Romantic Restaurants, Getaway 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"

"There’s always a tagine of the day, as well as 30-plus excellent tapas dishes. Sample grilled local eggplant with pomegranate and yoghurt; Berber-spiced kangaroo with tomato jam; or pumpkin and fetta salad with basil and pine nuts.37 Knuckey Street, Darwin; (08) 8981 0010"

"Seductive aromas emanate from this divine terracotta-tiled cafe fusing North African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delights. The tapas can be a bit hit-and-miss, but dishes such as the Berber-spiced kangaroo... Top ChoiceIndian in Darwin"

"The Darwin Waterfront is located near Stokes Hill Wharf and is the perfect place for a fun day with the kids. Surrounded by restaurants, the park includes a wave pool and recreational lagoon with an inflatable fun park. Gardens, picnic areas and pathways provide a relaxing green space for visitors."

"The Darwin Waterfront is a nice place to relax and bathe in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the must-do attractions in Darwin. It has a vacation club vibe as there are water attractions, large lawns to sunbathe and various free activities such as Tai Chi courses or open-air cinema."

"When in Darwin, do as the locals do and order yourself an Australia Green Ant Gin at the Trader Bar. Inspired by indigenous communities for their medicinal benefits and protein content, green ants are brighter than green face paint. If you’re looking for something a little more vanilla, don’t worry because that’s not the only drink available at this contemporary bar."

"Contemporary and stylish, add this venue to your list if you’re seeking a little sophistication and glamour. Boasting a library of gins, boutique spirits, amazing cocktails as well as wonderful wines, bubbles and coffee, we’re sure this fabulous place will become one of your after work favourites."

"3 Harriet Place, Darwin.Open: Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8am for coffee and pastries.Known for: Fantastic coffee and the best Almond Croissants in the Territory!"

"For those in search of a sizzling Sunday session, The Deck Bar is the place to hang. Considered one of Darwin’s premier outdoor party and dining venues, you won’t have to work hard for a cool brew at this Mitchell Street establishment. If you're visiting Darwin between March to October, the venue hosts Drag Queen Bingo on Tuesdays – loads of fun!"

"On the corner of Mitchell and Bennett Street, The Deck Bar is perfectly situated to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Darwin’s liveliest strip while set slightly away from Mitchell Street mayhem!. This great bar offers 80+ beer varieties, a fantastic choice of cocktails and classic pub meal favourites with something for everyone and every mood."

"Offering over 80 varieties of beer, this outdoor bar is one of the popular venues in Darwin city. Situated at the ‘top of the town’, the Deck Bar is open 7 days a week. The Deck Bar has a great dinner menu and for something light, tapas and bar snacks are available too."

"Complete with a hidden back-alley entrance and vibrant rooftop bar, Charlie’s of Darwin feels like Melbourne has come to the Top End. It features cocktails served in novelty glasses (including one in a bath), and an impressive menu created by a chef who clearly cares about food. The bar is beginning to distil its own gin, which will be infused with local flavours like waterlily and Kakadu plum."

"While you can always find a lively pub atmosphere in the Territory, there's also a number of new boutique wine and gin bars popping up around the place. Charlie's of Darwin has both a restaurant and large lantern-filled deck area serving up the best gins in town!. You can find Charlies tucked away in the graffiti-dotted side street of Austin Lane."

"Simple and unsophisticated, this place literally has homemade food for sale. The flavors are rich and authentic and you get to try here the best of Asian and Vietnamese food. My Friends Kitchen is perfect if you enjoy well cooked basic food."

"With a whopping 4 bars to choose from, SKYCITY Hotel and Resort has a drinking spot that’s perfect for your taste. Arguably the most picturesque of the 4, Infinity is a beach club that opens 7 days a week until 8pm each night. Expect eclectic DJ sets on weekends and more bohemian music on weeknights."

"Situated in Darwin, this resort offers a private beach and a deluxe infinity pool. It provides a gym, as well as a sauna, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service."

"SKYCITY Darwin is an ultimate travel destination for discerning guests seeking a truly five star beachfront experience in Australia's extraordinary Top End."

"There’s less food and more tie-dye at Sunday’s Nightcliff Markets, a popular brunch spot where locals kick back to live music and have their tarot read over a coffee or three. Highlights include the near-perfect pork banh mi (also available with tofu) from Ha Hong, Nutella and banana creations from Ken’s Crepes, and mixed berry donuts from the revered Alley Cats Patisserie."

"A favourite for parents with young children or those into live music, this family-friendly market is a bit smaller and less crowded (it is a Sunday after all) and centred around a playground with live music. A bit of everything, coffee, local crafts and food, Nightcliff market is a locals only affair. If you are in the area then it's worth a look."

"When: Sundays 8am – 2pmAddress: Nightcliff Village, Progress Drive, NightcliffPhone: 0414 368 773. Every Sunday locals and visitors flock to the Nightcliff Markets. Get there early and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast with delicious fruit juices, tropical fruit salads and freshly ground coffee."