Outdoor cinemas, food festivals and community sport—Darwin’s springtime splendour is unparalleled.
Whether you’re looking for an artistic escape, or something a little more active, we have you covered with our list of the best spring activities in Darwin in 2024.
DIFF 2024
When: 12—22 September
Where: Various locations
Tickets: $15 for students
Spring in Darwin marks the return of the annual premiere event, the Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF). Several venues across the city will be hosting an array of international films to delight and thrill audiences. This year’s headliner is the film Like My Brother which follows four talented girls from the community of Tiwi in their pursuit of AFLW stardom.
Check out the full program here.
Darwin Kite Festival
When: 20—21 September
Where: Cullen Bay
Entry: Free
Take advantage of the final months of the Darwin dry season with a day out at the Darwin Kite Festival. This colourful event returns for its second year on the Cullen Bay Lawns, ready to amaze the whole community as hundreds of kites take to the sky. There will be plenty of action on the ground too; expect tasty food options, live music and roving entertainment.
Public transport is free for all festival attendees across the two days – check out the journey planner here.
Deckchair Cinema
When: Every night from April to November
Where: Jervois Road, Darwin City
Tickets: $15 for students
Get two spectacular views for the price of one at the beloved Deckchair Cinema. Set yourself up under the stars against Darwin Harbour as you enjoy a diverse range of films and some delicious treats from local caterers (or bring your own picnic if that’s more your style)! The atmosphere is so relaxed down here, we think it’s one of the best things to do in Darwin and it’s the perfect spot for date night too.
Darwin International Laksa Festival
When: 1 October—3 November
Where: Various locations
Entry: Free
Follow a tantalising trail across the city with the return of the Darwin International Laksa Festival. This month-long festival celebrates all things laksa and the Northern Territory, promoting local eateries and bringing thousands of foodies together from across the country. You can check out a full list of participating venues here on socials.
The much-anticipated festival finale will be held on Sunday 3 November down at Chan Lawns, where the best laksas of the festival will be awarded with the highest honours.
Read more: The 7 Best Cheap Eats in Darwin
AFLW at TIO Stadium
When: Saturday 26 October
Where: TIO Stadium
Tickets: $15, tickets here
Darwin is hosting an epic clash as Essendon take on Richmond in round nine of the 2024 AFLW Season. This is the first time the annual Dreamtime match will be held outside of Victoria and is expected to draw a big crowd. As female AFLW participation in the Northern Territory is significantly higher than the national average, this is an important milestone for women in sport and definitely one spring event to get behind.
Read more: Watching Sport in Darwin
Wave Lagoon at the Darwin Waterfront
When: Daily, 10am—6pm
Where: Darwin Waterfront
Entry: $8
Catch some sun and surf at the Wave Lagoon down in Darwin’s Waterfront precinct. This swimming spot turned wave pool is the ultimate place to spend a day relaxing or doing some light exercise during Darwin’s dry season. It’s patrolled by lifeguards and crocodile-free, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected encounters either.
Read more: Getting Fit in Darwin
