10 Incredible Things To Do in Parap, NT

For fun-loving visitors to Darwin, the village of Parap gives plenty of reasons to linger. From shops with handcrafted trinkets to a new art space housed in an old laundromat and a famous Saturday market, here are a bunch of reasons to get onboard.

On Larrakia Land in a place once home to locomotive workshops and a civilian airfield, the hub of Parap has surfaced as a funky and fun place to visit (or call home). Located a mere 10-minute drive from Darwin’s city centre, this multicultural suburb is just a hop, skip and jump away from beaches, sea breezes and sunsets. Home to Southeast Asian, Torres Strait Islander and plenty more communities, this cultural melting pot is celebrated each Saturday morning at the market.

“A visit to the market is a big part of the locals’ weekend routine and is a kaleidoscope of cultures," says celebrated Chinese-Sri Lankan restaurateur Jimmy Shu. “Every Saturday the friendly vendors serve up such a great mix of international cuisine, freshly plucked fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, acai bowls and pretty much everything in between."

Once you’re full to the brim with fluffy roti canai, popiah, steaming laksa, stuffed chicken wings and mango smoothies, history buffs might like to go off the beaten track. On Macdonald Street, you will find the heritage-listed former Qantas hangar – now bursting at the seams with dreamy vintage cars thanks to the Darwin Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club. Rewind to 1934, and ladies and gents just arrived from Europe via Singapore on Qantas’ DH86 service could have been disembarking right here. From London to Parap: it is intriguing to think Darwin was a critical link between Europe and Australia before modern aircraft could fly long distances non-stop.

The Traditional Owners of the Darwin region, the Larrakia people, are believed to have originally called this land Bun-Durik after the black cockatoos that visited the waterholes in the area. The village has also been known as ‘Two and a half mile’ (Parap is five kilometres from the city centre) and eventually earned its name in 1919. Fast-forward to the present day, and with a multimillion-dollar ‘village improvement plan’ underway, Darwin’s historical and beloved precinct is a fast-evolving gem worth watching.

1. Shop, dine and be entertained at Parap Markets

This magical market is one of Darwin’s best and it attracts hundreds of people each Saturday, offering a multicultural feast, live entertainment and a laksa worth getting on a plane for. Follow the aroma of lemongrass and galangal and you will soon find Mary’s Laksa. Mary (Guo Yang Lei) has been dishing out exemplary bowls of the noodle soup for two decades. “Everything is homemade, I make everything from scratch each week," Mary says as she prepares my chicken laksa. But the market is more than laksa – it is also an artistic hub with stalls overflowing with tempting artworks, jewellery, bags and clothes.

two cups of food at Parap Markets — Taste your way around Parap Markets. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

2. Brunch at Laneway Speciality Coffee

Parap is home to one of the city’s hottest brunch spots. Snag a spot at the communal table in the aircon or head outside at Laneway Specialty Coffee on Vickers Street for an excellent Campos Coffee and a bite from the all-day menu. Dishes include organic buckwheat hotcakes with native Kakadu plum, heirloom garlic mushrooms and poached eggs with native pepper berry hollandaise.

a plate of food with coffee at Laneway Speciality Coffee — Dine hearty brunch meals at Laneway Speciality Coffee. (Image: Leah McLennan)

3. Soak up tropical vibes at Hudson Parap

Hudson Parap is a short walk from the Parap markets and boasts 84 modern self-contained one- to three-bedroom apartments.

the building exterior of Hudson Parap — Enjoy access to the Darwin CBD when you stay at Hudson Parap.

You will spot plenty of black-and-white photos of aviator and Qantas founder Hudson Fysh adorning the walls. You can walk to the Qantas hangar nearby or, when the tropical heat gets too much, head to Parap Pool or the onsite Hudson pool.

the lounge room facing the balcony at Hudson Parap — Spend a weekend away at Hudson Parap. (Image: Hudson Apartment Hotels)

4. Purchase Indigenous artworks at Outstation Gallery

Venture upstairs at 8 Parap Place to Outstation Gallery , where you’ll find works by local and established Indigenous artists from remote communities across the NT and Kimberley. Outstation has a well-earned reputation for excellence in art and in its fair dealing with artists, art centres and communities. Pieces range from bark paintings and hollow logs to fibre art and acrylic artworks.

indigenous artworks displayed at Outstation Gallery — Immerse in indigenous artworks at Outstation Gallery. (Image: Fiona Morrison)

5. Pick up fresh blooms at Little Miss Flowers

Enter this dreamy pink shop on Parap Road and you’ll find lilies, sunflowers and orchids alongside native seasonal blooms arranged with eucalyptus. Little Miss Flowers is the perfect place to pick up a gift – from candles to pot plants to books – and stocks a large selection of house-dried and preserved flowers, perfect for those hot, humid Darwin days.

a lady holding a bunch of pink flowers at Little Miss Flowers — Get the prettiest blooms at Little Miss Flowers. (Image: Jess Brownlie)

6. Browse artisan items at The Local

If you want to soak up Territory talent by the bucket load, make a beeline for The Local , which boasts a vibrant space where more than 35 local artisans exhibit and sell their work. Think homewares, jewellery, paintings, drawings, sculpture and more.

a woman browsing items at The Local — Make a beeline for The Local.

7. Find curated works at Laundry Gallery

A good day out in Parap must include a visit to this Aboriginal-owned multidisciplinary creative hub that puts a new spin on old stories.

artisan items on display at Parap Laundry Gallery — Browse exhibits at the Aboriginal-owned Laundry Gallery.

Housed in a reimagined 1970s-era laundromat , exhibitions cycle through monthly, with a curated selection of artisan works available in-store and online.

outside the Parap Laundrette — The iconic Parap laundromat from the 70s has been reimagined into a gallery. (Image: Leah McLennan)

8. Refuel at Mad About Coffee

As its name suggests, this cafe takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black or something in between, Mad About Coffee will keep you caffeinated. For a small cafe, this gem punches above its weight. As well as the usual black or white coffees, it offers barista courses, a huge array of tea and coffee paraphernalia and a heap of coffee beans to take home.

a barista pouring coffee into the glass at Mad About Coffee — Get your caffeine fix at Mad About Coffee.

9. Witness art exhibitions at the Northern Centre for Contemporary Art

Hidden down Vimy Lane in Parap, the NCCA is an independent arts organisation that boasts a friendly vibe and offers a fabulous respite from the tropical heat.

a man looking at a mural inside Northern Centre for Contemporary Art — Stare in awe at the mural displays in the NCCA. (Image: Leah McLennan)

Its exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something fresh and new to experience.

the Dawn Beasley’s Botanically Porcelain at NCCA — The Dawn Beasley’s Botanically Porcelain at NCCA. (Image: Leah McLennan)

10. Stock up on your picnic fare at Parap Fine Foods

In 1968, Paul and Rene Pantazis established Parap Fine Foods in the heart of the village. And that family tradition continues today, with their granddaughter Larena a proud worker at the store. From the famous deli to the aisles of gourmet groceries, Parap Fine Foods is the place to stock up on your picnic fare.

Select from different varieties of cheese at Parap Fine Foods.

Don’t forget to pop into the wine room that stocks varieties from near and far, from the Barossa Valley to Bordeaux. Once you’ve hunted and gathered, you will be counting down the hours to those sunset drinks on the balcony of your Hudson Parap apartment.

wines and spirits on display at Parap Fine Foods — Grab a glass of wine while you’re at it.

Uncover more of Darwin’s best experiences in our travel guide to the Top End city.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

10 incredible things to do in Parap