AFL (Australian Rules Football)
The teams: While the Northern Territory (NT) doesn’t have its own AFL team yet, there is a strong push for a Territory team. In the meantime, AFL fans in Darwin can enjoy games hosted in the city and support local teams in the NTFL (Northern Territory Football League).
The leagues – AFL and NTFL: The AFL is Australia’s premier football league, and games are occasionally played in Darwin, drawing large crowds and boosting local interest. The NTFL is the local league, featuring strong competition and showcasing homegrown talent.
Where to watch: AFL games in Darwin are held at TIO Stadium, which is the main venue for football in the city. The stadium is located just a short drive from the CBD and is easily accessible by public transport. For local NTFL games, Marrara Sporting Complex is the place to be, offering a fantastic environment for enjoying Australian rules football.
Rugby League
The teams: Darwin hosts several rugby league teams, including Darwin Brothers, Katherine Wests Tigers, Litchfield Bears, Nightcliff Dragons, Palmerston Raiders, South Darwin Rabbitohs, and MacKillop Sharks.
The league: Rugby league in the Northern Territory is managed by the Northern Territory Rugby League (NTRL), with a history dating back to 1920. The league includes the Darwin Rugby League, Central Australian Rugby Football League, Gove Rugby League, and Katherine Rugby League.
Where to watch: Catch rugby league games at Warren Park in Marrara, the main stadium for the sport. Other matches are held at venues like Anula Oval, Dripstone High School Oval, Archer Oval, and the Marrara Sporting Complex. For schedules and ticket information, visit the Northern Territory Rugby League website.
Cricket
The teams: Darwin is home to several cricket clubs that compete in the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition: Darwin CC, Nightcliff CC, Palmerston CC, PINT CC, Southern Districts CC, Tracy Village CC, and Waratah CC.
The league: The Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition is the premier cricket league in the region, featuring both one-day and T20 formats.
Where to watch: Marrara Cricket Ground is the primary venue for cricket in Darwin. Located within the Marrara Sporting Complex, it’s a top spot to catch local cricket action. The ground is accessible by public transport, and tickets can be purchased on-site.
Basketball
The teams: The Darwin Salties represent the city in the NBL1 North, part of Australia’s second-tier basketball competition.
The league: NBL1 North is a key league in Australian basketball, showcasing emerging talent and offering high-quality games.
Where to watch: The Darwin Basketball Stadium in Marrara is the home of the Salties. The venue is modern and provides an exciting environment for basketball fans. For tickets and schedules, visit the Darwin Salties website.
Soccer
The teams: The NorZone Premier League features eight teams: Darwin Olympic SC, Hellenic Athletic Club, Mindil Aces FC, Port Darwin FC, University Azzurri FC, Casuarina FC, Litchfield FC, and Palmerston FC.
The league: The NorZone Premier League is a semi-professional soccer league in Darwin, one of three top-tier state-level soccer competitions in the Northern Territory. Founded in 2006, it features eight teams from Darwin and the surrounding rural areas, delivering competitive and thrilling matches throughout the season.
Where to watch: NorZone Premier League games are played at Darwin Football Stadium, also known as Larrakia Park, located within the Marrara Sporting Complex. The stadium offers a great environment for soccer fans and is easily accessible from the city. For schedules and ticket information, see the NorZone fixtures here.
Netball
The teams: Darwin has 10 clubs competing in the Darwin Netball Association (DNA).
The league: The Darwin Netball Association is the premier netball competition in the Northern Territory, featuring exciting matches from March to September across multiple divisions.
Where to watch: Netball games are held at the Darwin Netball Stadium in the Marrara Sporting Complex. The stadium offers seating for over 1,000 spectators, modern amenities, and ample parking. For schedules and ticket information, visit the Darwin Netball Association website.
Other popular sports events in Darwin
Darwin hosts a variety of national and international sporting events that attract fans from all over. These include the Darwin Triple Crown supercar races and the World Solar Challenge, which are exciting events not to be missed. Additionally, there are events like the Hottest 7’s Rugby, Mitchell Street Mile, and City to Surf, providing something for everyone.
Where to watch sport if you can’t attend the games
If you can’t make it to the stadiums, there are plenty of options to catch the games live. Popular sports bars in Darwin like Shenannigans, Lizard’s Bar & Restaurant and the Precinct Tavern offer lively atmospheres for watching sports. You can also live stream games on platforms like Kayo Sports, Stan Sport and through league-specific apps and websites. Major broadcasters such as Channel 7 and Fox Sports regularly air live sports, ensuring you never miss out on the action.
