Top Darwin How to Get Around

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.

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

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.

Experience the thrill of seeing saltwater crocodiles on a jumping crocodile cruise down the Adelaide River about an hour southeast of Darwin. A great way to come face to face with these magnificent creatures, this cruise also offers visitors the chance to learn about the ecology of the river and its incredible inhabitants. Great for wildlife lovers, this Indigenous-owned tour company focuses on sustainable interactions and has been endorsed by the NT Parks & Wildlife for its animal ethics policies.

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.

Explore Litchfield National Park on this guided walking tour. Cool off in the spring-fed waterfalls, take a hike in the tropical monsoon vine forests, get a lesson in ancient Indigenous bush food and medicine. Enjoy lunch at Tolmer Falls where you’ll have the chance to head to the lookout or walk through an ancient cycad forest. Then, choose to visit the Batchelor Butterfly Farm (additional fee) to learn about Australian butterflies.

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.

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.

Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on a full-day tour from Darwin. Head to the Adelaide River for a private Jumping Crocodile cruise that gives you great views of the crocs. Continue into Litchfield National Park to cool off in swimming holes such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Buley Rockhole, see the sculptural termite mounds and have a picnic lunch. Back in Darwin, watch the sunset at Mindil Beach while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling prawn appetizers before returning to your hotel.

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.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

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.

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.

If you’re short on time while touring the Top End, this action-packed day trip to Litchfield National Park is ideal for you. The park is famous for its glorious waterfalls, and you’ll see these up-close on a guided nature walk. You’ll also get the chance to swim in refreshing rock pools and spot wildlife, including kangaroos, flying foxes, and rare birds. Learn about the park’s biodiversity while having fun.

Explore the tropical wilderness of the Litchfield National Park on this full-day small-group tour from Darwin. Visit the Florence and Wangi Falls; cool off with a dip in the Buley Rockhole, and snap photos of the gigantic Cathedral and Magnetic Termite Mounds. You'll also enjoy a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Adelaide River and hear about the reptiles from the wildlife guide. Includes lunch, snacks, croc cruise, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

There are few ways of getting close to 19-foot (6-meter) long saltwater crocodile safely, but the Jumping Croc Cruise is one. On a sturdy boat with well-trained staff you’ll cruise out onto the Adelaide River, looking for crocs. Staff will entice the animals with food, causing them to jump high in the air. This is an unmissable Northern Territory experience, and one that you’re sure to remember. Learn about the unique animals of the top end on a low-impact tour that respects the environment and its inhabitants.

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.

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.

Go sightseeing in Darwin on a 5-hour morning tour that takes you to top sites including Parliament House, Palmerston Town, the Darwin Botanical Gardens and the vibrant waterfront. Learn about the Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, with admission to this military heritage site included in your tour. Have time to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and stop by the Fannie Bay Gaol and Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre among other sites on this comprehensive introduction to Darwin.

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!

Experience Litchfield National Park and the wildlife and wonders of the Northern Territory on this full day adventure day from Darwin. This action-packed day trip includes a guided walk of Litchfield National Park—a tropical paradise known for its amazing waterfalls and swimming holes—along with a visit to a Butterfly Farm and Petting Zoo, and a Jumping Crocodile Cruise at Crocodylus Park, where you’ll come face to face with freshwater crocs.

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.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — Australia’s largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the ‘desert museum’ of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.