Top Darwin Hop on Hop Off Buses

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!

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 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.

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.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — one of Australia’s largest national parks. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Waters 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.

See Darwin’s highlights on a handy half-day tour by bus. Learn about Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, with admission to this military heritage site included. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and stop by the 1934 Qantas Hangar and Darwin Aviation Museum, among other sites on this comprehensive introduction to Darwin. Includes handy hotel transfers; caravan parks cost extra.

Get an insider’s perspective on the history and culture of Darwin on this walking tour with a local guide. Hear the background stories to the buildings and monuments that you’d miss if you just walked past them alone. There are many opportunities to stop and take pictures of the must-see sights as well as the more peaceful, hidden corners of central Darwin.

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.

Get close to Australia's wildlife, without having to book multiple tours, on this jumping croc cruise from Darwin. Cruise down the Adelaide River, home to more than 1,600 crocodiles, to see these creatures launch themselves out of the water, as well as native birdlife. Then, head over to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Center for views of the Marrakai Plains and enjoy the interactive displays.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Indigenous Australian 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 Indigenous Australian artists for an art-making workshop.

Litchfield's waterfalls and swimming holes are spread across the park, which is a lot to navigate on a self-drive day from Darwin. This full-day tour maps the route for you, stopping at the standout falls and natural pools along the Tabletop Range. Cool off in the swimming holes, see the towering termite mounds, and hear the Aboriginal stories tied to the landscape over a packed lunch.