Top Darwin Cruises & Sailing

Take in the views of Darwin Harbour during a sunset cruise aboard the “Charles Darwin,” a deluxe 3-level catamaran. Sail past the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, all while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the sundeck. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce as you watch the sun set over the Top End.

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.

Ride into the sunset and enjoy tropical breezes during this Darwin Harbour dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch. Enjoy a tasty 4-course dinner of fresh Northern Territory delicacies as you sail, all whipped up by the onboard chef. Drinks are available for purchase at the fully licensed bar. This cruise is an ideal option for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a relaxed evening out.

Hop aboard for the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River, one of Darwin’s most thrilling and iconic experiences. Departing from the heart of Darwin, we’ll take you on a ½-day journey to the Marrakai Wetlands, a wildlife haven home to over 117 reptile species and 280 bird species – a nature lover’s dream!

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.

What makes this Darwin City, Nature and Sights Tour unique is its thoughtful design for cruise passengers, combining city highlights, coastal scenery and local lifestyle in a relaxed half-day experience. With pickup directly from the cruise terminal, you’ll explore Darwin’s vibrant city centre and waterfront, passing iconic landmarks including the Deck Chair Cinema, Government House and Parliament House. The tour then ventures beyond the City to the beautiful Cullen Bay Marina and the northern coastal suburbs of Nightcliff and Rapid Creek, where you can enjoy sandy beaches, scenic jetties and open green spaces loved by locals. A stop at a boutique café offers a taste of fresh regional flavours before returning you comfortably to the ship, having experienced the very best of Darwin’s city, nature and laid-back tropical charm in just a few hours.

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.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

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.

See Darwin’s highlights with a hop-on hop-off pass valid for 24 or 48 hours. Cruise to top spots including Crocosaurus Cove, the Waterfront Precinct, and the 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 in a circuit, or explore in depth on your own by hopping off at any of the convenient stops.

Soak up a magical Top End sunset from aboard the Charles Darwin, a 3-level catamaran with a fully licensed bar whilst you enjoy a gourmet grazing platter. Cruise past signature Darwin sights, such as Cullen Bay and the Esplanade, as the city lights up and the crew tell tales of Dawin's History !

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.

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.

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.

The Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is rich with birdlife and nature, and this half-day tour takes you on a leisurely drive through the wetlands. Experience it from a window seat with a seasoned guide and a small group on this door-to-door tour. On the way back, stop at the Humpty Doo Tavern for authentic Australian tucker (own expense).

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!

Discover the Top End with Wildlife Tours Australia on an unforgettable 1-day adventure to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls. Cruise through the jaw-dropping cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge on a 2-hour NitNit Dreaming boat tour, then swim or relax at the peaceful tiered pools of Edith Falls (Leliyn). Along the way, visit the Jawoyn-run Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to connect with local culture and enjoy stops in historic NT towns like Adelaide River or Pine Creek. This small-group tour is led by expert local guides who bring the region’s stories to life. With flexible scheduling based on seasonal conditions and boat availability, every tour offers a safe, immersive experience. Support Indigenous communities, explore iconic landscapes, and experience the Northern Territory’s wild beauty in one spectacular day. Book with Wildlife Tours Australia – where nature, culture, and adventure meet.

Experience the Yellow Water River Cruise filled with an abundance of birds and wildlife, Ngourlangie Rock Art Gallery, Warradjan Cultural Centre and the Wetlands Bird Hide. Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is one of Australia’s most celebrated natural and cultural landscapes. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers, it is home to diverse ecosystems, from wetlands and floodplains to sandstone escarpments and dense forests. Its rich cultural history, both natural and Aboriginal, makes it an essential destination for those wanting to experience Australia’s wild heart.

Embark on an unforgettable 6-hour private adventure into the untamed heart of Australia’s Top End. Departing from Darwin Cruise Port, this exclusive journey blends thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and authentic Outback charm — perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Your personal driver-guide will share fascinating stories about the region’s wildlife, culture, and history while you travel in comfort through the lush tropical scenery surrounding Darwin. Get ready for close-up encounters with crocodiles, exotic birds, and the raw beauty of the Northern Territory.

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 private tour helps you discover this region abundant with wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural significance before your return to Darwin.

Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this guided visit to Territory Wildlife Park (just 45 minutes from Port) offers a relaxed and enriching way to experience Australia’s iconic wildlife, with careful timing to ensure a comfortable return to your ship. Learn about the Top End’s landscapes, plants, and animals as you A brief stop will be made at a local café where you may purchase snacks or refreshments at your own expense. Your guide provides a thorough orientation before showing you key highlights. Explore rainforests, wetlands, open woodlands, aviaries, and aquariums showcasing native Australian wildlife. During your visit, attend popular presentations such as the Birds of Prey show, Breakfast with the Pelicans, whip rays at Ooloo Sandbar, and more. Optional wildlife encounters, including feeding a barramundi, are available on the day (additional cost). Getting around is easy with the complimentary hop-on, hop-off shuttle train or by walking at a relaxed pace.

Home to tumbling waterfalls, towering termite mounds, and gorgeous bushwalks, Litchfield National Park is a true Northern Territory gem. Discover this marvel throughout the year with a seasonally variable schedule that can include geothermal springs, historic ruins, museums, walks, waterfalls and more. Consistent throughout however are the delicious thoughtful morsels along the way such as home cooked mongo muffin and biscuits, fresh fruit, cool icy poles and more. Combine this with expert local guides then this really is the way you need to experience Litchfield Park. You’ve come all this way, why not do it right !

Experience the highlights of Litchfield National Park on a convenient, full-day adventure from Darwin—no need to tackle the long drive yourself. Start with a thrilling jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. Next, head into the park to swim beneath waterfalls, marvel at giant termite mounds, and enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch. Return to Darwin to unwind with sparkling wine, appetizers, and a tropical sunset.