Are you planning a trip to Darwin and wondering what are the must-visit attractions and things to do in this fascinating city? Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, has a unique blend of modern city life, multicultural vibes, and stunning natural wonders. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise. In this post, we have rounded up the best attractions and things to do in Darwin, so you don’t miss any of the highlights that this city has to offer. Let’s get started!
The 9 Best Must Do Things In Darwin
- Darwin City Sights and Jumping Crocodile Cruise
- Darwin Guided Jet Ski Tour
- Litchfield Park Tour Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Darwin
- Darwin Small Group 2 Hour Heritage Walk
- Darwin Shore Excursion Darwin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
- Darwin Heritage Walk
- Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure Cruise from Darwin
- Darwin City Explorer Tours
- Darwin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
The 9 Best Must Do Things In Darwin
1. Darwin City Sights and Jumping Crocodile Cruise
Get acquainted with Darwin and all its amazing sights and attractions on this full-day tour. Your day will start at 8:30 AM with a hotel pickup from select Darwin hotels. Once aboard the WiFi-equipped air-conditioned vehicle, sit back and enjoy the ride as your knowledgeable guide takes you to all the top historic sites including the Darwin Aviation Museum, the Botanic Gardens, and the Chinese Temple. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory which is home to incredible Aboriginal art.
In the afternoon, your tour will continue on to the Adelaide River where you’ll take a small group wetlands cruise and get to see the famous jumping crocodiles in action. Your ticket includes entry to the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory, entry to Darwin Aviation Museum, lunch, and of course the wetlands cruise on the Adelaide River.
This comprehensive tour of Darwin is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see it all, and is a great way to get an overview of the city while traveling comfortably in a top-quality vehicle. Remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights as you get to know Darwin’s unique history and natural beauty.
2. Darwin Guided Jet Ski Tour
Zoom along the stunning coastline of Darwin on a guided jet ski tour. During this exciting experience, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and marine wildlife as you follow the unspoilt coastline. Before the tour, you’ll be given a safety briefing and taught how to operate a jet ski by your experienced guide, who will accompany you throughout the tour. You can decide the pace at which you want to travel, whether it’s full throttle or a more leisurely pace. During your tour, your guide’s informative commentary will help you learn more about Darwin Harbour. On the tour, you can spot sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, and feed the fish. Finally, you can take your jet ski to full throttle in front of Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Casino before returning back to base. The package includes jet ski rental, safety briefing, drinks and refreshments, and a qualified guide.
3. Litchfield Park Tour Jumping Crocodile Cruise from Darwin
Spend a day immersed in the natural habitat of Australian wildlife creatures on the Litchfield Park Tour Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Darwin accommodation and a ride to the iconic Adelaide River. Step onboard a private boat with expert local guides and cruise up the river to witness the abundance of wildlife creatures and crocodiles teeming in the waters.
Feeding the crocodiles from the boat’s deck and watching as these fascinating creatures launch themselves out of the water will surely be the highlight of your trip. After the exciting boat ride, your tour will take you to Wangi Falls, where you can swim and explore the famous Buley Rock Hole and Florence Falls.
Take a break for a picnic lunch and a quick swim at the Florence Falls Waterhole before heading to Batchelor for a photo stop. Finally, you’ll arrive back in Darwin, full of unforgettable memories and experiences. This small group tour provides the perfect opportunity to learn from your expert local guides who will share their knowledge and commentary on the region’s wonders. Don’t miss out on an exciting and informative adventure with Litchfield Park Tour Jumping Crocodile Cruise.
4. Darwin Small Group 2 Hour Heritage Walk
Departing from Raintree Park, join an expert local guide on a leisurely-paced 2-hour Heritage Walk through Darwin. Enjoy a small group experience as you delve into the town’s rich history and hear fascinating tales of its past from World War II bombings to the present-day multicultural atmosphere.
This walking tour provides the opportunity to visit locations that can’t be accessed on a bus tour and discover many remaining buildings, including the old courthouse, police station, Brown’s Mart theater, and Palmerston Town Hall ruins – all of which have been reconstructed with care.
As you journey through the streets of this modern tropical city, you’ll view Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. There are also numerous hidden treasures to explore on foot, and plenty of public artworks and architecture to capture in photographs.
