Top Darwin Attractions & Museums

One of the Northern Territory's key attractions is its isolation, but an increasing number of visitors means that the Territory's most popular attractions are becoming very busy. Cruise the Adelaide River without bumping into lots of other groups on this early-morning tour, with the chance to swim in picturesque rock pools and meet a crocodile without a horde of onlookers spoiling the experience.

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides primary and emergency medical services by plane to Australia’s most remote outback areas. On this tour, visit the RFDS tourist facility in Darwin to learn more about the work of the RFDS team, hear heroic rescue stories, and enjoy interactive exhibits including a Virtual Reality (VR) presentation and the chance to explore inside an RFDS aircraft.

Board a plane and take off into the skies to look out from your window seat over rugged Northern Territory landscape during this full-day, guided flight-seeing tour that includes a cruise in Kakadu National Park. Land directly in the park and switch to a boat to traverse the picturesque water system and see the wild animals who live here.

Go sightseeing in Darwin on a 5-hour morning tour that takes you to top sites including Parliament House, Palmerston Town, the Darwin Botanical Gardens and the vibrant waterfront. Learn about the Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, with admission to this military heritage site included in your tour. Have time to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and stop by the Fannie Bay Gaol and Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre among other sites on this comprehensive introduction to Darwin.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls, and recharge with a delicious picnic lunch. Get a glimpse of local cattle culture on a coach tour of Katherine, and pass through the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Discover the rich marine life and fascinating maritime history of Darwin Harbour on a sightseeing cruise. Learn how human activity has shaped the working harbor, from aboriginal uses to World War II bombings and the hippie movement of the 1970s. Visit the site of a shipwreck, wind through a mangrove waterway, and watch the patterns of modern-day boat traffic while your captain narrates. Keep a close eye out for native birds, sea creatures, and crocs that call the harbor home.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Set sail around Darwin Harbour for a scenic 45-minute sightseeing cruise and enjoy serene views of the Northern Territory capital. Hop on board a comfortable catamaran and listen to the live on-board commentary as you float along Lameroo Beach, glide around Stokes Hill Wharf and spot waterside landmarks like Bicentennial Park, the Larakeyah Barracks and the sunken USS Peary.

Instead of briefly reading about Australia’s Aboriginal communities in your guidebook or online, truly Immerse yourself in the history and culture of one of those communities on this full-day experience. Take a ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island to meet members of the local Tiwi community Wurrumiyanga. Taste traditional bush tucker, witness ancient customs and rituals like the tribe’s smoking ceremony, and learn about their day-to-day lives from your group’s guide.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Includes lunch, snacks, guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.