Family Itineraries
Your Week: Day by Day
This itinerary balances the racing action with Darwin's best family experiences. Three days at Hidden Valley watching world championship motocross. Four days exploring the Territory—swimming in crystal-clear waterholes, meeting jumping crocodiles, riding camels on the beach at sunset.
The schedule works for families with kids of all ages, with flexibility built in for different energy levels and interests.
Day 1 - Thursday
After Check in, head straight to the Darwin Waterfront and let the kids burn travel energy at the Wave Lagoon (waves every 20 minutes).
4:00 PM: Camel Rides at Mindil Beach
Rides operate from the beach near the markets. Book ahead or arrive early as spots fill quickly during market days.
Cost: Approximately $15-20 per person for a short ride
5:00 PM: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
The iconic Darwin experience. With over 60 food stalls—everyone will find something they'll love. Grab dinner around 5:30 PM before peak crowds and then settle in on the sand to watch the sun sink into the water.
Dinner: Market food stalls
Budget: $60-100 for family of 4
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket. After camel rides and dinner, let kids run on the beach while you relax with the sunset views.
Day 2 - Friday
8:00 AM: Breakfast at The Trailer Boat Club
This is a Locals' favourite with stunning water views, a pool and kids' playground.
Mid-Morning: Crocodylus Park - this is on the way to Hidden Valley and is the premier wildlife park, featuring meerkats, monkeys, wallabies and of course: crocs!
Cost: A family pass is currently $130.
1:00 PM onwards: Hidden Valley
Your first taste of world-class motocross. Friday's more relaxed—practice sessions and qualifying rounds.
Pack: Sunscreen, hats, ear protection for kids, snacks, water.
Dinner: Stokes Hill Wharf—Fish & chips
Budget: $60-100 for family of 4
Tip: Safe area for kids to explore. Watch boats come in at sunset and soak up the classic Darwin atmosphere.
Day 3 - Saturday
After a busy day at Hidden Valley watching the elite racing on the track, enjoy a swim at your accommodation before heading out for a relaxed dinner and another legendary Darwin sunset.
Dinner: Cullen Bay Marina—Yots Taverna or pack a picnic and eat it on the lawns overlooking the ocean.
Budget: $80-120 for family of 4
Tip: Book ahead on race weekends. Arrive early for sunset walk. Kids love the marina atmosphere. Gelato nearby for dessert.
Day 4 - Sunday
All Day: The Main Event
Championship-deciding races. Both classes battling for podium position.
Dinner: Darwin Waterfront— You can't go past Hot Tamale or Wharf One Food & Wine
Budget: $80-110 for family of 4
Tip: Keep it relaxed after two big race days. The Waterfront offers a cool, safe space for the family after the excitement of the day.
Day 5 - Monday
This is what Darwin holidays are made of.
6:30 AM: Early departure. Pack towels, swimwear, reef shoes, snacks, picnic lunch.
8:00 AM: Buley Rockhole (arrive before the crowds)
This is the most family-friendly spot in Litchfield with cascading rock pools for all ages. Spend 1-1.5 hours here.
10:00 AM: Florence Falls
Spectacular twin waterfalls. Enjoy the crystal-clear plunge pool perfect for swimming.
12:30 PM: Picnic lunch and swim at Wangi Falls
Largest swimming hole in Litchfield. Deep pool surrounded by rainforest. Magical.
3:00 PM: Magnetic Termite Mounds
Quick photo stop on the way back to Darwin. Kids love these massive mounds built perfectly north-south.
Dinner: Finish the day with a takeaway at the accommodation.
Budget: $60-90 for family of 4
Tip: After a big swimming day, keep dinner simple.
Day 6 - Tuesday
Morning: Jet Ski Tour
Experience Darwin Harbour from the water. Darwin Harbour Jet Ski Tours run 1-hour guided tours. Kids 8+ can ride as passengers. Make sure to book ahead as this is a very popular activity.
Afternoon: Museum and Art Gallery of NT
FREE ENTRY. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Must-sees:
"Sweetheart"—massive 5-meter preserved saltwater crocodile
Cyclone Tracy exhibition (powerful and educational)
Aboriginal art galleries (Top End culture)
Dinner: Head to Nightcliff for dinner at the Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe.
Budget: $70-120 for family of 4
Tip: Hire some Beam escooters and ride along the Coastal Walk enjoying the beautiful views and play areas.
Day 7 - Wednesday
This is iconic Top End.
8:30 AM: Depart for Adelaide River (1 hour south of Darwin)
10:00 AM: Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Watch massive saltwater crocodiles leap completely out of the water—2-3 meters in the air!
Book ahead: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise or Adelaide River Queen Cruise
Cost: From $80 for family of 4 (1-hour tour)
12:00 PM: Window on the Wetlands
Stop on return journey. FREE viewing platform with stunning wetlands panoramas and educational displays about Top End ecosystems.
1:30 PM: Lunch
Pack a picnic or stop at Humpty Doo Hotel (classic NT pub).
2:30 PM: Berry Springs Nature Park
Crystal-clear thermal pools perfect for swimming. Often less crowded than Litchfield. Beautiful natural setting.
5:30 PM: Return to Darwin
Dinner: Head to Oka Teppenyaki in Parap for a dinner with a difference that the kids will love.
Budget: $80-150 for family of 4 depending on choice
