Shopping in Darwin
Darwin offers plenty of opportunities for shoppers looking out for Aboriginal arts and crafts as well as pearls.
Key areas
Aboriginal art, such as bark paintings, painted didgeridoos and boomerangs, is available at the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, on the corner of Knuckey and Mitchell streets.Some of the world's best pearls (well, those that haven't already been shipped to Japan) are on sale at Paspaley Pearls, on Bennett Street off The Mall. Diamonds are a big thing up here too and, if you fancy a rare pink one, from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Kununurra, you can choose from plenty at Creative Jewellers, located at 27 Smith Street, The Mall.
Markets
Look for arts and crafts, clothing and jewellery, hemp designer clothings or copper sculptures at Nightcliff weekend market, where there are also food stalls and even the chance to enjoy a massage, reflexology or a card reading. It takes place every Sunday from 0600 to 1400. On Saturday, from 8am to 2pm, head to the Parap Village Market for local produce, arts and crafts, entertainment and global cuisine.
In the dry season, head for the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets where you can shop as the sun drops into the ocean and where live entertainment contributes to a party atmosphere. Every Friday evening between May and October, the Palmerston and Rural Markets provide great entertainment, exotic foods, jewellery, arts and craft, plants, local bands and buskers and much more, with more than 160 stalls available.
Shopping centres
Most of the shopping malls have moved to the suburbs – head to Casuarina, Hibiscus, Karama, Rapid Creek, Palmerston and Northlakes. The one remaining mall in Darwin city centre is the Smith Street Mall.
Opening hours
General city shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1730, Saturday 0900 to 1700, and Sunday 0900 to 1500.
Souvenirs
There's an incredible array of paintings, sculpture and textiles available at Darwin's diverse commercial galleries and artist-run centres. Pearls and diamonds are also popular purchases.
Tax information
There is a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is included on the price tags.
