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Cullen Bay is a neighborhood in Darwin where the iconic sunsets are blazing, the beaches are dazzling, and the man-made marina beckons you to stay awhile.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do in this tropical paradise, this vibrant waterside precinct is not just a pretty face; it’s packed with fun things to do and places to check out.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top things to do in Cullen Bay, where the only thing more colorful than the marina is the local café scene.
Things to Do in Cullen Bay, Darwin
1. Walk Around Cullen Bay Marina
Cullen Bay Marina is the premium residential hub of Darwin, just a five minutes drive from Darwin CBD.
The location was super practical and central to the best amenities and attractions Darwin has to offer.
This district used to be a series of mangroves and flood plains, and was flattened out and redeveloped into a luxury neighborhood.
Good coffee + views at the Boatshed Coffee House
It’s a wonderful place to stay and is largely made up of holiday homes and vacation rentals, so you can find a full apartment to stay in as opposed to a hotel room in Darwin CBD.
Next to the vacation rentals are upscale restaurants and cafes with diverse cuisine options, where the sunsets are stunning and the seafood is fresh.
2. Experience the nightlife of Mitchell Street
It’s an easy drive, bike ride or walk, into Mitchell St, the nightlife hub near Cullen Bay.
Mitchell Street is a lively thoroughfare that’s always buzzing with energy and ready to show you a good time.
With its eclectic mix of cafés, bars, and shops, it’s the perfect place to sip a latte or grab a bite while soaking up the local vibe.
We indulged in some yummy Thai at Bamboo Lounge, and far too many drinks with my brother and his wife on a pub crawl while Nanny and Pop minded the girls.
Another reason why Darwin was so great – we had a night off!
3. Relax on Cullen Bay Beach
Cullen Bay Beach 
Family fun on Cullen Bay Beach
A short walk from the marina takes you to Cullen Bay Beach and our favourite Boardwalk Cafe on the water, the Boatshed Coffee House.
They do a great breakfast, lunch and coffee and our timing was perfect as our stay coincided with Father’s Day.
Cullen Bay Beach is small, but it’s sheltered by the bay and so the tides are gentle and great for paddling. However, we don’t recommend swimming as it’s not patrolled and the currents are unpredictable in that area.
We also love how it was backed by lawns so we could unravel a picnic or eat a takeaway and watch those iconic sunset views.
4. Head over to Mindil Beach Markets
The Cullen Bay precinct is also close to Mindil Beach, the place to go for an iconic Darwin sunset.
It’s also famous for its open air Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which is known for tasty food, live music and that stunning sunset.
This bustling bazaar is like a treasure chest filled with mouthwatering street food delights and artisanal goodies.
You’ll likely get sidetracked by the local crafts and live performances.
5. Go on a sightseeing cruise from Darwin Harbour
A great way to see the Darwin region’s unique coastal landscape is on one of the sightseeing cruises.
Picture yourself gliding over sparkling waters, with the wind in your hair and tranquil marina views, whilst doing a bit of wildlife spotting in the Timor Sea – keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and majestic dugongs; they might just be vying for your attention!
The cruises depart from Darwin Harbour, passing Stokes Hill Wharf, before wrapping around the peninsula and passing Cullen Bay, Kitchener Bay, and Fanny Bay sandbar.
6. Go fishing
There is some good fishing from the pier in Cullen Bay or from the beach, which is the perfect setting for casting a net whilst watching an epic sunset.
The best time to cast a line in Cullen Bay is in August, around twilight or sunset.
Be sure to use live-bait, and you’ll be in for a good chance of catching some barra, queenies, or jacks.
7. See The Fish Feeding at Doctors Gully
One of the more unique attractions in Cullen Bay is the fish feeding frenzy at Doctors Gully.
Aquascene Fish Feeding Sanctuary, where ever since 1981, a natural phenomena occurs at high tide.
As you toss in the fish food, prepare for a feeding frenzy as colorful fish dart around like kids in a candy store.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a friendly turtle or two trying to sneak in for a bite.
8. Take a day trip to Wurrumiyanga
If you want to explore more off the beaten path places in the northern territory, consider a day trip to Wurrumiyanga from Cullen Bay. You can see ferry times here!
Just a short journey away, this vibrant community on Bathurst Island is the perfect escape for those looking to experience the rich Indigenous heritage of the region.
Once you arrive, prepare to be enchanted by stunning landscapes, traditional art, and perhaps even hear a few local stories!
9. Play at Mindil Beach Casino
Wave pool & lagoon at the Waterfront
Also close by was Mindil Bech Casino (we had a great meal at the Italian restaurant) and the Waterfront precinct.
The kids had a ball in the wave pool and lagoon at the waterfront, and when you’re done with that the surrounding chilled-out cafés, bars, shops and restaurants make for a relaxed alternative to buzzing Mitchell St.
Final Thoughts
In Darwin, you can take things as fast or as slow as you like, and I now understand why my brother has lived there for two years and raves about the place – it’s certainly a pleasant alternative to the high-rise congestion of a Sydney or Melbourne.
Throw in the consistently hot weather and you have an Aussie family who’d be more than happy to make regular visits to the Top End.
Waking up every day you know it’s going to be blue sky and mid 30’s – so nice to plan outdoor activities and not having to consult the weather forecast gurus.
Not only that, it offers a gateway to the natural wonders of the Top End including Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks and the Katherine Region. If your time is limited, Litchfield National Park is roughly one hour’s drive from Darwin. See apartment rentals in Cullen Bay here.
We enjoyed our stay in Cullen Bay so much that instead of checking out and moving back to the camper for a cheap night’s accommodation before we headed west, we decided to splurge on an extra night in the apartment.
I just could not leave these views…
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