This interesting (if slightly grim) museum represents almost 100 years of solitude. Serving as Darwin's main jail from 1883 to 1979, the solid cells contain information panels that provide a window into the region's unique social history. Lepers, refugees and juveniles were among the groups of people confined here. You can still see the old cells, and the gallows constructed for two hangings in 1952.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Darwin attractions

2. Northern Centre for Contemporary Art

0.66 MILES

The NCCA is a really small space that shows some changing and challenging exhibitions. It's worth checking out while doing the Parap Village Market.

4. Mindil Beach Sunset Market

1.29 MILES

Food is the main attraction here − from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more − all at around $6 to $12…

5. George Brown Botanic Gardens

1.3 MILES

These 42-hectare gardens showcase plants from the Top End and around the world − monsoon vine forest, the mangroves and coastal plants habitat, baobabs,…

7. East Point Reserve

1.53 MILES

North of Fannie Bay, this spit of land is particularly attractive in the late afternoon when wallabies emerge to feed and you can watch the sun set over…

8. Darwin Military Museum

1.68 MILES

At this innovative museum and multimedia experience, you can hear personal accounts of those affected by, and those who actively participated in,…