Best Arts and Culture Places in Darwin

"It might make sense to begin your trip at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) to get a good overview of the city and some of the history (plus it has great air conditioning to help you acclimatise). There are a few permanent exhibitions that give you a nice introduction to Darwin, including the natural history section, where you can see the evolution of some of the local flora and fauna. There’s also an excellent section about Cyclone Tracy in 1974, that really changed the shape of the city."

"This superb museum and art gallery boasts beautifully presented galleries of Top End–centric exhibits. The Aboriginal art collection is a highlight, with carvings from the Tiwi Islands, bark paintings from Arnhem... Top ChoiceMarket in Darwin"

"Established in 2015, Aboriginal Bush Traders supports Indigenous artists to commercialise authentic arts and products. They stock a variety of things from bush medicine to ethical fashion and, of course, art. Several artists display their works here, each piece telling a story and displaying techniques passed down for millennia."

"In historic Lyons Cottage, this fine little cafe has some really tasty dishes inspired by Aboriginal bush tucker from the desert. In addition to more conventional dishes such as gourmet toasted rolls, try the..."

"Mason Gallery has been a go-to destination to discover Australian art in Darwin since 1997. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of art sourced primarily from the NT. In addition to artwork, this gallery offers a selection of giftware including hand-made jewellery, ceramics and glassware."

"After moving to Arnhem Land for work, Reg and Debra Mason were approached by locals looking to sell their artwork. As the years went on, the quantity of the work became so great they opened a gallery. They quickly became the largest dealer in the Western Arnhem Land area."

"Mason Art Gallery, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Mason Art Gallery. Where: 7/21 Cavenagh St. The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia’s richest Aboriginal art traditions."

"There’s no better place to discover Indigenous Australian art than Outstation Gallery. Outstation works directly with Aboriginal owned art centres. They exhibit and promote the work from emerging and established Indigenous artists."

"This Darwin gallery features paintings and artworks primarily sourced from the Utopia Region of Central Australia. In addition to big pieces of art, Mbantua also carries smaller items and giftware. It’s a popular destination for travellers to bring home a unique souvenir."

"The Paul Johnstone Gallery is committed to sourcing the finest of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artworks. They represent contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists to provide a space to present works by leading artists. The gallery aims to provide a record of the diversity of Indigenous art and its connection to culture, climate and environment."

"There’s no better place to discover Indigenous Australian art than Outstation Gallery. Outstation works directly with Aboriginal owned art centres. They exhibit and promote the work from emerging and established Indigenous artists."

"One of the best museums in Darwin is the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility, which you’ll find at the end of the wharf at the Darwin Waterfront. This centre uses new technology like virtual reality and life-size holograms to tell two iconic stories about the Top End. The first is about the Royal Flying Doctor Service, including how it was established and the important work that it does in remote areas of the Northern Territory."

"The first iconic story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known throughout Australia as the RFDS. Using the latest innovations in holographic technology, the hologram of John Flynn is portrayed by an actor who tells the story of Flynn’s vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942."

"The museums in Darwin give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Darwin with these museums."

"Located only 30 minutes from the Darwin CBD, Howard Springs Nature Park has undergone a makeover in recent years. It’s great for children of all ages as it features a toddlers pool, man-made rockpools and waterfall as well as a large playground with an epic flying-fox. Catch a glimpse of the huge barramundi, cute turtles and other freshwater fish in the waterhole or take a bushwalk to spot other wildlife."

"This lush botanic garden is a sanctuary just north of Darwin. Not only does it have some impressive plants and a great visitors centre, but it is a wonderful place for kids. Kids can race boats, roll down hills or just play in the impressive playground."

"Spread over 42 lush hectares, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens makes for a relaxing day out when visiting the Northern Territory."