The capital city of the Northern Territory, Darwin, is one of the most unique cities in Australia. From its WWII history, to its heavy asian-influence on it’s food, Australia’s smallest capital city is well worth visiting. One of the standout, unique, things in Darwin are its varied markets. Loved by locals and visitors, your trip to Darwin isn’t complete without experiencing them.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
The Mindil Markets are Darwin’s most well known and popular markets. With over 200 stalls, these markets offer food, arts and crafts, and more. You’ll be overwhelmed for choice with options such as “Road Kill Cafe”, local delicacies such as laksa and Barramundi, and many more international cuisines. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, or sit back and listen to some live music.
Although it is definitely the busiest markets, which in itself can sometimes be overwhelming, it is not a market to miss!
Where is it: Located 3km from Darwin’s City Centre, you can easily walk there. If you want to drive, the free parking gets busy quick so it’s best to arrive early! You’ll find the markets on Mindil Beach, tucked between the Botanic Gardens and Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
When: The Mindil Markets run Thursday and Sundays, 4pm – 9pm, from the last Thursday in April through to last Thursday in October.
Parap Village Markets
Dating back to 1982, the Parap Village Markets are an all-round Darin favourite. With clothes, souvenirs, fruit and veg and heaps of food options, including the famous Mary’s Laksa, you’re sure to have a busy Saturday morning at the Parap Village Markets. My favourite stall (which you can also often find her and the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and the Rapid Creek Markets) is the little lady selling fresh mango. It is THE BEST mango I have ever tasted in my life. You can buy whole mangoes by the kilo or pre-cut mango in containers. These markets are also a tourist favourite and near the CBD so do get pretty busy!
Where: 5 minutes from the city centre in the Parap Village Shopping Village on Parap Road (12 Parap Place, Parap Place, NT 0820)
When: Every Saturday, 8am-2pm
Rapid Creek Markets
The Rapid Creek Markets are Darwin’s oldest markets. These markets were my absolute favourite – I honestly felt like I had been transported to Malaysia. From authentic asian sweets, laksa, and all the exotic fruit and veg you can’t find at your local Coles or Woolworths, the Rapid Creek Markets had all I could want. Here, you’ll really feel at one with the locals, and it’s a great spot to get your fruit and veg, meat or dairy (as well as a little treat for yourself).
Where: Approximately 10km from the Darwin CBD (48 Trower Road, Rapid Creek NT 0810)
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 7am-2pm
Nightcliff Markets
Fill your Sunday morning in Darwin shopping for trinkets and listening to live music (from 11am) at the Nightcliff Markets. Here, you’ll find second-hand stores and some of the more unique handcrafted gifts, as well as your general food and clothing options. This is the most laid-back of all the markets in Darwin. Whilst some of the other ones can be busy and overwhelming, being a Sunday, the Nightcliff markets are perfect if you want to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Where: 7 Pavonia Place, Progress Drive NT 0810
When: Sundays 8am-2pm
[…] Finally, you’ve made it to Darwin! We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the City of Darwin. The best thing to do is to pop in to the visitor centre to find out what’s on! During the winter time (peak season) there is the Darwin Festival with heaps of shows and free activities. There are loads of markets around from the Mindil Beach Markets, the Parap Village markets, to the more unique Rapid Creek Markets. Read my detailed Darwin Travel Guide or see an insight into Darwin’s Markets. […]