Your ultimate guide to the best things to do, eat (and nicest places to stay) in Darwin

You may have heard talk of Darwin being the laksa capital of Australia – and once you get there, you'll understand why. While there are truly hundreds of options to choose from, we particuarly lost our minds at the laksa on offer at Parap Markets (breakfast laksa is better than any laksa) and at Chok's Place, a tiny institution of a food court joint that has been awarded the ‘Golden Laksa’ award two years running. 

Going for a morning stroll in search of breakfast at Parap Village Market is basically heaven, and we're not even being dramatic. It's rare to find yourself in a place so stuffed with so many perfect food options that there are no wrong turns or bad decisions. Whether it was guzzling plump Cambodian rice balls stuffed with shallots straight out of the griddle, slurping laksa heaped with chilli, biting into fresh sugar-dusted donuts, sipping on fresh lemonade, or snaffling freshly seared satay squid, Parap has a little bit of everything, and no trip to Darwin should go by without a visit to it. Warning: Arrive hungry. 

There's nowhere quite like Aboriginal Bush Traders. This 100 per cent non for profit business is Indigenous-led and  committed to selling sustainable (and ethical) products that directly help out Indigenous communities Australia-wide. Pop in for a stellar coffee and a delicious array of bush foods that you don't usually get the chance to try anywhere else. Whether it's roasted kangaroo, a buffalo and egg wrap with bush tomato relish, pavolva with rosella cream or a lemon myrtle protein ball, this place will probably blow your mind. Pop over to the art gallery next door to pick up something gorgeous that'll last the trip home. 

Creamy, zingy kiwi-fruit curry? The most wonderfully crispy and salted fresh roti? Curry leaf cured snapper? A passionfruit martini? For an unforgettable Sri Lankan fusion meal by a former MasterChef contestant, look no further than this genuine food paradise in the heart of Darwin. When every dish makes you exclaim "holy shit that's so bloody good", you know you haven't made the wrong decision. 

Picture this: You're walking down a tropical beach boulevard in soft, warm dusky air. The sunset is crimson, gold and purple and you can hear the gentle lapping of the turquoise bay nearby. You are eating some of the best laksa of your life, and you're about to follow it up with some fresh NT Barramundi and chips. This is not just a fever dream – it could be your reality if you decide to head to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Running only during the dry season (April 27 to October 26, specifically), these vibey and vibrant night markets bring live music, international food and local artisans all together in one, joyful place. 

Want a solid cup o' coffee? You're not alone. Tucked away a little out of the centre of town, Sweetbrew is a plant-filled paradise full of cosy corners and seriously quality cafe treats. Whether fresh pastries and sourdough, zingy savoury breakfasts or tropical flavours are your jam, Sweetbrew has you sorted. Plus, there's a cute shop inside the cafe for everyone that likes a little browse after their morning brew. 

If you're in Darwin and in the mood for Mexican, head to Hot Tamale. For zingy margaritas, oozy jalapeno poppers and really delish Mexican, this is the bright, punchy and festive flavour sensation that you may want/ need after a long day in the heat of the tropics. 

If you want to feel like you're in an airy, tropical paradise, look no further than Charlie's. This open rooftop bar is bestooned with floating white lanterns, full of gigantic whirling fans and stuffed with comfy nooks perfect for late summr nights. At Charlie's, gin is the main event. Locally produced using native Territorian ingredients (think Kakadu plum, water lillies and native lemongrass), their gin is made in Darwin and sparkles on its own legs. You can see the working bronze distillery from the cocktail lounge, giving a whole new meaning to 'farm to table'. Cheers to that. 

In our experience, the Adina Apartment Hotel on Darwin's waterfront is probably the best value hotel-esque accomodation in Darwin. The rooms are clean and classicly hotel-y, the location is excellent (it's right on the water, and a 15 minute scenic walk into the centre of town), and you even get your own private mini beach. In a town where it's so hot, and where the ocean is so very un-swimmable (crocs, etc), this tiny beach can't be dismissed.

Okay, so it's part of a casino which isn't everyone's thing – but Mindil Beach makes up for it in other ways. This four-star resort comes with its own turquoise infinity pool and private white sand beach. Spacious rooms, private balconies and a secluded, tropical feel are the MO at Mindil. Plus, you're just a stone's throw from the Mindil Sunset Markets. Love it.

The H on Smith is in a less scenic part of Darwin, but it gets the job done. The pool is small, and the rooms were a little dark, but they are still extremely spacious with very comfy beds. This is a great place for those who care more about convienent location than a luxe hotel room. Across the road from Woolies, and just a few minutes walk from pretty much everywhere in Darwin's city centre, the H is good for the budget-conscious Darwin explorer. Read: Rooms are generally less than $300 a night. You can't beat that.

The Hilton Darwin is (like Hiltons everywhere) a bougie white space full of luxe hotel finishes that will work for you if you like luxury living. In primo location smack-bang in the middle of Darwin city, the Hilton offers an open-air pool, spacious rooms, silky robes and stretching ocean views across Darwin's azure harbour. For all those who like the bougie side, this one's for you.