Mindil Beach Tours and Activities

Mindil Beach which includes street performance, performance art and night scenes
Mindil Beach
Mindil Beach showing a sandy beach and a sunset as well as a large group of people
Mindil Beach showing markets as well as a large group of people
Mindil Beach


Explore one of Australia’s best beaches by day or visit by evening to enjoy Asian food, a massage, live music and indigenous crafts at Darwin’s sunset markets.

Mindil Beach is one of Australia’s best beaches. Many visitors are surprised to find such a pretty tropical beach so close to a regional capital city. Some locals swim at Mindil during the dry season, but the possible threat of crocodiles and jellyfish makes this unwise for visitors to try. Better swimming is over at at Casuarina, which is patrolled by surf life savers, or alternatively at the Wave Lagoon water park and the free Leanyer Recreation Park. Still, at any time of day, a walk along the splendid Mindil Beach is not to be missed.

The Northern Territory is known for the blazing colour of its sunsets, and it’s at this hour of the day that Mindil Beach really shines. Every Thursday and Sunday from late April to the end of October, people flock to the city’s iconic beachside market at sunset. Try Asian noodles or seafood from one of the food stalls, listen to live music, relax during a massage or simply watch the sunset. Pick up fashion items made from crocodile skin or paintings and crafts by Aboriginal artists. The illuminated market stalls provide a picturesque setting for a tropical night out.

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is inspired by the night markets of Asia. The Darwin version includes similar food stalls, but has an indigenous focus. Browse handmade items, jewellery, Aboriginal paintings, musical instruments and sculptures.

For dinner, sample an array of international cuisine from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia and, of course, from the Aussie outback. This is your chance to taste kangaroo sausages! If you arrive early, take your meal to the beach in time to watch the sunset.

After dark, enjoy displays of fire twirling, acrobatics, dance or live local music. There’s plenty for kids to do, too, from a petting zoo to jumping castles and family-friendly musical acts.

Mindil Beach is just over 2 kilometres (1 mile) from the centre of Darwin, and getting there is easy on foot or by bus. Plastic bags are banned, as part of an initiative to save marine turtles that visit Darwin’s beaches.

Plan a trip to see Mindil Beach

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Popular places to visit


Top Mindil Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

4 out of 5
Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens, NT
Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Palms City Resort

Palms City Resort

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

Rydges Darwin Central

4 out of 5
21 Knuckey Street, Darwin, NT
Rydges Darwin Central
Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

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

Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel

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

Darwin City Hotel

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

The Cavenagh

3.5 out of 5
12 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
The Cavenagh
Cullen Bay Resort

Cullen Bay Resort

3.5 out of 5
26-32 Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay, Larrakeyah, NT
Cullen Bay Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

4 out of 5
116 The Esplanade, Darwin, NT
DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach in Darwin offers a vibrant array of activities, including the famous Mindil Beach Markets, where you can shop for local crafts and enjoy delicious food. For outdoor relaxation, the beach is perfect for sunbathing and picnics, while golf enthusiasts can explore nearby golf courses. Don't miss the spectacular sunsets and consider indulging in a rejuvenating day spa experience to complete your visit.

Shopping

The Mindil Beach Sunset Market, located only 644m away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and delicious food. For more shopping, The Esplanade and Smith Street Mall, both about 1.6km away, provide a mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Wave Lagoon, enjoy a refreshing swim in a family-friendly pool with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and fun. Nearby, Gardens Park Golf Links offers a scenic golf experience, while TIO Stadium provides thrilling sports events to get your adrenaline pumping.

Adventure

Hidden Valley Raceway offers exhilarating motor racing experiences, located 8.0km from Mindil Beach, perfect for thrill-seekers. For nature lovers, Anbangbang Billabong, situated 49.9km away, features stunning hiking trails that showcase breathtaking scenery and the great outdoors.

Nightlife

At Mindil Beach, the Darwin Deckchair Cinema offers a unique outdoor movie experience, perfect for family and romantic nights. Nearby, Brown's Mart Theatre showcases captivating performances, immersing you in the local culture and entertainment scene, making for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach offers a range of attractions for visitors, including a marina, botanical garden, and natural history museum, perfect for those seeking cultural, family-friendly, and outdoor experiences. While enjoying the stunning beach itself, you can also explore the vibrant local scene and immerse yourself in the unique beauty of Darwin's landscapes.

  • Cullen Bay Marina: Located 644m from Mindil Beach, Cullen Bay Marina offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with adventure and outdoor activities. Enjoy stunning waterfront views, dine at charming cafés, or embark on a fishing or sailing tour, all while soaking up the beach vibes.
  • George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: Just 966m away, these gardens provide a romantic and family-friendly setting. Wander through lush, diverse plant life, enjoy peaceful picnic spots, and learn about the local flora in a serene outdoor environment.
  • Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: Situated 1.4km from Mindil Beach, this museum showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Northern Territory. Engage with fascinating exhibitions, art collections, and family-friendly activities that highlight the region's unique history.

Best time to go to Mindil Beach

The best time to visit Mindil Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mindil Beach falls in November, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mindil Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January83.5°F (28.6°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February83.3°F (28.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March83.5°F (28.6°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November85.8°F (29.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December85.1°F (29.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mindil Beach

To save money on your trip to Mindil Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, or November when accommodation prices drop. Booking a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Make use of Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price to score the best deals. Combining hotel bookings with flights can also lead to additional savings, so keep an eye out for packages.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mindil Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mindil Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mindil Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Mindil Beach is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you're after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your Mindil Beach hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.