and wide. While you’re there, don’t miss the Patakijiyali Museum, an intimate space that holds records of important information about the Tiwi dreamtime and spirituality, the Catholic Mission, the role of the Tiwi people during World War II, and the Islands’ proud football heritage.

Darwin's urban landscape is a canvas for creativity, with outdoor street art galleries like Austin Lane and Shadforth Lane transforming the city's alleys into vibrant showcases of contemporary art. These open-air galleries feature murals and installations by local and international artists, adding a splash of colour and intrigue to the city streets. Don’t miss the portrait of the late singer Gurrumul and the very special memorial piece for the late, great Vincent Lingiari, both in central Darwin.

Want to see art and design from more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres in one place? Every August, Darwin becomes the epicentre of Indigenous art with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). From traditional bark paintings and weaving to contemporary sculptures and textiles, the fair showcases the spectacular diversity of Aboriginal art. The event is more than just an art fair; it's a cultural celebration, complete with workshops, performances, films, fashion shows and more.

In the funky suburb of Parap, the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA) is Darwin's avant-garde art space, dedicated to presenting contemporary art from the Northern Territory and beyond. With a focus on innovation and experimentation, the exhibitions span a diverse range of mediums and themes, from digital media and performance art to social and political commentary.

Set within the snazzy Vibe Hotel at Darwin's Waterfront, Curve mirrors the city’s diverse culinary panorama with a menu spanning local seafood to global classics. A meal might include melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet or Humpty Doo barramundi with coconut pumpkin puree, followed by creamy panna cotta with quandong puree and fresh berries. Hotel guests have the convenience of not having to leave the building for a top-notch Darwin dining experience. No taxis required.

Chef Shu’s elegant restaurant takes you on a culinary journey through the best of Indian, Malaysian and Thai gastronomy. Standout dishes include nonya satay chicken, local mud crabs, beef vindaloo curry and the legendary hot Hanuman Oysters. Tucked beside the Darwin Entertainment Centre, this stylish restaurant with Asian wood carvings and high ceilings is the ideal choice if you’re seeking a seamless evening of dining and entertainment. Heading to Alice Springs? You’ll also find Hanuman in Central Australia.

Nothing can beat a great curry and few chefs can outdo Minoli De Silva’s jaggery goat with spiced sticky figs. The former MasterChef contestant has set up a city centre establishment that marries creativity with reverence for traditional Sri Lankan ingredients. Fill the table with curry leaf-cured snapper, spiced lamb ribs and black pepper pork belly, and pick from Ella’s extensive cocktail list, where ingredients like makrut limes, cardamom and pandan steal the spotlight.

This elegant eatery with water vistas and lush greenery has an emphasis on wood-fired meats and seafood. Rally a batch of friends and make space for the suckling pig feast with all the trimmings, carved at the table. Seafood lovers should opt for the platter for two, where local Humpty Doo barramundi, cured yellowfin tuna and wood-grilled fish of the day are the stars of the show. The drinks list is extensive, including fun options for teetotallers, such as the Paloma (grapefruit, sweet and sour, salt rim) and plenty of zero wine and beer options.

At Yots, the warm welcome and views of the marina whisk guests away to the essence of the Mediterranean. The decor's blue and white hues, paired with traditional Greek dishes, like the char-grilled octopus, saganaki, moussaka and spicy whitebait, create an experience filled with the comfort of Greek hospitality. Just be sure to save room for the baklava and a shot of ouzo to end a memorable meal.