Top Darwin Day Cruises

One of the Northern Territory's key attractions is its isolation, but an increasing number of visitors means that the Territory's most popular attractions are becoming very busy. Cruise the Adelaide River without bumping into lots of other groups on this early-morning tour, with the chance to swim in picturesque—and croc-free—locales and meet a crocodile without a horde of onlookers spoiling the experience.

Take in Darwin Harbour during a 2sunset cruise aboard the 'Charles Darwin,' a deluxe 3-level catamaran that was built for service on the Gold Coast Broadwater. Travel past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the Sun Deck (top deck). Hear live commentary on Darwin’s history and landmarks, and have the option to include a buffet dinner, or purchase snacks and drinks at the onboard bar.

Ride into the sunset and enjoy tropical breezes during this Darwin dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch. Enjoy freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters or sink your teeth into succulent Northern Territory Banana prawns followed by your choice of fresh-caught fish or Scotch fillet steak in a 4-course meal provided by the onboard chef. Drinks are available for purchase at the bar, or bring your own.

Set out from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin for a fabulous sunset cruise accompanied by a meal of fish and chips, and a complimentary drink. Relax and enjoy watching a colorful Top End sunset over Fannie Bay from the best spot in Darwin Harbour. Your captain stops at Cullen Bay Beach to pick up your meal, which is made with fresh wild–caught Northern Territory fish. Eat a classic Australian dish, snap photos and enjoy the beauty of Darwin during this memorable sunset cruise.

Go sightseeing in Darwin with a hop-on hop-off pass that is valid for 24 or 48 hours. Cruise to top spots including Crocosaurus Cove, the waterfront precinct, and Darwin Military Museum. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top double-decker bus and informative onboard commentary. Simply hop on board to travel from sight to sight, and explore in depth on your own by hopping off at any of the convenient stops. Opt for two different tour lengths to suit your sightseeing schedule.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls (conditions permitting), and recharge with a delicious lunch.

See an abundance of birds, crocodiles and other wildlife on this day trip from Darwin with a 2.5-hour Corroboree Billabong cruise. You'll board a shaded, open-sided boat for optimal wildlife viewing along the Mary River Wetlands, home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocs as well as 30 species of birds. Hear commentary from your guide throughout the full-day tour, which includes an informative stop at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre as well as lunch and round-trip hotel transport.

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

Swap your cruise ship for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Darwin on this sightseeing shore excursion. Select a 24- or 48-hour pass and explore the city in the Top End at your own pace. Board the open-top double-decker bus from the cruise terminal at Fort Hill Wharf and disembark at any of the 11 stops around Darwin, or simply stay on the bus for a 60- or 90-minute narrated tour. Visit the Military Museum, Botanic Gardens, Doctors Gully, Crocosaurus Cove and more!

In February 1942, the North Australian city of Darwin was bombed by Japanese forces. With this two-for-one deal, cruise around the Darwin waterfront on the Bombing of Darwin cruise, sailing by landmarks like the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peery; then visit the historic Royal Flying Doctor Tourist Facility and hear the local stories of those air raids. Don’t organize these two attractions separately; book in advance and confirm them for the same day.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

See where World War II bombs fell on Darwin on this harbour cruise. On 19 February 1942, Japanese planes targeted Allied ships in Darwin’s waters, causing mass destruction. Board an open-sided boat to cruise by these and other landmarks as you hear stories of the fateful day and Darwin’s wartime history. See remnants of the raids and underwater shipwreck sites, and sail by historical wharfs, pearling luggers, and other maritime locations. Live commentary included.

This ultimate top-end tour is ideal for travelers short on time who want to see and do a lot. Travel by helicopter, airboat, cruise boat, and overland, for an incredible range of sights and experiences. Look out for crocodiles and birds on the floodplains of the Litchfield National Park and even cool off with a swim in a crocodile-safe pool.

Set sail around Darwin Harbour for a scenic 45-minute sightseeing cruise and enjoy serene views of the Northern Territory capital. Hop on board a comfortable catamaran and listen to the live on-board commentary as you float along Lameroo Beach, glide around Stokes Hill Wharf and spot waterside landmarks like Bicentennial Park, the Larakeyah Barracks and the sunken USS Peary.

Starting from Darwin, this Adelaide River Adventure includes a scenic drive to the Adelaide River wetlands, where you’ll learn about the wildlife species that call these waterways home—including the saltwater crocodile. You’ll then go on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise to see these crocs in their natural habitat. A local Indigenous owned and operated venture, the cruise is a great way to support the Traditional Custodians of this Country.

Spend an action-packed day exploring two national parks in the Top End: Nitmiluk and Kakadu. Fly round-trip from Darwin to Katherine Gorge, then hop aboard a helicopter for a scenic ride. Explore the magnificent landscape for 1 hour by air followed by a riverboat cruise back in Kakadu. A guide helps you discover this region abundant with wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural significance before your return to Darwin.

Discover Katherine Gorge from every angle on a thrilling 8-hour excursion by air and water. The adventure begins with a flight from Darwin over Adelaide River, Pine Creek, and the iconic Australian Outback. After landing, it's time to take to the skies again. Discover the hard-to-reach places within the gorge by helicopter. The last leg of the adventure includes a picturesque boat cruise through the gorge, before your return flight to Darwin.