Darwin is the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory and is known as Garramilla to the Larrakia people. This northern capital city is the smallest capital city in Australia. Home to just over 145,000 residents, Darwin is also the wettest Australian capital city. The city experiences regular heavy downpours, cyclones, and lighting storms during the wet season from late November to early December.
Darwin’s brilliant oceanside views, vibrant history, and continuously flourishing culture make this city a true hidden gem. As the regional centre of the Top End, life in Darwin reflects a veritable patchwork of diverse cultures. It’s no wonder that more than 1 million people visit and vacation in the capital city each year!
Do you want to fully experience the incredible array of restaurants, shops, and local artworks, that Darwin has to offer? Then, continue reading below to find out where you can store your bags for the day.
Airports
One airport, two military airports, and a private airport serve the city of Darwin. If you’re flying into Darwin, though, then, more than likely, you’ll be coming in through the Darwin International Airport. But, any history buffs and aviation enthusiasts will tell you a visit to the RAAF Base is a must.
Darwin International Airport
A short fifteen-minute ride from Darwin’s Central Business District, this airport has a single terminal for international and domestic flights. The Darwin International Airport transports more than 2 million passengers each year, serving as a transit point for international flights.
The airport provides travellers with many amenities, including a Qantas lounge, several bars, cafes, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. There is also Travelex ATM services throughout the terminal, in case you have to make any last-minute currency exchange.
Darwin International Airport offers locker hire services in the walkway shelter of the short stay car park. The short stay car park can be found next to the terminal building. However, keep in mind that the lockers only accept American Express, MasterCard, or Visa credit cards as payment. The locker bank consists of four different sizes, small (fits carry-on bags, backpacks), medium (fits medium-sized suitcases), large (fits large suitcases), and extra-large (fits multiple bags, fishing rods).
The lockers are located in the sheltered waiting area of the Short Stay car park building. The cost varies depending on the size of the locker.
Small Lockers – $12.00 for 0 – 24 hours
Medium Lockers – $16.00 for 0 – 24 hours
Large Lockers – $19.00 for 0 – 24 hours
Extra Large Lockers – $22.00 for 0-24 hours
RAAF Base Darwin
The heritage-listed Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin has operated as a vital military airport since June of 1940. Situated on 45 hectares (110 acres), RAAF Base Darwin’s rich history is matched only by its iconic status.
Darwin was the only capital city in Australia to be directly attacked by Japanese forces during World War II. This RAAF Base, and the city at large, underwent two air raids on 19 February 1942. Japanese troops in WWII explicitly mounted the second attack against the base lasting at least 25 minutes. After it was rebuilt, the airport later served to support military operations during the Vietnam war.
Since it continues to serve as a military base, RAAF Base Darwin does not offer any luggage storage facilities. However, feel free to stop at the nearby locker bank at Darwin International Airport to store your luggage before you visit.
Currently, there are no luggage storage facilities available at the RAAF Base Darwin.
Trains
Public transportation via railway in Darwin is, unfortunately, limited. However, the one available option is considered one of the best rail passenger experiences in the world.
Darwin Railway Station
Considered Darwin’s primary passenger terminal, Darwin Railway Station is located 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the city centre and delivers passengers right to the heart of the city. Colloquially known as Berrimah Passenger Terminal, the terminus station opened in 2004 to accommodate its sole service line, The Ghan.
The Ghan, an immersive, experiential tourism passenger train, travels from Darwin to Adelaide and Alice Springs. It has often been described globally as one of the best passenger trains, despite being the only line using the Darwin Railway Station. This is because of its incredible amenities, first-class service, and fantastic scenic views.
While the station does not offer lockers on-site, you may be able to stash your stuff at your hotel. Just be sure to check in with the front desk to see if cloaking or storage services are available.
Unfortunately, there are no lockers or bag storage facilities available at Darwin Railway Station at this time.
Ferry Terminals
Host to one of the city’s biggest tourism draws, the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal provides public passage from Cullen Bay to Mandorah and the Tiwi Islands. The ferry regularly departs from Darwin Harbour and is owned and operated by SeaLink.
Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal
The Cullen Bay Ferry is the exclusive link from the mainland to the Tiwi Islands and Mandorah. Home to two SeaLink ferries. Hop on the ferry and arrive on Mandorah island in less than twenty minutes. Or, earn your sea legs on the gorgeous two and a half hour trip to the Tiwi Islands.
In Mandorah and Wagait Beach, you can enjoy a relaxing weekend of camping and fishing right on the beach. Or, venture further to the Tiwi Islands and discover the ancient islands of Melville and Bathurst. More than 8,000 years ago, these two large islands and nine smaller islands were created at the end of the last ice age. For thousands of years, the islands have remained inhabited by the Tiwi People, one of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples. When you visit, they offer visitors a chance to experience their incredible culture for themselves.
