Soak in the sunshine and the fun times in the Top End.
The list of things to do in Darwin, Australia’s only tropical capital city, is endless no matter the time of the year! When it’s too chilly in the rest of the country, you can go on exhilarating outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences in the NT. While in the summer, the rains add more cascading waterfalls, vibrant greenery, and blooming flowers to the region’s already epic panoramas.
Don’t know where to start for your holiday up in the north? We’ve got you covered. Here’s the definitive list of the best things to do in Darwin:
- Retrace history at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility - $28
- See Darwin aboard a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - $43
- Discover the highlights of Darwin on a comprehensive tour - $71
- Grab the chance to feed saltwater crocodiles - $75
- Rent a campervan and explore the Northern Territory - $89
- Enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise along the Darwin Harbour - $119
- See crocs in their natural habitat at the Adelaide River - $122
- Admire amazing rock formations at Litchfield - $155
- Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove - $162
- Cool off at the Litchfield National Park - $192
- Drive a V8 Supercar at Hidden Valley Raceway - $220
- Marvel at incredible Aboriginal artworks at Kakadu - $225
- Go on a cruise along the Katherine Gorge - $286
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park - $328
- Experience Katherine from the skies - $879
1. Retrace history at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility - $28
Calling all history buffs! The RFDS Tourist Facility is a must-visit during your Darwin holiday. It tells the story of two essential momentts in the Top End: the origin of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the 1942 Bombing of Darwin. With the virtual reality features, it’s the perfect educational trip for the entire fam.
2. See Darwin aboard a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - $43
No car? No problem when you’re on the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. As one of the best things to do in Darwin City, you can explore everything the city has to offer without worrying about public transport or getting lost. From the beautiful Botanical Gardens to the vibrant Waterfront Precinct, you can discover the sites at your own pace.
3. Discover the highlights of Darwin on a comprehensive tour - $71
For an insider’s perspective on the city, this sightseeing tour is one of the can’t-be-missed things to do around Darwin. Discover the 135-year-old Darwin Botanic Gardens, explore the Darwin Aviation Museum, get a look into the life in the NT, and the impact of the 1942 bombing at the immersive Defense of Darwin Experience, and more—all in one tour!
4. Grab the chance to feed saltwater crocodiles - $75
No visit to the Top End is complete without a crocodile encounter. In fact, the Northern Territory is home to more crocodiles than anywhere else in the planet, which is why one of the most essential Darwin things to do is to feed the crocs at Crocosaurus Cove! You’ll even be given the opportunity to cuddle and pose for photos with the baby saltwater crocodiles.
5. Rent a campervan and explore the Northern Territory - $89
With picturesque landscapes at its doorstep, the city is a great base for day trips to explore the Northern Territory. Rent a campervan so you can make your own way through the Top End, take in the vistas of the national parks without any rush, and discover hidden gems. Fully-equipped with beds, charging ports, storage space, and a kitchenette, it’s the ideal vehicle to discover the NT’s most scenic locations.
6. Enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise along the Darwin Harbour - $119
With a vibrant harbour, one of the best Darwin things to do is to go on a cruise, but not just any cruise. Embark on a sumptuous dinner cruise for the ultimate experience. As you indulge in a three-course dinner, you’ll see the sunset painting the city skyline in shades of yellow and orange. A feast for the eyes and the palate!
7. See crocs in their natural habitat at the Adelaide River - $122
Can’t get enough of crocs? Cruise down the Adelaide River and see them jump for food. Learn about the fascinating creatures from the expert guide as you explore their natural habitat. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the views of the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve, Marrakai Plains, and more.
8. Admire amazing rock formations at Litchfield - $155
Keen for an unforgettable outdoor adventure? Then, head to the nearby Litchfield National Park. Boasting diverse landscapes, you’ll get to see postcard-worthy waterfalls, centuries-old magnetic termite mounds, and untouched watering holes all in a single visit. Remember to bring extra clothes for this one!
9. Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove - $162
For thrill-seekers, one of the most exhilarating things to do in Darwin is to swim alongside massive crocodiles at the Cage of Death! Despite the name, you’ll be in a safe and enclosed space where you’ll get the full 360° view of the scaly creatures moving around. Bring home incredible photos of you next to the world’s largest reptiles!
10. Cool off at the Litchfield National Park - $192
When the heat and humidity of the NT gets too much for you, there’s no better place to cool off than at the Litchfield National Park. The park is blessed with the most incredible waterfalls and watering holes just waiting to be discovered. Relax and soak in the scenery as you enjoy a leisurely swim.
11. Drive a V8 Supercar at Hidden Valley Raceway - $220
Go on the ride of a lifetime when you drive a V8 Supercar at the Hidden Valley Raceway! Feel your adrenaline pumping as you test the car’s powerful engine while finishing the laps. Take your pick among the three different driving options for a personalised and immersive experience.
12. Marvel at incredible Aboriginal artworks at Kakadu - $225
Located just under two hours away from the city, Kakadu National Park is one of the most essential Darwin things to do. The sprawling park has it all: diverse wildlife, cascading waterfalls, incredible gorges, and even an ancient art gallery. Ubirr boasts well-preserved Aboriginal paintings and it’s best seen on a tour alongside an expert guide who can explore its significance.
13. Go on a cruise along the Katherine Gorge - $286
Discover some of the NT’s most incredible vistas when you visit the Nitmiluk National Park. Admire Aboriginal artworks, enjoy a dip at Edith Falls, and cap off the experience with the picture-perfect landscapes of Katherine Gorge on a two-hour cruise. With round-trip transfers and lunch, all you have to worry about is how many photos you’re going to take.
14. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park - $328
Fall in love with nature when you spend the day at Kakadu National Park. Home to exotic wildlife, cultural gems, and scenic waterways, it’s one of the best Darwin things to do. It’s best explored with an all-inclusive tour complete with a buffet lunch and luxury bus shuttle transfers, so you can spend less time on planning and logistics, and more time admiring the views.
15. Experience Katherine from the skies - $879
Interested in a unique sightseeing experience? Travel to Katherine in a day for a sightseeing tour like no other! Get a bird’s eye view of the Top End’s epic landscapes on a 1.5-hour flight, enjoy a cruise along Katherine Gorge, visit an Aboriginal art gallery, and have a hearty lunch at Sugar Bag Café. How’s that for a jam-packed day?