Best Beaches Near Darwin

Lily Kerley

Updated Mon 13 Jan 2025

Darwin is home to a host of beautiful and diverse beaches, with shorelines decorated with coastal flora, tropical palms and public parklands! So, whether you want to have a seaside BBQ, cool-off in a stinger-free public pool, watch a seaside sunrise or are simply craving a stroll with your toes in the sand, check out our favourite beaches near and around Darwin.

Darwin Beaches with a palm tree

Can you swim in the sea near Darwin?

Unfortunately, the ocean in Darwin is home to venomous stingers such as Irukandji and Box jellyfish, along with the saltwater crocodile. As such, very few people swim and Surf Life Saving Australia strongly advises against swimming in open, unregulated beaches in and around Darwin. However, there are awesome stinger and croc-free watering holes, public pools and protected ocean pools have a refreshing cool off in the NT heat!

Saltwater Crocodile jumping out of a river

Beaches In Darwin

Mindil Beach

Just 5 minutes from the centre of Darwin, Mindil Beach is the town’s most popular beach. Stop by to watch the electric-coloured sunset and swing by the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, for a delicious feed and to check out locally handcrafted wares and art. This is a dog-friendly beach, but it can get pretty busy while the markets are on.

Can you swim at Mindil Beach?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Mindil Beach due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Surf Life-Saving Australia does not provide any active lifeguard services at this beach.

Casuarina Beach

For long stretches of pristine, peaceful beach, you cannot go past the Casuarina Coastal Reserve! Less than a 20-minute drive from Darwin Centre, this sweet spot is perfect for a long walk, run or frolic with the family. At the southern end of the beach, there is a nudist section for those wanting to really work on their tan! Dog-friendly, you can bring your four-legged friends along. The tide changes drastically, especially in Spring, so make sure to check before you head to Casuarina. Similarly, migratory birds nest here at certain times of the year, so be sure to check where dogs are permitted according to the season.

Can you swim at Casuarina Beach?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Casuarina Coastal Reserve due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Surf Life-Saving Australia does not provide any active lifeguard services at this beach.

Lee Point Beach

If you’re a sunrise lover, wake before dawn and mosey down to witness the most exquisite coastal sunrise in the NT! Or, if you’re more of a sunset babe, there are still incredible, vibrant hues visible from Lee Point as the sun goes down. This is a dog-friendly beach, with far fewer crowds than Darwin’s more popular spots like neighbouring Casuarina Beach. Migratory birds nest here at certain times of the year, so be sure to check where dogs are permitted according to the season.

Can you swim at Lee Point?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Lee Point due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Surf Life-Saving Australia does not provide any active lifeguard services at this beach.

Lameroo Beach

Get off the beaten track and find the hidden path to Lameroo Beach. Just down by Darwin’s Bicentennial Park walkway, through the trees and down to the white sands, you’ll find this beautiful gem only 2 minutes from Darwin Centre. With a few pebbles and rocks at low-tide, this short 100-metre beach is the perfect place to shack up for sunset, have a little exploration around the coastal trees and snap some shots while you’re in the city.

Can you swim at Lameroo Beach?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Lameroo Beach due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Surf Life-Saving Australia does not provide any active lifeguard services at this beach.

Nightcliff Beach

Crystal-clear waters in contrast with vivid orange rocks await you on the coastal walk along Nightcliff Beach. The ideal place for a stroll or bike ride along the foreshore, Nightcliff offers a public pool and cafe so you can cool off and revel in the nearby beautiful ocean scenery. This 300-metre beach is a stunning natural part of Darwin’s family-friendly spots, and is also a great place to enjoy the public pool, playground, exercise equipment, BBQ-facilities, park area and bikeways!

Can you swim at Nightcliff Beach?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Nightcliff Beach due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Darwin Surf Life-Saving patrols this beach between June and September. Nightcliff Pool on the foreshore offers croc and stinger-free swimming with views of the ocean.

Bundilla Beach

Located near the Darwin Sailing Club in Fannie Bay, Bundilla Beach (formerly Vesteys Beach) is a brilliant bay-like spot to escape the crowds, slow down and watch the sunset or go for a stroll. Spot a selection of boats moored off the shore, take in the palm-lined esplanade stretch and relax in the peace and quiet!

Can you swim at Bundilla Beach?

Swimming is strongly not recommended at Bundilla Beach due to the risk of saltwater crocodiles, box and Irukandji jellyfish. Surf Life-Saving Australia does not provide any active lifeguard services at this beach.

Does Darwin have nice beaches?

Darwin, the vibrant hub, is both the gateway to outback wonders and a coastal paradise! While the range of stunning beaches are not typically “swimming” beaches due to crocs and stingers, there is still ample opportunity to cool off in protected pools, catch gorgeous sandy sunsets and take a long, relaxing stroll along the beach!