Unfortunately, the Cullen Bay Ferries do not offer any luggage cloaking or baggage storage facilities for passengers. Instead, passengers of the Mandorah and Tiwi Island ferry services are asked to pack less than 20kg of personal luggage items and keep their things on them at all times.
Stadiums
With eight different stadiums in its city limits, there’s always an event to attend or a game to see in Darwin. Even without fielding a Northern Territory team in the national Australian Rules Football or National Rugby League competitions, the city is absolutely brimming with all manner of sports for athletes to participate in and for fans to sit back and enjoy.
TIO Stadium
The Marrara Oval or TIO Stadium was first opened in 1991 as the area’s primary field for Australian Rules Football. As the home for the Thunder footy team, TIO Stadium is renowned for hosting wet-season games for the Northern Territory Football League. Additionally, the Marrara Oval hosts cricket and rugby games on a regular basis.
Also home to some of Darwin’s most prominent entertainment events, the stadium can seat up to 12,500 people at a time, though it once held a crowd of 17,500 people for a football game in 2003. As the largest stadium in Darwin, the Marrara Oval has hosted legendary acts like rock and roll band AC/DC and singer/songwriter Sir Elton John.
Since TIO Stadium is not equipped with facilities to provide luggage storage or cloaking facilities for event attendees at this time, visitors should consider stopping by the Darwin International Airport to store their items in the lockers. Or, try checking in with the front desk at your lodging accommodation to see if storage services are provided.
Territory Rugby League Stadium
Recently opened to the public in May 2019, the Territory Rugby League Stadium is located at Waren Park within the Marrara Sporting Complex, not far from TIO Stadium. Boasting a 1,250 seating capacity and a 10,000 total capacity, the newly built stadium primarily caters to men’s and women’s rugby league training sessions.
The purpose-built stadium consists of three fields, four changing rooms for the athletes, on-site storage for clubs, more than 500 car parks, and facilities for food and beverage. Touted as “a stadium that is inviting for fans and players alike – from the fields to the facilities” by Australian Rugby League Commissioner, Professor Megan Davis, The Territory Rugby League Stadium is just the latest addition to Darwin’s vibrant athletic scene.
Unfortunately, the Territory Rugby League Stadium does not currently offer cloaking services or luggage storage services to the public.
Tourist Attractions
Darwin is the bonafide epicentre of the Northern Territory’s culture, history, and goings-on. This amazing city is overflowing with extraordinary adventures. From the internationally recognized Mindil Beach Sunset Market to the Waterfront Precinct, Darwin has an attraction to suit everyone. Continue reading below to find out where you can store your backpack or luggage for the day and get down and dirty in Darwin.
Mindil Beach Sunset Market
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market comprises more than 200 vendor stalls, offering an unparalleled variety of international and local wares, arts, services, and cuisines. Open 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday, from April to October; the market is the perfect place to enjoy a tropical evening set by the sea,
Famous for its massive selection of delectable Southeast Asian cuisines is the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. The market has more than 60 food stalls operated by local and regional chefs. After dinner, with a view of the sun sinking into the waves of the Timor Sea, visitors can delight in the array of shows. These local artists regularly hold shows and exhibitions at the market.
Unfortunately, there are no storage facilities or lockers available for hire through Mindil Beach Sunset Market. However, because vendors are constantly changing, you may be able to find a storage stall in the market itself. For anyone not wanting to test their luck in the market, consider taking a short ride to Darwin International Airport to store your luggage in the locker banks there.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
Smack dab in the centre of the city, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is the all-in-one spot for some of Darwin’s best dining, shopping, and attractions. Try a taste of Darwin with a piled-high plate of fresh oysters from Darwin’s harbour at the Oyster Bar Darwin. Or, you can stop in at the Wharf One Food & Wine by the lagoon for some tapas. And, speaking of the Wave Lagoon, catch some waves at the beachside oasis. You won’t have to worry, as the 4,000 square metres pool is guaranteed to be crocodile and stinger free.
The Waterfront Precinct also lays claim to the seriously fun Aqua Park. This park is a floating, inflatable obstacle course that the whole family will enjoy. For lovers of art and nature, check out the Tropical Parklands on the waterfront. Here, the beauty of sculpture and street art seamlessly combine with the organic wonder of Darwin’s lush gardens and parklands.
Visitors to the Darwin Waterfront Precinct can drop off their luggage for storage at the locker bank by the Wave Lagoon for a small fee of $5.00. To hire a locker to store your bags, visit the kiosk between locker operating hours, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll also need to provide a $5.00 holding deposit, but it is returned at the end of the day.