Join us on this unforgettable journey through Darwin’s heritage, as we explore the paths once walked by pioneers and learn about the town, its culture, and its people.
5. Darwin Shore Excursion Darwin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
Swap your cruise ship for a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Darwin and explore the city at your own pace. The open-top double-decker bus tour includes 11 stops around Darwin, starting from the cruise terminal at Fort Hill Wharf. You can visit the Waterfront Precinct, Military Museum, Cullen Bay Marina, Doctor’s Gully, and Crocosaurus Cove with the 24-hour or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket. The bus tour also provides pre-recorded commentary on board, giving you a brief history of the city’s landmarks. Choose this tour to see fabulous views of Darwin from the open top of a double-decker bus, and get on and off at 11 convenient stops, including the cruise ship terminal.
6. Darwin Heritage Walk
Discover Darwin’s rich history and culture on this walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will learn about the fascinating stories and background behind the buildings and monuments in the city as you stroll through the streets. From the gorgeous facades to the lesser-known hidden corners of Darwin, you will have ample opportunities to take fantastic pictures. Join us for a unique perspective on the city and experience the old and new side-by-side. The tour is best suited to moderately active travelers. The package includes a local guide, spoken commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Food and drinks are not included. Meet your guide wearing a bright orange shirt under the statue of John McDouall Stuart in the small park on Knuckey Street. We can’t wait to see you there!
7. Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure Cruise from Darwin
On this afternoon tour, experience the unique natural phenomenon of watching ‘jumping’ crocodiles launch themselves out of the Adelaide River, home to over 1600 of these creatures. Cruise along the river and learn about their biology and territorial habits. Visit the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and take in views of the Marrakai Plains, then stop at the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem. Travel in comfort in a WiFi-equipped air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off from select Darwin hotels provided. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable nature adventure cruise.
8. Darwin City Explorer Tours
If you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to Darwin, the Darwin City Explorer Tour might be just what you need. This 5-hour morning tour takes you to the top sites in and around the city, including landmarks like Parliament House, Palmerston Town, and the Darwin Botanical Gardens. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, a military heritage site included in your tour.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is another must-see on this tour. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop by the Fannie Bay Gaol and Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre. Live commentary on board and a professional guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included for selected hotels. Don’t miss out on this chance to see the best of Darwin in just a few hours!
9. Darwin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
Explore Darwin at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top double-decker bus and informative onboard commentary as you visit top attractions like Waterfront Precinct, Darwin Military Museum, Cullen Bay Marina, Doctors Gully, and Crocosaurus Cove. Simply hop on board to travel from sight to sight and hop off at any of the convenient stops to explore on your own. With a choice of 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets and two different routes to see the best of Darwin, this tour is perfect for those who want to customize their sightseeing schedule. Take advantage of unlimited travel to visit all of Darwin’s highlights in just one day. Book your Darwin hop-on hop-off bus tour now and discover the best the city has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists About the City of Darwin
When planning a trip to Darwin, it’s natural to have a few questions about the city. As the capital city of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a unique destination with plenty to offer visitors. From crocodiles to sunsets, there are many things that make this city special. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions tourists have about Darwin.1. When is the best time to visit Darwin?
Darwin has two distinct seasons: the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). The wet season is characterized by high humidity, monsoonal rains, and thunderstorms. The dry season, on the other hand, is cooler, less humid, and more pleasant for outdoor activities. The best time to visit Darwin depends on your preferences. If you want to see the magnificent waterfalls and lush landscapes of the Top End, the wet season is a good time to go. However, if you’re looking for sunny days and clear skies, the dry season is the ideal time to visit.2. What are some must-see attractions in Darwin?
Darwin has many must-see attractions, including:• Kakadu National Park:
This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as Indigenous rock art.• Litchfield National Park:
This park has impressive waterfalls, swimming holes, and termite mounds.• Crocosaurus Cove:
This is a crocodile park where visitors can get up close and personal with Australia’s most fearsome predator.• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory:
This museum has exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Top End.• Mindil Beach Sunset Markets:
These markets are held on Thursdays and Sundays during the dry season and offer a diverse range of food, drinks, and arts and crafts.3. Is it safe to swim in Darwin?
