Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), at Bullocky Point in The Gardens just outside Darwin's CBD, is the Top End's flagship cultural institution. Overlooking the harbour, it combines art, history and natural science under one roof, and entry is free — making it one of the city's most rewarding stops.

There's an enormous amount to take in, from a renowned collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to the moving Cyclone Tracy exhibition, which tells the story of the 1974 disaster that devastated Darwin, and the famous 'Sweetheart' — a huge saltwater crocodile. Its mix of culture, regional history and natural history offers genuine insight into the Territory.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 3,800 reviews, it's a much-loved Darwin institution. General entry is free, but opening hours, special exhibitions and any events vary, so it's worth checking current details before you visit — and allowing a good couple of hours, as there's far more across its galleries than you might expect, from art and cyclones to crocodiles and maritime history.