The ultimate weekend away in the NT

When it comes to a weekend getaway, predictable choices can include overrun cosmopolitan epicentres like Sydney or Melbourne, or bustling touristy destinations like Byron Bay or the Gold Coast.

But if your idea of the perfect weekend getaway includes spectacular natural wonders, friendly and obliging locals, fresh-of-the-boat seafood and a sub-tropical climate all year ‘round, think Darwin. 

In recent years Darwin and surrounding areas have enjoyed huge growth, now serving up a platter of luxury accommodation, exquisite food and drinks, a huge range of nature adventures and a rolling calendar of activities like markets, festivals and live music. 

But despite this bubbling melting pot of sights, sounds and tastes, Darwin somehow still retains its welcoming small town vibe - and the locals are only too proud to show you around their truly unique city.

Sounding irresistible? Here is your itinerary for the ultimate weekend getaway in the warm and inviting Northern Territory. 

Stay at SkyCity Darwin, a sprawling luxury resort that is a casino, accommodation and convention centre in one. Located one minute’s walk from the beach and equipped with two pools, five bars (including a swim up bar) and a spa and wellness centre, SkyCity is the perfect relaxing backdrop for the excitement of the CBD.

Have a light breakfast at SkyCity's The Vue restaurant before venturing five minutes drive to Darwin CBD to wander through Centennial Park on the esplanade.

Lunch aboard a Cape Adieu Harbour cruise is the best way to tingle the senses around the stunning coast of Darwin. Enjoy local seafood like Northern Territory banana prawns and smoked Spanish mackerel with bush spice, myrtle and black pepper to the soundtrack of the lapping waves. 

Spend the afternoon admiring the splendour of Framed Art Gallery, one of the largest galleries in Australia. The gallery holds a rich collection of fine art carefully crafted by Darwin locals, including paintings, jewellery, glassware and much more. 

Dinner at chef-hatted restaurant Evoo located in SkyCity Darwin is one of those dining experiences that you’ll talk about for days afterward. Offering sweeping views of the Darwin CBD and Arafura Sea, Evoo’s menu boasts fresh, local and seasonal produce with a Mediterranean twist, creating a signature culinary style. Highly recommended is the degustation menu which is matched with a curated list of local and international wines.  

After dinner, check out Deck Chair Cinema, Darwin’s open air cinematic experience overlooking Darwin Harbour - with a spectacular starry sky backdrop. Nights in Darwin are always warm and inviting, and the cinema’s program is an eclectic mix of Hollywood blockbusters and avant-garde cult flicks. 

Enjoy breakfast at The Vue before seeing Darwin from great heights in a helicopter with Airborne Solutions. Take in the magnificent coast on a 40-minute helicopter ride west along the white sands of Wagait beach all the way to Charles Point Lighthouse and back over the magnetic termite mounds.

Sit down for lunch at Char Darwin, encased in pristine white walls and solid hardwood flooring or outside under the lantern-filled canopy of trees while fine-dining staff predict your every need. The a la carte menu includes Tasmanian chilli mussels and Northern Territory barramundi fillet, or on-the-land offerings like a succulent Wagyu rump cap or rack of lamb with pea, spinach and fetta tortellini. 

Spend the afternoon wandering through The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, which cover 42 hectares of land and are bursting with a unique collection of north Australian and other tropical species of flora. The lush green and vibrant unexpected colours are the perfect backdrop for your lazy afternoon. 

Finish your weekend with a wander down to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for a rich collection of local art, craft, fashion and food, and enjoy the husky reds, oranges and golds from the sunset from the sandy shore as you come down from a great 48 hours spent up north. 

Flights to Darwin start at $49 flying Jetstar from the major cities.

This article is sponsored by Tourism NT