Top Things to do in Darwin
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Things to do in Darwin, Northern Territory: The Best Bus Tours
As the Northern Territory’s thriving capital, Darwin attracts travelers from all around the globe for its outdoor, tropical lifestyle. With waterfront dining, crocodile adventures, rich historical experiences and access to the Tiwi Islands all within a few minutes of the city center, there’s enough to do to fill a weekend or a week.
Restaurants in Darwin
1. Pathfinder Jumping Crocodile Cruise Shuttle Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Get up close in complete safety to see these spectacular reptiles in their natural habitat on the Adelaide River during a 1 hour tour on the Pathfinder vessels.
Inclusions: Return transfer from Darwin City, Crocodile Cruise Boarding Pass
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks
Reviewed By lotztosee
This was the most incredible experience! There were many different crocodiles that cruised over to our boat to have a feed, while our knowledgable guide explained and educated us on these intelligent animals. We were up close to these massive reptiles as they launched themselves out of the water, as our guide kept watch that in our excitement we didn't have any stray body parts outside the safety of the boat. Pick up and return to the cruise ship was seamless with guaranteed return to the ship before the all-aboard deadline. The next time I go to Darwin I will definitely be booking this excursion with this company again.
2. Adelaide River Queen Cruise Shuttle Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
In the murky waters of the Adelaide River, lives the most dangerous reptile in Northern Australia. The huge saltwater jumping crocodiles are the stars of this fascinating 1 hour cruise, which excites, entertains and educates. Crocodiles can be seen caged anywhere, but this may be your only chance to see the Famous Jumping Crocodiles 'in Action in the Wild'. Perched high above the dangers of the crocodiles is a feast of birdlife – white belly sea eagles, magpie, geese, brolgas, spritely dollar birds and hawks (known as kites in the NT). Kingfishers and corellas gather in flocks of hundreds on the marshy floodplains beside the river. Wild pigs and buffalo are often sighted darting in and out of the tall grasses along the river banks.
Inclusions: 1 hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks
Reviewed By Y519UHlesleyh
This was one of the best things we did on our holiday to Darwin and we did many wonderful tours. Everything about the tour was exciting informative and fun. Our guide Tamara was amazing
3. Darwin City Highlights - 2 Hour Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Please note price is PER GROUP not per person, for up to 6 guests. A private small-group tour of real Darwin, no strangers. A great way to kick off your visit to Darwin and discover experiences to dig deeper into during the rest of your stay. Follow our suggested itinerary, or choose your own.Suitable for families and groups travelling together - maximum 6 participants. Exclusive private tour with a local long-term resident as your guide. Special interests and languages other than English can be accommodated, pickup from your location on request.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up and drop off, Private guided tour with commentary by long-term local guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Merilyn U
Rough seas, many people sick on ferry ride over. Museum was excellent. Art gallery was closed. Locals friendly. A couple of place to grab lunch. Small community. Supermarket. Great weather. Ferry ride back was smooth.
4. Darwin City Sights and Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Join a morning city sights tour for the perfect introduction to Darwin, with expert commentary by a local guide. See the lush Botanic Gardens and the Chinese Temple and tour the other historic sites of the city including the Darwin Aviation Museum. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, whose collections encompass Aboriginal art, visual arts, and Northern Territory history and natural sciences. After the tour you will be dropped off in the city for a 45-minute break and opportunity to have lunch. In the afternoon head 60kms from Darwin to Adelaide River, home to over 1600 Crocodiles and the famous Jumping Crocodiles. Cruise the river and thrill as these awesome creatures launch themselves out of the water. The cruise will enable you to see these prehistoric creatures at close range. Afterwards continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre for view over the Marrakai Plains and then it’s on to Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to view a wetland ecosystem up close.
