Markets

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Parap Village Market
Rapid Creek Sunday Market
Nightcliff Market

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Darwin 's annual dry season is heralded by a clear blue sky, dragonflies and the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Set beneath a shady canopy of monsoon vine forest trees and a grove of coconut palms, the market takes shape each Thursday afternoon as the hundreds of stalls are assembled by perhaps the most diverse cross-section of people working together in Australia .

While the sun sets over the sea, food stalls prepare cuisine from more than 20 countries.  You can sample spicy Asian dishes, traditional Greek, Italian, English or South American food, crocodile, buffalo and barramundi from 'The Territory' or a mouth-watering spread of tropical fruits or juices and desserts.

More than 200 local artisans and craft people produce a colourful array of goods which complement the collection of arts and crafts imported from around the globe.  Add to all this the buskers, tarot card readers, masseurs/masseuses and a variety of local and travelling musicians offering free entertainment and you find the ingredients for an exciting, unique evening of fine food and entertainment.

The market is situated at Mindil Beach off Gilruth Avenue and adjacent to the Darwin casino.  Picnic facilities can be set up either on the extensive beach or on grassed areas.  Both offer uninterrupted views of the sunset.  It's a case of BYO tables, chairs and alcohol. The market area is licensed only for the consumption, not the sale, of alcohol.

The market and its facilities are accessible to all family members. Extensive carparking areas are available but these can be very crowded.  Reserved parking closer to the market is provided for people with disabilities and the market is on a regular bus route.

The market operates each Thursday evening throughout the dry season from May - October between the hours of 5.00 pm - 10.00 pm .  A smaller scale Mindil Beach market operates from 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm on Sundays and offers a slower pace for the those wanting to avoid the crowds or who can't make it on Thursdays. Toilet facilities are available.

Parap Markets

The Parap Village Market is one of Darwin 's longest running markets, and is considered by many as the ideal meeting place to meet or to have brekky or a tasty snack together.

This vibrant and colourful market place will enthrall you with its diverse food styles, arts and crafts and its busy but relaxed atmosphere. Parap Markets encourage local arts and craftspeople.

Situated in the Parap Village Shopping Precinct off Parap Road , the market operates every Saturday of the year between 8am - 2pm .

Parking has recently increased and a car park on Parap Road is available for gold coin dontation. Toilet facilities are available.

For further information, phone 0438 882 373 or 8942 0805.

The Rapid Creek Markets

The Rapid Creek Sunday Market, situated in the Rapid Creek Shopping Centre on Trower Road , is Darwin 's oldest market and celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 1998. 

The market specialises in a wide selection of fruit and vegetables, bric-a-brac, seafood, craft and an extensive variety of food stalls.  There is live entertainment and performances in the late morning and seating and amenities are available. Toilet facilities are available.

The market operates on every each Sunday of the year from 7:00am - 1:00 pm .

For further information, phone 8948 4866 or 0416 812 665.

Nightcliff Markets

Nightcliff Market in the Nightcliff Shopping Centre was only established in 1996 but has proven to be a most popular weekly community event.

It operates every Sunday from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm and its ample space makes it an ideal place for a lazy Sunday breakfast of freshly ground percolated coffee, or a cool and refreshing tropical fruit salad.

A casual wander round the market can quite likely unearth an unusual bargain or that unique gift you have been searching for so long.  Stalls display a wide variety of original crafts such as wild copper sculptures, fairy dresses, tropical hemp designer clothing and traditional Asian crafts.  You can browse through the many stalls specialising in recycled products like hardware, furniture, clothing, gardening, CDs, books and collectables.  The Nightcliff Market also offers massage, reflexology, card reading and many more attractions.

For the less energetic, there's of shade and space to sit and enjoy the entertainment from local artists performing on the central stage between 11.00 am and 12.30 pm .  The central stage actively supports the local music industry and acts as a community stage to showcase both new and known performers.

Patrons have access to a children's playground and toilet facilities.

For more information, phone 0414 368 773

Darwin City Council offers public space for use as community markets under agreements with market trader associations.

All market sites are dog restricted areas for the hours that the markets are running.

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