Darwin

Sightseeing cruises

Spend a day in the natural habitat of fascinating wildlife creatures at Litchfield National Park. After being picked up from your accommodation, ride to the famous Adelaide River. There, you'll board your private boat and cruise up the river. Feed the crocodiles from the boat that teem in the water and see an abundance of wildlife all around you. You may even see a crocodile launching itself out of the water with the power of its tail. At the famous Litchfield National Park, you'll visit three waterfalls – the Wangi, Florence and Buley rock holes – and get the opportunity to swim in all three. Lunch is prepared in the park by your guide – a big bush picnic with an array of wraps, cold meats, bread, salad and fruit. Snacks are also included along the way if you're ever feeling peckish. Local and knowledgeable guides will give you thorough commentary throughout the day and stop for lots of photo opportunities. Marvel at the magnetic and cathedral termite mounds, and take time to visit the butterfly farm. Return to your accommodation in Darwin, or on Sundays and Thursdays, at the famous Mindil Beach Markets.

Watch wild saltwater crocodiles and their hunting techniques as you cruise down the Adelaide River. Enjoy a tour with wildlife guides that know the crocodiles individually by name and personality. This tour is 100% Indigenous-owned with all profits going to the Groote Eylandt Archipelago community. Join this tour with staff who are issued Wildlife Permits by National Parks and Wildlife to ensure no animals are harmed during these interactions. Watch them offer the crocodiles a taste of buffalo meat in return for them swimming out to say hi. Your guides are highly trained to ensure the safety of both the crocodiles and passengers at all times and animal interactions comply with an internationally recognized code of ethics to ensure the safety and sustainability of the wildlife. Also, keep an eye out for other wildlife that call this river home. You might even spot white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, bull sharks, black flying-foxes, the endangered speartooth shark, and the critically endangered large tooth sawfish.

Discover the spectacular Kakadu National Park for its exceptional natural and cultural values. Visit the infamous Cahills Crossing to safely spot saltwater crocodiles, explore the floodplains of Ubirr, go to Fogg Dam Conservation Centre and the Bowali Visitor Centre. Leave tropical Darwin, traveling through the rich floodplains towards Kakadu National Park, a 20,000 square kilometer area, teeming with wildlife, important Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse landscapes. Make an optional stop at the Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, or visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre. See the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people (who are active in the reserve's management) to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End, home to numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. Go to the Bowali Visitor Centre and learn more about this special place's rich indigenous culture and history. Visit the famous Cahills Crossing searching for crocodiles at this eye-opening stretch of water, the only road access point between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Visit the World Heritage-listed, sacred site Ubirr rock art, home to some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art galleries in the world dating back some 20,000 years, and discover the hidden secrets with a guided walk.

Discover a network of 13 gorges carved into billion-year-old sandstone rock by the Katherine River of Nitmiluk National Park on this scenic full-day sightseeing tour from Darwin. During the tour you will learn about the Aboriginal culture abundant in the area and see rock art sites dotted throughout the park. With its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and lush gorges, the Nitmiluk National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with plentiful flora and fauna. Travel south through tropical country, passing former World War II airstrips en route to the Adelaide River. Make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery to pay your respects to those killed in the air raids of Darwin in the 1940s. Continue to Edith Falls for a refreshing swim in the paperbark and pandana-lined waterhole (conditions permitting). After an inclusive lunch, enjoy a 2-hour scenic cruise through the Katherine Gorge, looking for freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Keep your eyes open for the many interesting species of birdlife. Enjoy a brief tour of Katherine, hub of the region’s cattle and farming industries. Then, travel via the historic mining town of Pine Creek to an evening stop along the Adelaide River. From May through September lunch can be taken on board your cruise, while dinner is available at your own expense at the evening stop, before your transfer back to Darwin.

