Great value - good look around Darwin. Helpful friendly drivers. Both routes worth doing. Highly recommend
· AnaMarija_K ·
Oct 2025
Good introduction to Darwin and overview of the city. I bought a 48-hour pass, but got approval from staff on site to use the second day on Tuesday as the bus does not operate on Sundays and I had another tour booked for Monday. Overall pleasant experience and practical way of getting around the town.
· Kym_B ·
Nov 2025
Did one lap first then went back to places we wanted to see. Great staff and very friendly. The tape was excellent and we learnt a lot
· Gayle_B ·
Oct 2025
Very friendly and approachable bus driver. Route allowed for easy travel between locations. Recommended.
· Gillian_S ·
Sep 2025
You certainly don't need to stop at every stop. We did a quick trip around on the bus first and picked what we would like to look at which was great as the stops that were important to us took a while to get around. The Hop on Hop off bus was a quick and easy way to see from one side of Darwin to the other.
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.
Visit Cullen Bay Marina, Doctors Gully, museums, beaches, and more
Travel on two different routes to see the best of Darwin
Learn more from the informative prerecorded commentary
See the sights without having to drive or figure out local bus schedules
What's Included
Choice of 24 hour or 48 hour pass
Pre-recorded commentary
Food and drinks
Admission
Meeting and Pickup
Operating hours
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Departure Point
You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Set your own pace when exploring Darwin by using your hop-on hop-off bus pass to take in the city and choose where you want to disembark. Choose a pass that is good for 24 or 48 hours, according to your schedule. It's a great way to get to know the city, especially if you are short on time.
Discover Darwin's main attractions including Crocosaurus Cove, Doctors Gully, Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin Military Museum, and the Waterfront Precinct. You can hop on and off as many times as you like to explore on your own. When you want to continue, simply board the next bus.
Discover Darwin
12 Stops
6 Points of Interest
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Operating Schedule: Tour Duration: Morning - 70 minutes | Afternoon - 90 minutes
Frequency: Morning - Every 35 minutes | Afternoon - Every 45 minutes
Customers are advised to visit our website or to download our app to find out more about our new health and safety measures and for the most update service information.
Operational days can change so please follow the dates on the diary if you wish to re-confirm availability, please contact +61 416 140 903
1
Top End Visitor Information Centre
2
79 Mitchell St
3
117 Mitchell St
4
69 Marina Blvd
5
68 Marina Blvd
6
73 Gilruth Ave
7
19 Conacher St
8
253 Alec Fong Lim Dr
9
46 Ross Smith Ave
10
45 Stokes Hill Rd
11
Kitchener Drive
12
Anchorage Court
Points of interest passed by on this route
Crocosaurus Cove
Big Bus Darwin
Aquascene Fish Feeding
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Cullen Bay Marina
Darwin Waterfront
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Infants aged 0 to 4 years travel free of charge
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.4
based on 430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great value - good look around Darwin. Helpful friendly drivers. Both routes worth doing. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Susan! We appreciate your review. We are excited to hear that you find our drivers helpful and friendly and that you enjoyed our routes. We look forward to seeing you soon! Ana from Big Bus Tours.
Not happy
Phillip_N, Nov 2025
.When I explained that I wouldn’t be there well within the grace period I was ignored. They changed the date. Three times I tried. Finally responded, I am supposed to get money back, we’ll see.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Phillip_N, thank you for your honest feedback. We are sorry to hear you did not have a positive experience. We hope to have the chance to turn this around and have you aboard again soon! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Very good and interesting
Kym_B, Nov 2025
Did one lap first then went back to places we wanted to see. Great staff and very friendly. The tape was excellent and we learnt a lot
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Kym_B,
Thank you for your feedback! It means a lot to us to know that our guests enjoy their time on our tours. We prioritize ongoing training for our team to ensure you receive outstanding service. We hope that we will see you again riding with us in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Highly recommended!!
Sue_M, Oct 2025
Be flexible in the order you would like to do things. Sometimes a venue may have tech issues - such was my experience with the RFDS experience. They were unable to allow visitors in the morning and so I returned later in the afternoon.
Also be mindful of 'last entry' times for venues.
A great experience with a really insightful commentary to broaden knowledge of Darwin.
Be open to doing multiple laps. Hearing the commentary more than once reinforces it.
Definitely recommend the experience!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello Sue, we value your feedback and are delighted to know that you enjoyed our Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. We are also grateful for your recommendation and the alert you are giving to future customers. We eagerly anticipate having you on board again soon. Thank you, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
Only travel means for two day trip.
Gayle_B, Oct 2025
Very friendly and approachable bus driver.
Route allowed for easy travel between locations. Recommended.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Gayle_B, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience in Darwin and that our friendly driver and convenient route made your journey enjoyable.
Cheers and we hope to welcome you back on board soon! Gabriel - Big Bus Tours
Good introduction to...
