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Discover Darwin: Best Things To Do for Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers

Hannah Morecroft
June 16, 2025
Kakadu national Park, Kakadu, NT, Darwin, australia, blue water, swimming hole

Are you ready to explore Australia's tropical Top End without blowing your budget?

Darwin is your ultimate launchpad for adventure with everything 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 WHM looking for the ultimate Australian experience, Darwin should be your top destination. Why? Well, Darwin is popular 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 earns you cashback on every booking and exclusive discounts, meaning you can explore more and spend less! What a win.

Discover Kakadu National Park - Cultural and Natural Wonder

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, rich in Aboriginal rock art, croc-filled rivers and 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.

Kakadu, Kakadu National Park
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.

Book an overnight or day tour of Kakadu and save with up to 10% cashback!

Enjoy 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. Every Thursday and Sunday during dry season, the beach transforms into a buzzing hub of food trucks, handmade crafts and live music.

Sights and Sounds at the Mindil Markets
Photo: Tourism NT/Adrian Brown

BACKPACKER TIP: 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 Mindil Beach.

Get Up Close with Salt Water Crocs

Have you ever wanted to dive into a tank with a massive saltwater croc? Well, we have got you covered! Located in the Heart of Darwin, Crocosaurus Cove is must-visit attraction if you want the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Crocosaurus Cove, Saltwater croc, Darwin, Croc Cage, NT, Swim with croc
Crocosaurus Cove's "Cage of Death" experience.

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

Picnic at East Point Reserve

Escape the crowds and immerse 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 trees or by the open grass while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Timor Sea. Keep your eyes out for wildlife such as wallabies, rainbow lorikeets or even majestic 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

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

Jump on a budget-friendly Litchfield National Park day tour.

Soar Over the Katherine Gorge in a Helicopter

Ready to see the Northern Territory from a whole new angle? A helicopter flight is the ultimate way to experience the raw beauty of Nitmiluk National Park - especially at sunset. 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 as well!

Katherine Gorge sunset helicopter experience
Katherine Gorge sunset helicopter experience

Book your soaring flight over Katherine Gorge and earn cashback 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 WHMs 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 live your outback dream in Australia.

Chase the Sunset on a Jet Ski 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.

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

Book the Golden Eye Sunset Jet Ski Tour and get cashback with Backpacker Deals - because epic moments shouldn't come with a huge price tag!

Visit the Deckchair Cinema

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. They offer low-cost movie nights, 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. 

Deckchair Cinema
Photo: Tourism NT

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 and no hidden fees!)

So whether you’re in Darwin for a week or you're 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
AUTHOR PROFILE
Hannah Morecroft

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