Inclusions: Entry to the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory, Entry to Darwin Aviation Museum, Small group wetlands cruise on the Adelaide River, Professional local guide, Super comfortable luxury vehicle including: free wifi, in seat USB and air conditioning , Hotel pickup and drop off from selected Darwin hotels
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By L8855NRamberm
**I have previously emailed this feedback directly to AAT Kings allowing them the opportunity to respond in private, but since following up with them today i've been advised that it will take 6-8 weeks to respond which seems unreasonable** On Monday 10 May my family (husband + 2 children) along with my parents were passengers on your Kakadu day trip departing Darwin. This was scheduled for our last day in Darwin, and we were all very excited and couldn’t wait to go. Unfortunately, this tour was a disaster from start to finish. To begin with we were advised to be at our collection point (Argus Apartments) at 6.05am, where we then waited for approximately 20 minutes. After our pick up, we then spent almost another hour driving around Darwin picking up passengers and waiting on the side of the road whilst our driver sorted out issues. Once all of the passengers were finally on board we were advised by XXXX our driver (who by this point was in a foul mood) that our itinerary had to change, visits would be cut short and that there was “nothing he could do about it!!!” We were given no explanation for this change! Everything was a problem for XXXX from the get go, and every passenger request was met with a lecture. We were told that the toilets weren’t available due to covid (this makes no sense at all), that we weren’t allowed to close the air vents, we weren’t allowed to have milk based drinks, we weren’t even allowed to talk whilst XXXX was giving us his extremely boring commentary, because if we did he would reprimand passengers. We were lectured about not being late to hop on the bus at our first stop, yet XXXX himself was late. Everything about this trip was rushed. We had such a short time at the aboriginal rock painting sites, we were told that we weren’t even allowed to walk on any further to see additional paintings. We didn’t even receive any commentary, XXXX lectured us about it on the bus leading up to the stop as we “wouldn’t have time once we were there”. After we left this stop we had to travel to lunch where our visit was again cut down to 40 mins, but again we were lectured about how there was nothing he could do about that. We were then rushed to the spot for the yellow water cruise, where we sat in the bus for 15 mins waiting to park – why all the rush? Once on board this cruise it was lovely, and the guide Ella was the one highlight of this tour. On the way home we had a 15 minute stop at the cultural centre, with no commentary or guide. Hardly what we expected for the $1200+ I’d paid in tickets. Overall this tour was a huge disappointment. Nothing at all felt authentic, and our driver was rude beyond belief. Earlier in the day he advised that the toilets would be unlocked and available for emergency use only, yet when my young daughter was busting and couldn’t hold any longer just as we entered Darwin we found the toilets to be locked. When asking for the key, XXXX initially refused asking if she ‘really even needed to go’ before finally handing it over in a huff. This appalling behaviour was noticed by a lot of passengers. To say we couldn’t wait to get off was an understatement. We are heartbroken that this was how our last day in Darwin ended up, and that we spent so much of our spending money on what was a huge disappointment!!!! What was meant to be a wonderful day sightseeing and learning turned out to be a day of rushed stops and ongoing lectures from a driver who clearly needs to hang up his keys!!! I am doing you the courtesy of allowing you to respond privately rather than posting this publicly on Trip Advisor as per your text message asking for a review.
5. World War II Beyond Darwin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Hidden in the north of Australia is a network of World War II highlighting a military past. Many WWII relics remain today, ‘down-the-track’ and on this full-day tour, you'll be transported inland to visit a few of these sites. The highlight of your day is a guided tour of the No. 4 Repair and Salvage Unit (4RSU) which sits on private land adjacent to Pell Airstrip. Refreshments will be served, 1940s style as you browse some of the interesting artifacts that have been discovered on the farm. Time for reflection at Adelaide River War Cemetery before enjoying a hearty lunch at Adelaide River Inn. Further exploration of the Coomalie district is not complete without a visit to the Batchelor Museum housing displays that honour the men who were stationed at the Civil Aerodrome which became an important base for Allied Air operations during the war. The final stop before returning to Darwin is Strauss Airstrip where the airplane revetments are clearly visible 78 years on.
Inclusions: Served at WWII 4RSU at Pell Airstrip., Choose from a set menu, served at Adelaide River Inn., GST (Goods and Services Tax), Available for your refreshment., Guided tour at WWII 4RSU at Pell Airstrip, Entry fee to Batchelor Museum, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks are at own expense when dining at Adelaide River Inn, Drinks are at own expense when dining at Adelaide River Inn., Restroom on board, WiFi on board
Reviewed By Trishinthegarden51
The guide really makes the experience on tours such as these. Regretfully our guide, Brian, was inclined to talk more about his life and his experiences than move on with the tour. We were kept standing in one spot for the first 30 minutes of the tour while he spoke about his Cyclone Tracy and work experience, which was initially interesting however, we were keen to get on with the tour. He has obviously led an interesting life in Darwin but a walking tour is what we had signed up for. Another half an hour got us to visit two sites in the mall and then with some coaching we moved on with the walk, but with insufficient time to really see the subsequent sites. Overall, we were disappointed with the tour. Brian had some aids to show but at times they were hard to see and often they faced him, rather than the group. From previous review of the walk, it sounds like John is the tour guide to request.
