You haven’t been to the NT capital until you have done at least one sunset cruise in Darwin Harbour. And while there’s no dearth of options, our pick is Darwin Harbour Cruises. The 2.5-hour cruise leaves Stokes Hill Wharf most evenings at 6pm. There’s an option to add dinner to the cruise but – really – the star of the show is the setting sun.

Litchfield National Park, a 90-minute drive south of Darwin, is a local favourite thanks to its swimming holes and waterfalls. Tackle the three-kilometre Wangi Falls walking track, stopping for a dip at the base of the craggy cliff. Crocs are a rare sight but remember to check the warning signs.

Currently residing in the historic Lyons Cottage on Darwin’s waterfront Esplanade, Aboriginal Bush Traders is a not-for-profit gallery with a bustling bushfood-inspired cafe. Try fresh damper with bush jam or Kakadu plum granola and don’t forget to pick up some native-botanical skincare to take home.

As the sun sets over the Timor Sea, Mindil Beach Sunset Market comes alive with musicians, dancers, buskers and stalls selling local and international food – from Aussie burgers and hot dogs to lip-smacking Indian and Korean. There’s a whole section dedicated to arts and crafts, where you can pick handmade jewellery, eclectic accessories, works by local artists. The market is open every Thursday and Sunday from 4pm to 9pm during NT’s dry season.

No trip to Darwin is complete without getting up close – safely! – to the world’s largest reptile. Take a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River to see wild salties snatch at bait or visit Crocosaurus Cove, where you can even “swim with the crocs” in the perspex Cage of Death.

Forget drawing straws to be the designated driver: with Airborne Solutions, you can check out five pubs in one day by chopper. The seven-hour tour includes a scenic flight over Darwin Harbour and stops at local institutions such as The Lodge of Dundee and Crab Claw Island Resort.

With its cool indoor/outdoor space, local-minded menu and relaxed vibe, much-loved Snapper Rocks is a must visit. Come for the charred prawns with lemon myrtle aioli and stay for a cocktail with the award-winning Good Spirits Troppo gin, which is distilled inhouse.

Take an hour long airboat tour to the mangroves or choose any of the other adventures offered by the Matt Wright group including an overnight stay at the Top End Safari Camp which includes an airboat ride, helicopter flight, a fire-pit barbecue and accommodation in a luxe glamping tent. The tour includes transfers from Darwin and runs during the Dry season, May to October.