Darwin, Australia

Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the "Top End" - the remote, vast Northern Territory. Home to more than half of the territory's population, the city reflects the rugged endurance and individualism required to survive the Outback. Darwin also boasts a colorful history to add to that heritage. During World War II the Japanese bombed the city and threatened invasion. In 1974, Cyclone Tracy cut a destructive swath through the region. In addition, man-eating crocodiles, tropical monsoons, searing heat and bush fires that burn for weeks are all part of everyday life.

Locals in the Top End consume over 60 gallons of beer a year. All those empties don't go to waste: Each year Darwin residents compete in the Beer Can Regatta, a race with boats, rafts and other vessels manufactured out of beer cans.

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Points of Interest

  • Territory Wildlife Park
  • Litchfield National Park
  • Harbor Cruise
  • Darwin Botanical Gardens
  • Museum & Art Gallery of NT
  • Parliament House
  • Australian Aviation Heritage Center
  • Lyons Cottage

More about Darwin, Australia Points of Interest

  • Territory Wildlife Park

    Visit the Territory Wildlife Park, where the wildlife includes birds of prey, magnificent cranes, dingoes and crocodiles.

  • Litchfield National Park

    Explore the Top End's famous Litchfield National Park. The park is home to giant, magnetic termite mounds, monsoonal rainforests and beautiful waterfalls cascading from a massive sandstone plateau.

  • Harbor Cruise

    See the historic city sites from the water including the foreshore and city skyline while being regaled with entertaining tales from Darwin's past.

  • Darwin Botanical Gardens

    The Darwin Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to see mature, established landscaping and a wide variety of plants.

  • Museum & Art Gallery of NT

    This museum houses 1.2 million natural history specimens and over 30,000 items of art and material culture.

  • Parliament House

    Pause and take in the Northern Territory Parliament House. This fine Parliament Building occupies a major historical site and showcases the fine craftsmanship found in the territory.

  • Australian Aviation Heritage Center

    The Australian Aviation Heritage Center is one of the major aviation museums in Australia. The Center has an impressive presentation of aircraft and displays depicting the Territory's involvement in aviation.

  • Lyons Cottage

    Built to house the staff of the British and American Telegraph Company, the cottage is a fine example of the colonial architecture common to India, Malaysia and Singapore.

13 EXCURSIONS

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Local Connections: Darwin Heritage Walk

2 hours | Darwin | D R W - 5 8 0
  • Parliament House

See Darwin from a local's point-of-view with a walking tour that showcases some of the city's famous attractions. Hear tales of World War II bombings and the impact of Cyclone Tracy as you stroll through the streets of this modern tropical city past historic buildings, indigenous sculptures, wildflowers and wildlife.

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Moderate Activity

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$44.95

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Darwin City Explorer

3 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 3 0
  • Darwin Botanical Gardens
  • Museum & Art Gallery of NT

Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing coach tour around Darwin with a friendly local guide. Ride down the esplanade and past historic buildings before strolling through the George Brown Botanic Gardens and visiting the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, home to artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs.

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Moderate Activity

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$59.95

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Barramundi Master Class

1.2 hours | Darwin | D R W - 3 1 5

Learn the secrets of cooking one of the most Australian of all fish varieties-the barramundi. Ideal for beginners and more advanced cooks, this Master Class showcases how to cook like a pro. You'll share in a tasting platter after the class and with a recipe you can take home.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$69.95

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Darwin Pub & Craft Beer

3 hours | Darwin | D R W - 3 1 0

Raise your glass to local craft beer at The Precinct Tavern. Sample craft beers, get a behind-the-scenes look at the keg room and discover some fascinating facts about the unique craft brewers of Australia. Afterwards walk back to the wharf where your ship awaits your return.

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Moderate Activity

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$79.95

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Iconic Darwin

3.5 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 1 0
  • Australian Aviation Heritage Center

Visit a pair of iconic sites that showcase the events that created and shaped Darwin. Learn of the heroic efforts of pilots and doctors who fly with the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the Darwin Tourist Facility. Then, visit Darwin Military Museum whose exhibits feature armored vehicles and artillery.

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Easy Activity

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$99.95

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Defence of Darwin

4 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 2 5

Delve into the military history of the Northern Territory in this fascinating tour that takes in Darwin's Military Museum as well as the Charles Darwin National Park, which contains a number of bunkers and shelters that were used to protect Darwin Harbor during World War II.

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Moderate Activity

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$99.95

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Harbour Cruise

2.25 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 4 5
  • Harbor Cruise

Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back while sailing around Darwin Harbor aboard the Charles Darwin catamaran. Feast on refreshments as you enjoy the harbor views and the skyline of the Northern Territory capital. Along the way, you may spot dolphins, dugongs, and turtles.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

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$119.95

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Territory Wildlife Park

5 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 2 0
  • Territory Wildlife Park

Meet the flora and fauna of the Top End at the Territory Wildlife Park. Ramble through treetop aviaries, stroll around a natural lagoon, get up close to a 13-foot-long salt-water crocodile, walk into the tunnel beneath an aquarium and marvel at birds of prey, magnificent cranes, dingoes and more.

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Moderate Activity

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$119.95

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Jumping Crocodiles Cruise

5 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 0 0

Cruise the crocodile-infested waters of the Adelaide River. See the river's famous "jumping salties" as they shoot out of the water in pursuit of their prey. Learn about the local wetlands, enjoy stunning views of the Outback and refresh with a cold drink in an authentic Outback pub.

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Easy Activity

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$129.95

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Awesome Airboat Adventure

1.25 hours | Darwin | D R W - 2 6 0

Get your adrenaline pumping as you zoom across Darwin Harbor aboard a custom built V8 airboat. Hang on as you zip towards the scenic mangroves, cruise along the mudflats and take in the beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the local birdlife and keep an eye out for sharks, crocs and stingrays.

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Moderate Activity

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$199.95

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Litchfield National Park: Termite Mounds & Falls

8 hours | Darwin | D R W - 1 5 0
  • Litchfield National Park

Discover the rugged beauty of Litchfield National Park, famous for its six-foot-tall termite mounds, monsoonal rainforests and tranquil waterfalls. Relax with a buffet lunch at the Litchfield Café followed by a visit to Wangi Falls, whose segmented tiers cascade into the sparkling pool below.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

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$219.95

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Local Connections: Indigenous Litchfield

8 hours | Darwin | D R W - 1 9 5
  • Litchfield National Park

Discover the Litchfield region's magnificent scenery and rich Aboriginal traditions with a local guide whose knowledge and fascinating details adds to your experience. Explore spiritually important waterfalls, ancient rainforest and unspoiled woodland, and learn how these places relate to Aboriginal culture. Lunch includes some of Australia's favorites (including crocodile!).

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Moderate Activity

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$259.95

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