AnaMarija_K, Oct 2025
Good introduction to Darwin and overview of the city. I bought a 48-hour pass, but got approval from staff on site to use the second day on Tuesday as the bus does not operate on Sundays and I had another tour booked for Monday. Overall pleasant experience and practical way of getting around the town.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Ana Marija_K, thank you for your candid review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with us and that the staff were able to accommodate your pass for Tuesday! We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!- Best wishes, Mara from Big Bus
You Don't need to Stop at every Stop.
Gillian_S, Sep 2025
You certainly don't need to stop at every stop. We did a quick trip around on the bus first and picked what we would like to look at which was great as the stops that were important to us took a while to get around. The Hop on Hop off bus was a quick and easy way to see from one side of Darwin to the other.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Gillian, we greatly appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to share it. It's wonderful to know that the Hop on Hop off bus provided you with a quick and convenient way to explore both sides of Darwin. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Alice w/Big Bus
Good way to visit Darwin...
Roy_A, Sep 2025
Good way to visit Darwin attractions by hopping on/off and seeing other parts of Darwin from the bus. Top deck recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Roy, we appreciate you taking the time to write such an excellent review, and we're glad you enjoyed our tours as a fantastic way to explore Darwin attractions with our hop on hop off service. We eagerly anticipate your next visit on board. Thank you, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
Great
Dorothy_C, Sep 2025
Great way to get the lay of the city and some history. Driver very helpful to know where to get off/ on to do things we wanted
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Dorothy, thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to know that you had a great time on our Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour. We can't wait to welcome you back on board again soon. Thank you, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
Darwin Here We Come
Elizabeth_H, Sep 2025
The commentary was superb so informative. Without this trip we would have been ignorant of Darwins history. Well worth the money
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Elizabeth_H, thank you we are delighted to learn about your experience and we sincerely value your feedback. Have an amazing day! Best wishes, Flavius from Big Bus Tours.
Darwin Hop 0n Off Bus
Sandor_K, Sep 2025
Driver went above and beyond to pick us up when we flagged down the bus. Very friendly and helpful. The only thing is the app for the big bus found our nearest capital city was Sydney! Why?
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Sandor, thank you for your feedback! It truly makes us happy to know that our driver exceeded your expectations by picking you up after you flagged him down, and that he was both friendly and helpful. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, and we can't wait to welcome you back on board soon. Thank you, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
10 out of 10.
Linda_J, Aug 2025
A great way to see the attractions of Darwin and surrounding areas,to find out what you would like to visit.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Linda_J,
Thank you for your feedback! We are glad to hear that you got to explore the beautiful sights of the city! We also recommend using the Live Tracking feature on our app to help plan your route on the day. We hope to see you again soon! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Darwin sightseeing
Sherryl_C, Aug 2025
Great way to see attractions - commentary was excellent. Would love a stop at fish markets included and a seat at stops would be useful.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello Sherryl, we appreciate your feedback and are delighted to know that you enjoyed our Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. It's great to hear that you found it easy to visit the attractions and that you liked our commentary. We hope to see you soon. Alice - Big Bus Tours
Customer Service Top Notch
Lucy_G, Aug 2025
Plan your time because some of the attractions need a bit of time. The service from the staff was amazing and everywhere we visited was worth seeing. Loved it.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello Lucy_G! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're thrilled to know that you enjoyed the tour, and we truly value your suggestions for helping future guests plan their schedules with time for attractions in mind. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Enjoyable experience
Cheryl_S, Jul 2025
Great way to experience the sights of Darwin . The drivers were very friendly and great travelling on the bus
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Cheryl!
We're thrilled to hear that your Dwarwin tour was an excellent way to take in the sights, thanks to our wonderful drivers. We appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We can't wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Was an amazing way to see...
Cherie_B, Jul 2025
Was an amazing way to see the highlights of Darwin city on the double decker bus. Would recommend to fellow travellers.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Cherie_B, We truly appreciate your feedback. It brings us joy to know that you enjoyed the tour. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!- Best wishes, Mara from Big Bus Tours
Punctual, friendly...
Mark_A, Jul 2025
Punctual, friendly service. Very informative dialogue as we travelled between stops. Would highly recommend this service to anyone.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Mark_A, thank you so much for the great review. We are really happy you had a positive experience during your recent visit with us and that you found our staff so supportive. Thank you also for the kind comments and recommendation. We hope to see you on a Big Bus Tour again soon! All the best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Very informative...
Scott_L, Jul 2025
Very informative commentary & the bus was comfortable and had good cover from the sun.
Good overview of Darwin city
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Scott_L. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that the tour was informative and comfortable and that you had a pleasant experience. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Really enjoyed the...
