Darwin Waterfront

Explore Darwin’s scenic waterfront, where you can swim in the wave pool, see turtles up close and dine in restaurants overlooking the sea.

Head to the Darwin Waterfront and enjoy the music, food and atmosphere of this lively precinct. Just a short walk from the CBD, this picturesque oceanfront esplanade is very popular with locals. Enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, escape the summer heat at its swimming areas or try some seaside dining.

During Darwin’s steamy summers and dry winters, head to the waterfront Wave Lagoon to keep cool. This pool charges a small entry fee but is safe all year and has shallow areas for children. Find your own space in the 4,000-square-metre (43,000-square-foot) lagoon. Alternatively, join the crowds at the wave section, where you can surf up to 10 different types of waves. Nearby, a seawater Recreation Lagoon and beach area are free to use. Find a spot on the sand and work on your tan.

Dry off and visit the Indo Pacific Marine exhibit, where you can learn about the balanced ecosystem of coral reefs. Delight in close-up views of sea horses and clownfish grazing the floors of their enclosures. At certain times of the month, you can take a cruise to a secluded beach nearby to watch turtles laying their eggs.

Take a fishing trip to Darwin’s sheltered reefs and explore the ocean floor. Charter boats can be booked at hotels along the promenade. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, take a jet boat tour around the headland. For something more laid-back, board the restored Streeter sailboat for a sunset cruise.

Back on dry land, head to one of the world-renowned restaurants along the promenade for some fresh seafood. Take a seat at the Deckchair Cinema, an outdoor movie theatre just next to the Esplanade. This cinema shows a range of Australian, popular and foreign films. Movies screen in the evenings between April and November.

The Darwin Waterfront is situated on the southern tip of Darwin’s peninsula. Get there by bus or car and use the metered parking available.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Deckchair Cinema

Watch the sunset from the tropical gardens, grab a meal and a drink, and enjoy a film under the Northern Territory stars.

Darwin

The gateway to outback adventures and a laid-back state of mind that few other capitals can match - get ready for Darwin’s warm Top End embrace.

Crocosaurus Cove

This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.

Bicentennial Park

Take a break from the city and stroll through this calming natural space. Pass harbour views, native flora and sobering war monuments.

Aquascene

Head to Doctors Gully at high tide to see a natural phenomenon turned tourist attraction, as shoals of fish come to the shallow waters to be fed by hand.

Hotels near Darwin Waterfront

Travelodge Resort Darwin

64 Cavenagh St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin hotel is located near the airport, within 1 mi (2 km) of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral and Darwin Waterfront. The Esplanade and Smith Street Mall are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on the Esplanade

88 The Esplanade

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin Harbour and Darwin War Memorial are also within 5 minutes.

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

116 The Esplanade

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is steps from The Esplanade, The USS Peary Memorial, and Darwin Harbour. Bicentennial Park and Darwin Entertainment Centre are also within 5 minutes.

Hilton Darwin

32 Mitchell Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maningrida Arts & Culture and Darwin Waterfront. Smith Street Mall and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Wave Lagoon and WWII Oil Storage Tunnels are also within 5 minutes.

Rydges Darwin Central

21 Knuckey Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and The Esplanade are also within 5 minutes.

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin

122 The Esplanade

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin hotel is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Entertainment Centre. Smith Street Mall and Mindil Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Novotel Darwin Airport

2 Sir Norman Brearly Drive

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Eaton, this eco-friendly hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Marrara Sports Complex and within 3 mi (5 km) of TIO Stadium and Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Casuarina Square and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Cullen Bay Resort

26-32 Marina BoulevardCullen Bay, Cullen Bay

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Cullen Bay, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Cullen Bay Marina and Mindil Beach. The Esplanade and Smith Street Mall are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mantra Pandanas

43 Knuckey Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Brown's Mart Theatre are also within 10 minutes.

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort

1 Sir Norman Brearley Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Eaton, this romantic hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Marrara Sports Complex and within 3 mi (5 km) of TIO Stadium and Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Casuarina Square and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Novotel Darwin CBD

100 The Esplanade

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this beach hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin Harbour and Bicentennial Park are also within 5 minutes.

Palms City Resort

64 Esplanade

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin War Memorial and Darwin Harbour are also within 5 minutes.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Gilruth Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in The Gardens, this beach hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Mindil Beach, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, and SKYCITY Casino. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and Cullen Bay Marina are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Value Inn

50 Mitchell Street

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Smith Street Mall are also within 5 minutes.

Quality Hotel Darwin Airport

225 Mcmillans Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Jingili, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Marrara Sports Complex and TIO Stadium. Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Casuarina Square are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Wave Lagoon, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Darwin, and WWII Oil Storage Tunnels. The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront are also within 5 minutes.

Casa on Gregory

52 Gregory Street(Cnr Gregory & Toy Streets), (Cnr Gregory & Toy Streets)

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Parap, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Mindil Beach, The Esplanade, and Cullen Bay Marina. Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

146 Dick Ward Drive

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Coconut Grove, this apartment building is within 2 mi (3 km) of Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Casuarina Beach, and Darwin Harbour. Marrara Sports Complex and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Melaleuca on Mitchell Backpacker Accommodation

52 MITCHELL STREET DARWIN NT 0800, 52

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Smith Street Mall are also within 5 minutes.

Darwin City Edge Motel & Suites

38 Gardens Road

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral, Darwin Waterfront, and Cullen Bay Marina. The Esplanade and Darwin Entertainment Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Quest Parap

49 Parap Rd, Parap

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This hotel is situated in the business district.

Argus Apartments Darwin

6 Cardona Court

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin aparthotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. The Esplanade and Brown's Mart Theatre are also within 10 minutes.

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

901 Stuart Highway

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Holtze, this holiday park is within 6 mi (10 km) of Holmes Jungle Nature Park, Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation, and Crocodylus Park. Darwin Aviation Museum and Charles Darwin National Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).