10 things to do in Darwin this Easter long-weekend

Not everyone leaves Darwin for the Easter long-weekend.

And also, not everyone (cough, me) is organised enough to actually forward plan for things like a big chunk of uninterrupted public holidays.

But don’t worry. If you haven’t pre-planned a 4-day camping trip, or a mini-Easter break to Bali, then Her Territory has you sorted.

We have come up with the top 10 things to do in and around Greater Darwin if you are home-bound this long weekend.

Enjoy.

1) Litchfield.

So easy. So doable. So pretty. Most of the roads are sealed now so your trusty 2-wheeler can get you there in ease these days. Green Ant Creek and Buely Rockhole are always a standout.

Green Ant Hill at Litchfield. Quite the trek for a little one - BUT WORTH IT (whinging and all)

2) Adelaide River Jumping Crocs.

Hey don’t judge. When you’ve lived here forever these beasts that hurl out of the water are kind of lame-ish. But for chidren, or even southerners whose only experience with crocs is when they lose their mind at a 1.5m saltie at the Melbourne Aquarium (lol, sad much) … weeelll this is quite the cool experience.

I took this. Just saying.

3) CIRCUS!

Yep - it is back in town, and just in time to fill up one of your public holiday or school holiday days.

WEBER BROS ENTERTAINMENT describes it as the most extraordinary world-class acts featuring hilarious comedians, daring FMX riders, captivating aerialists, and .. the crowd favourite (according to their website) the Globe of Death.

Here is a link if you want to score some tickets: The Circus (iticket.com.au)

4) Crocodylus Park and Croc Cove.

Both parks are pretty awesome and can be done on the same day.

Croc Cove, which is superbly positioned on top of a bar on Mitchell st (hello, Darwin much?), allows kids to go swimming with crocs, have their pics taken with baby crocs, and gives them the chance to go up on the top deck and feed the crocs. There’s clearly a croc theme happening here right? Cool all around.

Meanwhile over at Crocodylus Park, in Berrimah, you’ll get more than just crocs. Think lots of cool exotic animals, including funny looking meerkats and aggressive emus. Fun all round (TOP TIP - don’t get too close to the emus).

The emus at Crocodylus Park are a tad psycho. Cute though.

Feeding baby crocs at Croc Cove in the CBD

Kids love this. Crazy right. But they DO.

5) Cox Country Pub (Mandorah)

Now this is just so great. Hop on a ferry. And in around 20 minutes you’re on a little sandy retreat at Wagait Beach. Grab a great lunch at the Cox Peninsula Hotel, go camping (or glamping in one of the stunning air b and b beachfront houses), fishing or get in some sunset beach walks. So close to Darwin but you may as well be in Bali (sort of … if there were no crocs lurking beneath the pretty waters).

Mandorah Pub is such an iconic place here in the Top End.

6) Mary River Wilderness Retreat.

Located halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, this retreat gives you the option of staying in safari tents, poolside or bush bungalows or camp sites. Hang by the pool all weekend, take advantage of the walking trails or feed the fish. If you have a bit of extra time hire a house bout and spend a day or two on the Coroboree River. Don’t fall in. Because, crocs.

7) Mindil Beach Casino Lagoon Resort.

I have a confession to make. I BLOODY LOVE THIS PLACE. It is also a one-minute drive from my place so I am kind of biased. Hire a room right on the lagoon, jump in straight from your bedroom and go crazy swimming up to the pool bar pretending to be at a beach club in Bali. But with less influencers taking selfies.

It’s actually kid friendly too - they love it & the bar makes fab kid smoothies & hot fries too.

8) Darwin Waterfront.

Wave pool, jumping playground on the lagoon, awesome restaurants, ice cream shops, and pubs for a winddown. You could legit spend an entire day here - with or without kids. It gets pretty hot and shade is questionable, but it is FUN.

Fun fact: I don’t think I have ever been to the Waterfront WITHOUT getting sunburnt or having a Banh Mi from Chow.

9) Fish Feeding.

I KNOW I have banged on about this place before. BUT PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RELATIVES HERE. You get in water with fish. And feed them. There are also ducks and sometimes stingrays. It rocks my kid’s world every time. Hell, it rocks MINE. Aquascene as it’s also known, is right in the heart of the CBD. It’s rad.

My child looking casual and candid at the fish feeding

10. Fish n Chips at any beach in Darwin. Finish with an Ice Cream at the Cool Spot or the Foreshore Cafe.

My three favourite’s are Cullen Bay, Nightcliff and East Point. Buy some fish n chips and head down to the beach in the evening (there are heaps of fish and chip vans along our major beaches - or La Beach if you are in Cullen Bay). If you are at East Point hire a canoe or stand up board, and paddle away in a croc free lake.

Afterwards head to the iconic Cool Spot in Fannie Bay, or picturesque Foreshore Cafe in Nightcliff for some yummy gelato.

Fish n Chips is a staple in my kid’s diet. Just joking. Sort of.