6. One Day Litchfield Park Adventures Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Litchfield Park Adventures Tour is designed to provide additional hour you deserve to embrace the serenity of the natural fed spring water falls whilts evading when there are big crowds at the major waterfalls and lunch spots in the park. Travel with ease and comfort with no rush feeling. Small group of max 10 people A specialized guided walking tour like no other, to the rocky bottom of Florence Falls via Shady Creek. You can also choose to do a self-guided walk from Buley rock hole to Florence falls. Or why not try your luck going down the 135-length stairway? Experience Batchelor Butterfly Farm and the wonderful Animal Petting zoo. LUNCH is at Tolmer falls where you have the chance to view it from the lookout or do the walk around the top area through an ancient cycad forest while your guide prepares a delicious meal.
Inclusions: Lunch, Use of Snorkelling equipment, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
7. Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Personalised entertaining and interactive commentary. Hop on and off the bus for great photo opportunities.Original photos. Cold drinking water.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By fiona l
Garry provides a thoroughly informative tour with fabulous stories about a time in Australia’s history that we don’t talk about enough. Highly recommended. Thanks Garry!
8. Top End Safari Camp Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 71 reviews
If you want to fit in all of the quintessential Top End activities into the one day then this is the tour for you! With a helicopter, airboat, cruise boat and crocodile safe swimming cafe there is no better way to experience the spectacular local wildlife and landscapes of the Litchfield region. Guests will see the majestic floodplains from above in a scenic helicopter flight and spot crocodiles, birds and even buffalo on a thrilling airboat ride through the channels and into the rainforest. Our cruise boat takes guests along Sweets Lagoon billabong for a slower pace perfect for birdwatching and taking pictures whilst tucking into a gourmet BBQ meal. We have Australia’s only nature-based croc safe pool where guests can take a dip and get face to face with a wild saltwater crocodile. The tour finishes off with an exciting feeding and exhibition with one of our rescue monster crocodiles caught by Matt Wright himself. Experience a once in a lifetime Top End day adventure with us!
Inclusions: Darwin city pick up and drop-off or self drive option, Morning tea included, A cooked breakfast or lunch included, meal depends on tour time, Soda/Pop, Airboat Cruise, 10-minute Scenic Helicopter Flight, Croc safe pool swimming , See up close and witness the feeding with one of our rescue crocodiles, Billabong Cruise
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By sarahgO9644ZJ
Thank you to the Crew at Top End Safari Camp for such a fantastic day! Airboats, helicopters, crocodiles, awesome bbq lunch and a wealth of knowledge shared with us. This is one tour I can highly recommend.
9. Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 455 reviews
Litchfield Escapes is Territory owned and operated. Experienced local tour guides. Wildlife and Jumping Croc cruise which is a private boat cruise for our passengers only. Our tour departs at 6am so we are the only ones on the river at this time of the morning. Full commentary on Darwin and Litchfield Park. Also visiting Wangi, Florence and Buley Rock holes. Enjoy a swim in each of these beautiful natural fed spring water falls. Visit Magnetic and cathedral termite mounds. Snacks and a healthy lunch included. Dietary requirements are catered for. Plenty of water provided. On this tour you are guaranteed to see the very best of Litchfield Park and your private croc cruise. A memorable day you will never forget.
Inclusions: Lunch and snacks are included, Snacks, Private Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River, Iced water provided, Experienced tour guides, Please bring bathers, towel, hat, sunnies, camera and a water bottle to refill throughout the day
Exclusions:
Reviewed By pimpmummy2018
This was a fantastic tour. Daz the bus driver was very professional and so knowledgeable. He was funny and helpful with my parents as they are old and find it hard to get around. Damo was the best. He was funny and also very professional. He always made sure safety was his first priority. If you do this tour please give Damo some moisturiser for his feet. ????????
10. Litchfield National Park Day Tour from Darwin With Waterfalls And Buley Rockhole
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 167 reviews
Enjoy a small-group guided tour of the Litchfield National Park, on day tour from Darwin. Visit the incredible Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole where you’ll have a chance to see and swim in stunning waterfalls. (Seasonal weather conditions may apply) See the Magnetic and Cathedral Termite Mounds and hear about their unique role in our Tropical Eco-system. Enjoy a private group crocodile spotting cruise along the Adelaide River, skippered by our local wildlife expert. Enjoy a delicious lunch and snacks along the way.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Iced water, snacks and lunch, Crocodile Cruise, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, There is no separate park entry fee to Litchfield National Park
Reviewed By bayglass2021
Knowledgeable and friendly driver, thanks Lyn, good timeframe for activities. Lunch at the rock pool was lovely. Pick up and drop off at our hotel, ( some other tours would pick the bigger hotels and you had to make your own way there)
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