Helen_H, Jul 2025
Really enjoyed the commentary. The guys were great & respectful. Even saw one driver helping elderly off the bus, which was nice. Inly drawback was when I booked online it did not give me the option to book as a senior to receive the seniors discount which was disappointing. Better off not booking online & pay at stop one to get the discount.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Helen_H. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you've enjoyed the tour. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Love Darwin
Margaret_W, Jul 2025
Great bus ride sit up top and see this great city , we did a circuit then visited the museum gallery such a great place . Loved the Mindel market and sunset
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Margaret_W. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you've had a great time in Darwin and the tour enhanced your experience in the city. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Short tour with great historical background.
Marie_K, Jun 2025
They only run once about 45 minutes apart, sometimes longer. They do not respond to message requests from guests. The driver did an excellent job of narration.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Marie_K! We want to express our gratitude for your feedback. We're sorry to learn that you haven't received a response to your messages. If you require assistance, feel free to reach out to us via live chat on our official website, and our agents will do their utmost to assist you. We're thrilled to hear that the driver improved your tour experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Happy Days
Pamela_T, Jun 2025
Start early and make a day of it or even 2 days as there was so many great stops to get off. Commentary was informative and entertaining.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Greetings Pamela! We are grateful for your review. It brings us joy to learn that you had a lovely experience with us and enjoyed the commentary. We hope to see you again soon! Sincerely, Ana from Big Bus.
Hop on bus
Sue_K, May 2025
Get commentary. We did a full circuit 1 hr and then started getting off. The museum was excellent ( cyclone Tracey) and the war museum also worth a visit . There in early May , only 1 bus operating so 1 hr before next one
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi Sue_K. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you've enjoyed the tour. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
See the best of Darwin
dianefik, Apr 2025
The bus and staff are wonderful. The problem is there is only 1 bus so it’s either 1 or 1 1/2 hour wait to get to the next stop. A great way to get around Darwin and learn about the city. Great stops and a super selection for cruise passengers.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi dianefik,
We really appreciate your feedback! We would like to apologise for the waiting. The frequency of our buses may be affected by traffic conditions, leading to possible delays. However, we are pleased to know that our staff provided you a great experience! We focus on continuous training for our team to guarantee you receive excellent service. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon! Best regards, Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
A nice overview of Darwin
David_M, Mar 2025
This is nice short hop on hop off bus ride that gives you plenty of time to see the sights without spending all day on the bus.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi David_M, thanks for your great review. We are really happy to hear your experience with us was a positive one. We are looking forward to have you on board again one day soon! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Bad for cruise excursions
Rick_M, Mar 2025
Cruised into port at 12 noon on a Monday. I had pre-purchased tickets for 24 hour use and boarded the bus at 1:15. I quickly learned I could only make one lap of the circuit, 45 minutes, as the bus ended at 3 pm. It also didn't run on Tuesdays, so full price for 45 minutes and no chance for hop off and hop on.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hello Rick, we regret to hear that you weren’t able to fully take advantage of the hop on hop off feature. The last complete tour of the day in Sydney is at either 16:00 or 16:30, depending on the route. They begin at 9:00 or 9:30. To help you plan better for the day, you can always check our app for the first and last departure times at each stop. We hope this information proves useful for your next visit! See you soon - Alexa B @ Big Bus.
Explored in the comfort...
Carol_M, Feb 2025
Explored in the comfort of A/C with a good speaker system (not earplugs with jacks as husband has hearing issues!) Our driver was so kind to find my tickets by the reservation number as Viator would not bring them up on their app! We did not "Hop off" anywhere due to time constraints. A lovely way to see Darwin in comfort!!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi Carol_M, we truly appreciate your fantastic 5-star review! It really means a lot to our team. We're thrilled to know you had a great time on the tour and that our driver was so accommodating. We can't wait to welcome you back for another Big Bus adventure! Best wishes, Mihaela @Big Bus Tours
We found the 2 gentlemen...
Annice_S, Dec 2024
We found the 2 gentlemen running the tour very welcoming and friendly . The tour was very interesting
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Annice, we truly appreciate your lovely feedback! It warms our hearts to hear that you found our tour captivating and had a great time. We look forward to having you join us again soon.
Failed hop on/hop off bus experience
Carol_O, Dec 2024
Bus only runs till 3pm & only 3 days a week.
Phone numbers given for local contact were both inactive or wrong numbers. We were extremely unhappy & very disappointed in ViaTour, Not your usual service! Will deal with this when we get back home.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Carol! We're sorry to hear about your experience while using our bus tours in Darwin. Please send us a message directly through the Contact Us form found at the Big Bus Tours website and we will gladly further investigate the situation and provide you with an appropriate resolution.
Great tour.
Simone_H, Nov 2024
Great tour of Darwin city. The drivers and staff are very friendly to tourists and made the overall experience pleasant. Commentary on the bus was informative and humorous. .
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hello Simone! We’re so happy to learn that you enjoyed our Darwin Hop On/Hop Off tour. Your review means a lot to us! It’s fantastic to hear that our friendly drivers and staff contributed to your pleasant experience, and that you appreciated the informative and humorous commentary on the bus. We look forward to seeing you again for more adventures!
From $34.42
per person
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)