Lyons Cottage
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Lyons Cottage
Lyons Cottage

Lyons Cottage

At the time it was built, Lyons Cottage was the first stone house in Darwin and it remains the only surviving example of colonial bungalow architecture in the city. Made from local porcellanite stone, roof tiles from England, and timber from Asia, the 1925 building once served as the home of a lawyer, John ‘Tiger’ Lyons.

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74 The Esplanade, Darwin, 0801

The basics

This former residence for British Australian Telegraph Company executives today houses the not-for-profit Aboriginal Bush Traders shop stocked with carvings, jewelry, art, and books, as well as a café serving dishes inspired by desert Aboriginal cultures and using local ingredients like bush tomatoes and Kakadu plums. A hologram exhibit inside tells the story of how the Overland Telegraph first linked Australia to the rest of the world. Lyons Cottage doesn’t often figure on sightseeing tours of Darwin, so opt for a private city tour if you’d like to visit with a guide.

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Things to know before you go

*Lyons Cottage is an excellent place to pick up gifts and souvenirs. *Admission to the cottage is free. *The house is not accessible to wheelchairs. *Give yourself 30 minutes to an hour to visit the site, longer if you plan to have a meal there.

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How to get there

Lyon's Cottage is located on the southwestern edge of the city center, near Bicentennial Park on the waterfront. It’s within walking distance of Doctors Gully and Crocosaurus Cove.

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Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Darwin

How to Spend 3 Days in Darwin


When to get there

Lyons Cottage is open to visitors daily throughout the year. Plan to visit in the morning for a cup of coffee in the cafe, followed by some time to browse the Aboriginal Bush Traders store. The gallery space is closed on Sundays.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Lyons Cottage?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Darwin?
A:
As well as visiting the Lyons Cottage, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: