Darwin Shopping

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

#4 of 104 things to do in Darwin

#1 of 920 shopping in Pacific

2 reviews | Write a review

Good for: gift shopping, Sunsets, Friends, Relaxation and good food, souvenirs

  • Address
    • off Gilruth Ave
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 08-8981 3454
  • Hours
    • 5-10pm Thu, 4-9pm Sun May-Oct

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Lonely Planet review for Mindil Beach Sunset Market

As the sun heads towards the horizon on Thursday and Sunday, half of Darwin descends on Mindil Beach Sunset Market with tables, chairs, rugs, grog and kids to settle under the coconut palms for sunset, and decide which of the tantalising food-stall aromas holds the greatest allure. Food is the main attraction and it spans the globe from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more, all at around $5 to $8 a serve. Don’t miss a flaming satay stick from Bobby’s brazier. Top it off with fresh fruit salad, decadent cakes or luscious crêpes. But that’s only half the fun: arts and crafts stalls bulge with handmade jewellery, fabulous rainbow tie-died clothes, Aboriginal artefacts, and wares from Indonesia and Thailand. Patrons peruse and promenade, or stop for a pummelling massage or to listen to rhythmic live music. Mindil Beach is about 2km from the city centre. Buses 4 and 6 go past the market area or you can catch a shuttle ($2).

 

Traveller reviews for Mindil Beach Sunset Market (2)

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    A must do

    lozza_mcd recommends this,

    Bring a rug, chair, esky and relax on the grass and enjoy the free entertainment and atmosphere.
    The hardest thing about it is choosing what to eat. There are a very large range of cuisines from all over the world to chose from and leaving room for a fruit shake or a pancake at the end is a must.
    As the largest markets in Darwin, Mindil is the best place for your souvenir shopping. Local artists have stalls and showcase some amazing works ranging from paintings, clothes and other nick nacks.
    Sunday markets are not as big but also not as busy, many locals prefer these ones as Thursday nights can get very busy, particularly in the middle of the dry season.

    Good for: gift shopping, Sunsets, Friends, Relaxation and good food

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    Palpitating heart of the Darwin market scene

    venessap recommends this,

    A visit to the Top End in the dry season isn't complete without a Mindil Market meander.

    Mindil is utterly Territory: magic, slightly screwball and delicious.

    Amidst the backdrop of a majestic Territory beach sunset, colourful locals will cook you up a mean Laksa, ply you with soothing brew, crack their whips (literally) and show off their artsy interpretations of the landscape.

    A rich array of local and regional cuisine will transport your senses to nearby Asian hotspots, and buskers make sure the night unfolds to a beat.

    There's a fair whack of tourist tack on show, most of which is charming and inoffensive, but do watch for imitation Indigenous art and artifacts. Ain't nothing like the real thing.

    If you're driving, arrive early to ensure a park - the scene gets crowded pretty quickly.

    Good for: Romance, food, Families, views, live music, gift shopping, souvenirs, local vibe, beach lovers

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