Darwin Waterfront

Darwin Waterfront showing swimming as well as a large group of people
Darwin Waterfront featuring café scenes, a sunset and outdoor eating
Darwin Waterfront which includes swimming
Darwin Waterfront
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.

Popular places to visit


Top Darwin Waterfront Hotel Deals

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

4 out of 5
31 Woods Street, Darwin, NT
Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel
The Cavenagh

The Cavenagh

3.5 out of 5
12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
The Cavenagh
Rydges Darwin Central

Rydges Darwin Central

4 out of 5
21 Knuckey Street, Darwin, NT
Rydges Darwin Central
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

4 out of 5
116 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

4 out of 5
64 Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Palms City Resort
Darwin City Hotel

Darwin City Hotel

4 out of 5
59 Smith Street, Darwin, NT
Darwin City Hotel
Hilton Darwin

Hilton Darwin

5 out of 5
32 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT
Hilton Darwin
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

4 out of 5
7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin, NT
Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

4 out of 5
122 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
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