Begin your cruise from Stokes Hill Wharf with a complementary refreshment in hand. Sail out past Kitchener Bay and pause to admire the magnificent expanse of the Darwin Harbour and its fascinating landmarks.  Next, hold on to your hats as you leave other boats in your wake and get to know the sights and sounds of the Darwin city seascape, as the skipper navigates you to a local restaurant where your crew will pick up your dinner of deliciously fresh, wild fish with chips. As you eat your dinner onboard, cruise to the best location for enjoying a delightfully warm breeze and an exquisite tropical sunset. The tide, wind, weather and season will all be considered as the captain turns the boat in a particular direction. You may experience a walk on the Fannie Bay sandbar or enjoy your meal among a pod of frolicking dolphins or dugong.

Make your way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from Darwin CBD, then cruise over to Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Islands. Upon arrival, meet your guide and the modern-day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Stop by the Early Mission Precinct with its Tiwi-style Catholic Church, and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Later, spend some time with the Tiwi ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. Then, watch the ladies demonstrate a totem dance and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors.  Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a tasty lunch, served with local billy tea and damper. After lunch, there’s time to see more of the community’s arts and crafts and have the opportunity to purchase some. Finally, learn about the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). You'll then be taken back to the ferry port for your return to Darwin.

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu on a day trip exploring the best of Kakadu National Park. See ancient rock art, unique plants, and wildlife, and spectacular bush views as you drive, walk and cruise through Kakadu. After pickup from your Darwin hotel, enter Kakadu National Park, and travel to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Join your guide on an interpretative walk through ancient rock galleries, and hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians. There are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, but the pace is slow, with plenty of stops to discuss the rock art and the history of those who painted it. Stop at Nadab Lookout for amazing 360-degree views over the wetlands of the Nadab floodplains, before continuing to East Alligator River. A descendant of the traditional owners will join you for a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River. The River which divides Kakadu and Arnhem Land is home to some of the region’s largest saltwater crocodiles. Feel honored to be invited onto Arnhem Land shores to see a cultural demonstration of how the Bininj people work with the waterways to this day. The Guluyambi cultural cruise is a great opportunity to hear about the area, history, and culture directly from the land's traditional custodians. During your Kakadu day trip there is a stop for a picnic lunch and at the end of the day, get dropped off back at your Darwin hotel.

Enjoy a full-day trip to Litchfield National Park from Darwin. See lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. Experience a park that includes the spectacular Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau surrounded by cliffs. During the green season, 4 major waterfalls thunder down to tropical rock pools below. They flow more gently in the dry season, making them perfect spots for a refreshing swim. Follow the Stuart Highway to reach Litchfield National Park. Visit park waterfalls like Florence Falls, where you’ll enjoy a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. Go for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Continue on to Tolmer Falls and see water cascading down into a deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Visit Wangi Falls, which features a large, crystal-clear pool that’s a perfect spot for a cool dip. Finally, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s natural wonders.

Step aboard the Charles Darwin and set off on a beautiful sunset cruise of Darwin Harbor. Tantalize your tastebuds with local produce and fresh seafood for dinner. With access to the boat's top deck, take in stunning views of Darwin and its famous sunset. Learn about about the harbor and the history of Darwin from the onboard commentary. As you learn about the area and take in the amazing views, dine on a delicious buffet dinner and maybe even buy a drink from the licensed bar.

Your experienced guides will first take you through a 30-minute safety briefing to ensure you are well prepared to enter the Cage of Death. Operated by an over-head monorail and designed for 1 or 2 people per cage, the Cage of Death (a clear cage) will suspend you above the crocs before being lowered into the pen for a closer encounter with these amazing reptiles. You will then come face to face with the world’s largest reptile underwater. Experience the thrill of sharing the very same environment of a five-meter-long (or longer) saltwater crocodile. Marvel at their size and their prehistoric features and prepare for your heart to start racing as you catch each others' eye. Every Cage of Death dive includes 15 minutes in the enclosure with one of these massive reptiles. Regular feeding by our crocodile handlers while you are in the cage encourages more movement from the crocodiles and ensures an up-close encounter that must be seen to be believed! Don’t miss the chance of getting 360-degree views of you and the crocs as the on-site photographers captures amazing images both inside and outside of the crocodile enclosures. Meet some of the famous crocodile inhabitants, such as Chopper, Axel and William and Kate and be wowed by this unique, once in a lifetime experience. Included is a general admission ticket to Crocosaurus Cove to complete your day!