Top Northern Territory On the Water

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

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.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel Farm, where you can enjoy an optional camel ride (own expense).

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).

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.

On this guided afternoon tour from Darwin, head to the Adelaide River, which is home to over 1,600 crocodiles including the famous 'jumping' crocodiles. There, you'll cruise the river and see these creatures launch themselves out of the water. Following that, visit the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre to take in views of the Marrakai Plains. Also, stop at the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem.

Travel from Alice Springs to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia’s most iconic sight. Go deep into this sacred site, which offers not only spectacular colors but deep spiritual significance, on two guided walks and a visit to the cultural center. Learn about local Aboriginal history and traditions during this culturally sensitive tour, which culminates with a sunset barbeque and a glass of bubbly.

Leave the driving to a professional while you soak up the legendary sights of Central Australia with this one-way shuttle service from Uluru (Ayres Rock) to Alice Springs. Travel aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for the approximately 6-hour journey, while your driver provides commentary on Outback history and natural attractions. Stretch your legs with stops along the way to photograph ancient rock formations and admire Aboriginal art at a roadhouse.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See Darwin as you’ve never seen it before on this amazing guided jet ski adventure tour of the coastline. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll speed out of the city to visit East Arm’s glassy waters and tropical mangroves. Feel yourself flying across the waves as you swing around the coast to Mindil Beach, before taking in the epic city skyline on the way back to the harbour.

Hop aboard a jet ski to whip down the open water at your own speed. During this action-packed excursion, you’ll pass along both untouched coastlines and the iconic Mindil Beach Casino, getting a chance to rev your engine full-blast. Immerse yourself in local marine life along the way, including potential dolphin sightings.

Zoom across the water in Darwin Harbour and uncover the secrets of Darwin’s history on a shipwreck hunting jet ski tour. A great way to combine adventure with education, this jet ski tour takes you to historic shipwreck sites you’d never find if it wasn’t for the help of your jet ski guides. You’ll also learn about Darwin’s role in WWII history and the effects of Cyclone Tracey in 1974.

“The real up-close experience!” Feel the excitement out in the open air on the Adelaide River as your knowledgeable skipper takes you on an unforgettable journey… So close you can feel yourself tremble when the ferocious jaws of the Australian Salt Water Crocodile slam together. The Pathfinders offer the thrill-seekers, the brave, and the adventurous the chance to be mere inches away from these prehistoric creatures.

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.

Experience Darwin Harbour at its most atmospheric on a sunset tour. Take to the water for a thrilling jet ski experience and zip along the coast with your guide and small group. Cruise past the ‘Magic Mile’ from Mindil Beach to East Point, get in the party mood with music and included soft drinks, and watch the sunset over the ocean as you glide back to shore.