Rapid Creek is a predominantly residential area and is generally associated with its sister suburb, Nightcliff, and the adjacent northern suburbs of Millner and Coconut Grove. Both Rapid Creek and Nightcliff have arguably become Darwin's most popular suburbs, as they are mostly situated directly on the coastal fringe. A lot of development has been completed on the coastal road, Casuarina Drive, which runs along the coast from Rapid Creek to Nightcliff.



Famous for its Sunday Markets, Rapid Creek has a well stocked independent supermarket and several locally owned retail businesses. It is also a centre for community focused organisations. Rapid Creek Market is Darwin's oldest Market. It operates on Friday evenings 3 pm till late and Sunday mornings beginning at 6.30 am running untill 1 pm. Held throughout the carpark and arcades of Rapid Creek Business Village, the market is known for its fresh Organic Produce, Asian Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices, Exotic Plants, Flowers, Seafood as well as local handmade crafts.



Rapid Creek Beach is located on the Nighcliff Foreshore at its eastern side. The beach is dissected by Rapid Creek which enters Beagle Gulf here. Its wide strip of clean sand extends north beyond Rapid Creek towards the Dripstone Cliffs.

The locality of Rapid Creek was originally established in the late 19th century when it was settled by the Jesuit Mission, although this was abandoned before the turn of the 20th century. Rapid Creek prior to World War II was a favourite day trip / picnic area for Darwin people, along the bush track which was to become Bagot Road and McMillans Road. After Nightcliff grew as a seaside suburb in the 1950s, residential development expanded into the Rapid Creek area, primarily during the 1960s. The streets in Rapid Creek are mostly named after early police officers.