Helpful Resources

We've begun to collate a list of useful resources for Defence members and their families living in Darwin.
Have a suggestion we should add? Let us know! Contact us here.

Darwin - Days out

Darwin WATERFRONT

Experience the best of Darwin’s tropical lifestyle, ocean views and delicious food. The Wave Pool, swimming lagoon, and Big Bouy Water Park are on hand to keep you cool! And there are heaps of dining options and year round events.

​Visit https://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au for more information.

Crocosaurus cove

Tucked away on Mitchell Street, Crocosaurus Cove's famous Cage of Death allows you to get up close and personal with the salties! 

Residents of the Northern Territory can grab a year long ticket for endless fun!
Visit http://www.crocosauruscove.com for more information.

Territory Wildlife Park

The Territory Wildlife Park is well worth a visit while you're in Darwin. Their Flight Deck shows are a must, they have lots of amazing animals and with many shaded easy walking/bike trails its an enjoyable day out for everyone.

Visit https://territorywildlifepark.com.au 
for more information.

Playgroup nt

https://playgroupaustralia.org.au
​
Established in 1980, The Playgroup Association of the Northern Territory Inc (Playgroup NT) is a not-for-profit, membership organisation dedicated to supporting families and strengthening local communities through playgroups.

Darwin's Markets

Darwin and surrounds boasts a thriving market scene throughout the year. With the best food, drinks, artisans and more!

Year Round

• Fred's Pass Rural Markets
  Saturdays from 8am to 1pm year round
• Nightcliff Markets
  Sundays from 8am to 2pm year round
• Parap Village Markets
  Saturdays from 8am to 2pm year round
• Rapid Creek Markets
  Sundays from 7am to 1pm year round

Dry Season Only

• Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
  May to October - Thursdays from 5pm to 10pm and Sundays from 4pm to 9pm.
• Palmerston and Rural Markets
  April to October – Fridays from 5pm to 9pm
• Berry Springs Markets
  Last Sunday of every month from 8am to 12pm year round

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Defence Services

The Defence Family Helpline

1800 624 608
The Defence Family Helpline is your first point of call for support, information and connection with your community, including your local DCO team. The Helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists. You can also email the Helpline on [email protected] and receive a response within 24 hours.

DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION - DCO

http://www.defence.gov.au/DCO
Defence Community Organisation, or DCO, offers a broad range of programs and services to help Defence families manage the military way of life. Including the SMART program (KidSMART, TeenSMART & FamilySMART) help Defence families develop their resilience, providing them with the psychological resources.
To access any of our support services, contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

DEFENCE HOUSING AUSTRALIA -DHA

​139 342 or https://www.dha.gov.au
Defence Housing Australia provide quality housing and related services to Defence members and their families.

Kookaburra Kids

​https://kookaburrakids.org.au/
The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. The program provides recreational, educational camps and other activities, giving kids a break, in a fun, positive and safe environment. Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids in similar families and develop new friendships.

DEFENCE SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP

http://dsnsg.org.au/
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisation established to assist ADF families with a family member with special needs.

Open Arms - Counselling

http://www.openarms.gov.au/ 
Open Arms provides counselling and support services to Australia's military community. If you have served one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF you can call them for support. They also support families, reservists and some peacekeepers. Call Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046 for free, confidential counselling and group programs to support mental health and wellbeing.

ROBERTSON BARRACKS FAMILY GROUP - RBFG

Along with our very own Larrakeyah Neighbourhood House, the Robertson Barracks Family Group provide a wealth of great events and activities for the Defence community in Darwin. 
To hear more about their upcoming events join their Facebook group here.

Important Phone Numbers for Defence Families

Defence Family Helpline:
1800 624 608

​Open Arms - Veterans & Veterans Family Counselling Service
1800 011 046

Defence Housing Australia
139 342

Toll Transitions
1800 819 167

To contact a Chaplain please call the Defence Service Centre on 1800 333 362 and ask for the Duty Chaplain in your area.

Lifeline
13 11 14

Beyond Blue
1300 224 636

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467

Family Drug Support Australia
1300 368 186

1800 RESPECT (Family Violence)
1800 737 732

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800