After reading so much about these markets and the variety of fare on offer, we found ourselves a little disappointed and left after about 45 minutes. There was an abundance of food outlets with several ethnicities represented. The pricing was equivalent to what you would pay at any food court at the mall. The other offerings appeared to be geared at overseas tourists with lots of crocodile skin products. Try and arrive around an hour before sunset so you can get a car park.
We were staying next door at the SkyCity and ventured across to the bustling pop up market. 3 different live acts were playing to entertain the crowd, and the food selection was fantastic. BYO alcohol.
if you love markets, these are a must..night time just near the beach. Go early and watch the stunning sunset, then cruise into the market for fabulous food, buskers, stalls. Very talented people selling gorgeous wares. See a picture painted in front of you.
Very dissapointed that the landmark markets are closed when other markets in Darwin still operate year round. Sure if the forecast is rain but done throw the towel in so quickly.
Great food and atmosphere people friendly and a wonderful sunset don't leave Darwin with out going here.
Sunset was beautifulFood varieties were greatAmbience was niceMusical performances were greatThe varieties of goods were awesomeWhat's best was because it started in the afternoon so it was a lot cooler to walk around in Darwin heat.Would love to come back :-)
It’s the tradition of Italy, the flavours of Greece and the sweetness of a French delicacy. It’s the cultural art spanning across thousands of years of Indigenous history, hand-beaded jewellery of Vietnam and the music of a local band desperate to be discovered. It’s the freshly squeezed juice you’re delighting your tastebuds with as you witness the sky take the shape of all the autumn colours of the spectrum whilst sitting on a cool sandy beach as the waves roll in and crocodiles swim by. It’s a local treat and an internationally recognised gem. The Mindil Markets provide Darwin locals with a bi-weekly exotic getaway throughout the dry season as the cultures of the world combine every Thursday and Sunday evening from April through till October. “The atmosphere is great. The people are all really welcoming,” says Laurie-Anne Truchon-Thibeault. “With all the different types of cultural shows and the range of diversity in the food and people it’s a great night.” With over 60 food stalls available and 130 craft vendors spread across the beach, the markets prove to be perfect for the entire extended family, even those that are fussy. Situated along Mindil beach, visitors are able make the most out of their trip with the casino metres up the road and the heart of the Darwin CBD and the family friendly waterfront prescient only minutes away. But it truly is the laid back Territory lifestyle that makes these markets so unique. A place where locals and those from further away can merge together to express their mutual appreciation for the multicultural flavours found across Darwin. But as the sun inevitably sets on another spectacular dry season evening it’s the stubby shorts and double-plugger thongs that distinguish the locals from the rest and that make Mindil a remarkable evening.
Mindil beach Markets is a very busy place on a Thursday where you have a variety of different foods! I love Market foods and go as often as I can just to get a taste! I love getting a smoothie and walking around looking at all the different stalls. Arts, clothing, massage, toys and much more. If you are not into the crowded place then you're better off going to a quieter mellowed out market on a sunday arvo. Singlet, shorts and thongs is most appropriate clothing :) The beach is also right there so if you can get there early enough for a sunset then i advise you do that! NT has the most beautiful and stunning sunsets I have ever seen! Markets are too good to miss!!!
Make this a must do for your trip to Darwin. Take your camera because you'll get awesome pics of the sun going down. Fire breather, live entertainment, food shops with various asian cuisines as well as some local specialties including barramundi and crocodile. Some aboriginal art is also available as well as various souvenirs. Parking available for all the grey nomads, and the bus stops right outside the market. Take the number 4 and get off at stop 11 the one after the casino!
Go down on a Thursday night to see the fantastic sunset of the Top End. Would recommend going a bit earlier so you beat the crowds as it can get quite busy! Food is relatively cheap but definitely have a look around and compare prices. A lot of the merchandise they sell there is from Thailand so watch out for them totally ripping you off :)