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Discover Darwin: Best Things to do for Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers (WHMs)

Hannah Morecroft
April 13, 2025
Kakadu national Park, Kakadu, NT, Darwin, australia, blue water, swimming hole

Are you ready to explore Australia's tropical top end without blowing a budget?

Darwin is your ultimate launchpad for adventure - from croc spotting to waterfall chasing. Whether you’re a backpacker fresh off the plane or a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) soaking up the aussie sun between shifts, Darwin offers a perfect mix of culture, nature and nightlife.

Why Darwin?

If you’re a Working Holiday Maker looking for the ultimate Australian experience, Darwin should be your top destination. You may be asking why.. Darwin is known for its vibrant backpacker scene, offering plenty of work opportunities alongside stunning natural beauty, making it the perfect place to both earn and explore. Whether you’re diving into the rugged landscapes of Kakadu National Park, chasing sunsets on a jetski or simply enjoying the local culture, Darwin has it all. With affordable tours and cashback savings from Backpacker Deals, you can experience everything this tropical paradise has to offer without breaking your budget. Darwin is an unmissable Australian adventure and it is waiting for you!

BACKPACKER TIP: Booking all your Darwin tours through Backpacker deals
To score cashback on every booking and exclusive discounts, meaning you can explore more and spend less! What a win.

 

Discovering Kakadu National Park -Cultural and Natural Wonder

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, rich in Aboriginal rock art, croc-filled rivers and a rugged beauty. It is a must see for all WHMs and backpackers alike looking to dive deep

into Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the wild serene landscapes.

Book a Kakadu over-night or day tour! And save with our 10% cashback!

Kakadu national Park, Kakadu, NT, Darwin, australia, blue water, swimming hole
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscape.

 

Live Music at Darwin Waterfront 

Looking for a free night out? Head to Darwin Waterfront for a taste of the city's lively local music scene. Every weekend, the waterfront comes alive with free live performances from local bands and solo artists, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening out. The vibrant atmosphere here is ideal for meeting other travellers, soaking in the local culture, or just kicking back and relaxing with a drink at a local bar.

Watch the Sunset at Mindil Beach Markets

No Darwin trip is complete without soaking up a fiery top end sunset at the iconic Mindil Beach (literally though, it was recognised as a national icon in 2000) Every Thursday and Sunday during dry season, the beach transforms into a buzzing hub of food trucks, handmade crafts and live music.

Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin, free market, market, Mindil Beach, Northern Territory
Mindil Beach Night Markets at Sunset
Backpacker tips: After you spend the day on a tour with Backpacker Deals- Grab some local food, spread a towel on the sand and enjoy some of Darwin's best entertainment at the iconic beach Mindil.

 

Get up close with Salt Water Crocs

Have you ever wanted to dive into a tank with a massive saltwater croc?Crocosaurus Cove, Saltwater croc, Darwin, Croc Cage, NT, Swim with crocWell we have got you covered! Crocosaurus Cove is your spot. Located in the Heart of Darwin, it’s a must-do adrenaline rush.

Book now with Backpacker deals & earn cashback so you can put it towards your next adventure! 

 

 

Free Picnic at East Point Reserve

Escaping crowds and immersing yourself in nature at East Point Reserve, one of Darwin's most peaceful and scenic spots. Pack a picnic and find a shady spot under the tall frees or by the open grass while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Timor Sea. Keep your eye out of wildlife (wallabies, rainbow lorikeets to majestical eagles soaring overhead). Whether you’re looking to chill out with friends or have a quiet moment of your own, East Point Reserve offers an ideal escape just minutes from the city.

 

Explore Litchfield National Park -Day trip from Darwin 

 

Just a short drive from the city, Litchfield is packed with gorgeous natural swimming holes, cascading waterfalls and magnetic termite mounds. It is a tropical paradise and a perfect day for a trip.

Jump on a budget-friendly Litchfield Day tour & get cashback whilst your at it.

Soar over the Katherine Gorge in a helicopter 

 

Ready to see the Northern Territory from a whole new angle? The Complete Katherine Gorge Helicopter Tour is the ultimate way to experience the raw beauty of Nitmiluk National Park. Fly high above ancient sandstone cliffs, lush bushland, and the winding river below for a view you’ll never forget. For an unforgettable backpacker bucket-list moment, combine your helicopter tour with a cruise or hike, and don’t forget to stop at the nearby hot springs to unwind after the thrill.

 

 Katherine Gorge, NT, Darwin, Helicopter ride, National park

Book your soaring flight over Katherine Gorge and score yourself cash-back with Backpacker Deals! 


Go off-grid on a 3 day Kakadu & Litchfield 4WD expedition 

 

Craving a real Top End adventure? This 3-day 4WD expedition through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks is the ultimate backpacker experience. Think ancient rock art, epic waterfalls, wild swimming holes, and starry night skies at remote campsites. You'll explore Aboriginal heritage sites, take refreshing dips at Florence Falls, and witness the wild beauty of Ubirr and Maguk.

Perfect for backpackers and Working Holiday Makers who want more than just a day trip – this is raw, authentic NT at its best.

Book the 3-day Kakadu & Litchfield 4WD Expedition and earn cashback while living your outback dream in Australia.

 

Chase the Sunset on a JetSki Adventure

 

Why just watch the sunset when you can ride into it? The Golden Eye Sunset Jet Ski Tour is one of the most thrilling ways to experience Darwin's iconic coastline. You'll speed across the harbour, weave around hidden mangroves, and finish your ride with the sky lit up in fiery Top End colours.

It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and awe – and a must for any backpacker looking to level up their Darwin experience.

Book the Gold Eye SUnset Jet Ski Tour and get cashback with backpacker deals- because epic moments shouldn't come with a huge price tag!

jet ski, Darwin jet ski, turning jet ski in water, jetskiing, watersports, motorised watersport
007 Jest Skis darwin. Photo Shane Eecen

 

Free DeckChair Cinema

Deckchair cinema, Darwin, outdoor cinema, NT
Outdoor night cinema with deckchairs in Darwin.

For a unique and budget-friendly way to enjoy a movie under the stars, Deckchair Cinema is an experience you won’t want to miss. On select nights, Darwin’s popular outdoor cinema offers free movie screenings, where you can watch films while lounging in comfortable deck chairs surrounded by lush greenery. It’s an experience that brings together locals and travelers alike in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Grab a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the film as the warm Darwin evening air sets the perfect mood for a chill night out. 

 

Planning your top end adventure with Backpacker Deals

Booking with backpacker deals means:

  • Exclusive backpacker discounts
  • Cashback on EVERY booking
  • Trusted tour operators 
  • Easy online bookings -no stress, no hidden fees

So whether you’re in Darwin for a week or you are working your way around Australia, make your adventures epic and budget friendly. From iconic national parks to cultural gems and wild nights out. Darwin has it all - and Backpacker deals really is your ultimate travel buddy.

 

Ready to explore Darwin the smart way?

Browse all darwin experiences here and start saving with every booking. Your wallet (and your insta) will thank you.

 

kakadu, kakadu national park, Australian outback outback, landscape,
Nawurlandja Lookout offers world-class views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

The vistas are impressive all year round. Whether you venture out first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, you won't be disappointed. This peaceful spot is a great place to sit and take in the scenery at sunset or watch dramatic storms roll in during the tropical summer.



AUTHOR PROFILE
Hannah Morecroft

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