​Local’s guide: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are an essential inclusion on any tour itinerary to the Northern Territory’s Top End. They’re Darwin’s biggest, brightest and busiest markets, set among the palm tree lined parklands adjacent to Mindil Beach.

These open-air markets are the perfect symbiosis of all things that typify life in the tropical north – the relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Asian-inspired cuisine, and sunsets so colourful you almost have to shade your eyes. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets make the most of the comfortably cool Darwin dry season evenings, running each Thursday and Sunday from May-October, and boasting more than 200 stalls offering food, drinks, craft, arts, homewares, bath products, souvenirs, massages, leather goods and everything in between.

Top things to do at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Toast the sunset

The sunsets at Mindil Beach’s markets are so good that they draw a round of applause – literally. Thousands of market goers congregate on the sand to watch the sunset as it changes from cotton candy hues through to the deep jewel tones, until the orb of orange light dips beyond the sparkling Arafura Sea.

Local’s tip: It gets packed on the beach, so get there early, pour yourself a cold drink, and set up a possie high on the dunes to get the best view of the sunset.

Enjoy dinner under a million stars

Malay, Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Greek, Australian – every cuisine is covered at Mindil, so there’s something for even the fussiest of tastebuds. Mindil is a veritable fiesta of flavours and a great way to spend the evening at the markets is grabbing small plates from a range of food stalls to enjoy a takeaway banquet with friends and family atop your picnic rug under the starry sky.

Local’s tip: eat like a Darwinian and grab a plate of fresh oysters from Oyster Gold for entree or perhaps a traditional Indonesian satay from Bobby at Sari Rasa Sate, then follow it up with a Malaysian Laksa (coconut curry soup) or a wood-fired pizza from Cucina Sotto Le Stelle. Wash it all down with a refreshing tropical juice from one of the many vendors (or a BYO option from your esky!). 

Watch a show

There’s plenty of free entertainment on offer at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, including films under the stars, fire twirling demonstrations, world music performances and dance showcases. Grab some food and pull your picnic rug up to one of the three performance areas for a dinner show with a difference.

Local's tip: listen out for local drum and bass legends eMDee with their upbeat tunes on the digeridoo (yidaki) and drums.

Shop for craft and Aboriginal art

It would be easy to spend hours perusing the many aisles of arts and crafts stalls at Mindil, including some incredible pieces made by Northern Territory Aboriginal artists. You’ll find tables covered in shimmering stones and polished wooden homewares and uncover a treasure trove of trinkets and handcrafted wares, including Kangaroo paw back scratchers, homemade soaps and boho-inspired jewellery.

Local’s tip: if you’re looking to buy genuine Aboriginal art or cultural artefacts, ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity to know you’re buying the real deal.

What to bring to the markets:

• Picnic rug – these are easier to carry through the throng than folding chairs
• Small cooler bag with a couple of beers or a bottle of wine – to toast the sunset
• Plastic wine glasses – safety first on the uneven ground on the lawns and beach
• Cash – some sellers take card payments for bigger transactions and there are ATMs but the lines can get very long.

We hope you have a great time down at Mindil :)

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