While Darwin has some beautiful beaches, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming. The Northern Territory is home to saltwater crocodiles, and they can be found in many of the waterways around Darwin. It’s important to only swim in designated swimming areas and to pay attention to any signs or warnings.During the wet season, box jellyfish can also be found in the waters around Darwin. These jellyfish have a potent sting that can be fatal, so it’s important to avoid swimming during this time.4. What are some of the best restaurants in Darwin?
Darwin has a vibrant food scene with many great restaurants to choose from. Some of the best restaurants in Darwin include:• Wharf One Food & Wine:
This waterfront restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine and has a great selection of wine.• The Cav:
This is a popular pub-style restaurant that serves traditional Australian cuisine.• Hanuman:
This restaurant serves Indian and Thai cuisine and has a great cocktail menu.• Botanic Gardens Restaurant:
This restaurant is set in the beautiful Botanic Gardens and serves contemporary Australian cuisine.5. What is the weather like in Darwin?
As mentioned earlier, Darwin has a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). During the wet season, temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F) and humidity is high. In the dry season, temperatures are more mild, with average highs of around 30°C (86°F) and lows of around 18°C (64°F).6. How can I get around Darwin?
There are several options for getting around Darwin, including:• Public transport:
Darwin has a bus system that covers most areas of the city.• Hire car:
There are several car rental companies in Darwin that offer affordable rates.• Taxi or rideshare:
Taxis and rideshare services are available throughout Darwin.• Cycling:
Darwin has several cycling paths that are safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all levels.How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Darwin
Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is a popular destination for tourists. Known for its scenic beauty, multiculturalism, and laid-back vibe, Darwin offers plenty of activities for tourists. If you are planning a trip to Darwin, here is a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist.1. Explore the Mindil Beach Sunset Market
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a must-visit attraction in Darwin. Every Thursday and Sunday evening, the market comes alive with street performers, food stalls, and local artisans. The market offers a stunning view of the sun setting over the Timor Sea. The market offers a variety of cuisines ranging from seafood, souvlaki, dumplings, and laksa. Visitors can also purchase handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing from local vendors. The Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends and family.
2. Visit Crocosaurus Cove
Darwin is well-known for its crocodiles, and Crocosaurus Cove is the ultimate destination to experience them. The park offers visitors an up-close-and-personal view of the prehistoric creatures. Visitors can take part in the Cage of Death, which is a glass enclosure lowered into the water that provides a 360-degree view of the crocodiles. In addition, visitors can also hand-feed the crocodiles and watch the daily crocodile feeding and jumping shows.
3. Take a Day Trip to Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is a great day-trip destination from Darwin. The park is home to stunning waterfalls, rock pools, and termite mounds. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the natural swimming holes, including Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole. The park also offers several walking tracks, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Make sure to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing lunch amid the tranquil surroundings.
4. Experience Aboriginal Culture
Darwin has a rich Aboriginal culture that visitors can experience. Located in the central business district, the Mbantua Fine Art Gallery and Cultural Museum is home to traditional Aboriginal art, artifacts, and literature. Further, the Tiwi Islands, located off the coast of Darwin, offer visitors a chance to experience the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Tiwi people. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Tiwi Islands and experience traditional dance and song, spear fishing, and painting.
5. Visit the Darwin Military Museum
The Darwin Military Museum is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. The museum provides a comprehensive history of the region dating back to World War II. Visitors can learn about the role Darwin played in the war and explore the artillery guns and military vehicles on display. The museum also features interactive displays, an audio-visual presentation, and guided tours for visitors.
6. Shop at Smith Street Mall
The Smith Street Mall is the main shopping hub of Darwin. Located in the central business district, the mall features over 200 specialty stores. Visitors can browse through fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and galleries. The mall also features several restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal location for a coffee or lunch break.
7. Relax at the Darwin Waterfront
The Darwin Waterfront is a picturesque location in the city center. Visitors can enjoy the man-made beach, take a stroll on the promenade or dine at one of the many restaurants that line the waterfront. The waterfront also features a wave pool and a recreational lagoon. Visitors can relax in the sun and take in the ocean views from the comfort of their lounge chairs.Book Your Tour Now:
Darwin is a city that offers something for everyone. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Darwin has it all. Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with family and friends, make sure to visit some of the attractions mentioned above to make the most of your vacation.
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