Top Activities on the Ground in Darwin

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.

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.

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.

Darwin’s Jumping Crocodile cruise is one of the most popular ways to see the Northern Territory’s infamous wild crocodiles. With this tour, avoid the stress of organizing your own transport to the remote tour departure point and take a ride on the air-conditioned Croc Bus instead. Stop along the way to see the World’s largest boxing crocodile at the Humpty Doo Hotel, enjoy a thrilling crocodile-watching cruise along the Adelaide River, then go wildlife-watching at Fogg Dam.

Explore the highlights of Kakadu National Park on this action-packed full-day adventure from Darwin. One of Australia’s best national parks, Kakadu is famed for its ancient rock art and rich Indigenous history, along with its spectacular scenery and saltwater crocs. You’ll visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Bowali Visitor Centre, and either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie (weather dependent). You can also add on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise for an extra thrill.

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.

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.

Swap the bustle of Darwin for a day exploring the natural beauty of Litchfield National Park. This action-packed tour includes swimming at Wangi, Florence, and Buley Rock Hole, with a stop at Berry Springs (seasonal), as well as a visit to Magnetic Termite Mounds, and guided nature walks.

This tour has a maximum capacity of 11 passengers in order to make your experience more comfortable, & inclusive with relaxed timeframes to allow for the park to be truly appreciated. Pick-ups are from 8 am in Darwin’s CBD (select your accommodation when booking) and will be back in Darwin around 5:30 pm.

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!

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.

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.

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests, and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes, and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

Discover one of the Northern Territory's hidden treasures—Litchfield—on this scenic flight. See stunning waterfalls, wetlands, and ancient Outback landscapes—areas that are largely inaccessible by land. Fly over the Darwin River Dam and the Rum Jungle uranium mine. Experience a bird's-eye view of the Litchfield National Park's magnetic termite mounds and majestic waterfalls. Then, fly south over the crocodile-breeding wetlands of the Daly River to the wide delta as it spills into the sea.

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.

The ultimate day tour to Kakadu from Darwin with NT Top Adventures, where every moment resonates with the deep spiritual connection of Australia's Northern Territory. This fully private tour ensures exclusive access for you, your friends, or family, promising a deeply personalized journey unlike any other. Explore Kakadu's iconic attractions, such as Yellow Water. Immerse yourself in the ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie and Ubirr, where panoramic lookouts offer breathtaking views. Experience the tranquility of Fogg Dam and savor a delicious cooked dinner at the historic Humpty Doo Pub, steeped in Outback charm. More than just a tour, this is a transformative experience that delves into the spiritual heart of the Northern Territory. Witness the profound connection between nature and Aboriginal culture, while engaging in birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and an unforgettable outback road cruise. The results of this tour consistently exceed expectations.