28 Best Tours In And Around Darwin | Australian Traveller

Waterfalls that rage into the depths of plunge pools; steaming billabongs that teem with pink lilies and saltwater crocs; and rock art, that continues to speak of the Indigenous connection to the land, tens of thousands of years after they were painted. Welcome to Darwin.

When it comes to a tropical adventure up in Darwin, you won’t have to hunt for something to do. Instead, you’ll be manoeuvring your itinerary to the minute to experience as much of its quintessentially Australian beauty as possible.

Whether you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the Northern Territory rainforests, the unique culinary culture or see its unique wildlife, we’ve listed the Darwin tour for you to do so.

Darwin tours

1. Darwin Big Bus Tour

Just arrived in the city and not sure where to start? Get on a hop-on hop-off Big Bus Tour at any of their designated stop-off points to get a lay of the land and check out all the top spots around town to get your bearings.

Hop on and off the Darwin bus for a quick tour around the city. (Image: Tourism NT/ Big Bus Darwin)

2. Darwin History and Wartime Experience

Widely considered a must-do for any Darwin visitor, the Darwin History and Wartime Experience gives you a taste of the city before and during World War II.

Get a glimpse of what life in Darwin was like during World War II. (Image: Tourism NT/ Darwin Wartime Experience)

You will take a ride in an open-air war-era army vehicle while learning about the Darwin bombings by the Japanese Forces and the impact of the devastating 1974 Cyclone Tracey. Visitors can also end their trip at the Defence of Darwin Experience military museum.

3. Darwin Audio Tour

If you’re tight on money (or simply want to do a city tour at your own pace), download the app, Darwin: A Tale of Four Cities , put on your headphones and wander through the streets of Darwin soaking in the history on this completely immersive, self-guided tour.

The Streets of Darwin (Audio Tour) — Explore the colourful streets of Darwin with the aid of *Darwin: A Tale of Four Cities. (Image:* Tourism NT)

Start outside the Tourist Information Centre and virtual host Charlie King will guide you from there.

Tiwi Islands

4. The Tiwi by Design Tour

A hop and a skip across the water from Darwin lies a veritable hub of NT Aboriginal society and culture, the Tiwi Islands.)

Tiwi Islands above — The incredible Tiwi Islands from above.(Image: Tourism NT/ Elise Cook)

They are particularly famous for the art produced there (and a die-hard love of footy, but you can find out more about that here in our Tiwi Island Guide). It can all be discovered as part of a Tiwi Island art tour .

Close up of Tiwi Island Aboriginal Art — Immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal art offering on Tiwi Island. (Image: Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught)

Take part in workshops with local Aboriginal artists as well as perusing the works for one to take home.

Litchfield

5. AAT Kings Litchfield National Park Waterfalls

Pack your swimmers for a day exploring the monsoonal rainforests and tumbling waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, 90 minutes outside Darwin.

AAT Kings offers a day trip from town, which takes in all the main sights and swimming holes, such as the Florence Falls plunge hole and Wangi Falls, as well as a chance for bushwalking, a visit to giant termite mounds and taking part in barramundi feeding.

Behold the enchanting Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/ Jackson Grove)

6. NT Indigenous Tours Litchfield

Explore the traditional lands of the Indigenous owners with an NT Indigenous Tours Litchfield small group tour .

Led by an Aboriginal guide into adventurous territory, you will jump into freshwater pools, fish for barra and learn about areas of spiritual and cultural importance to the Indigenous groups of the region.

Dive into freshwater waterholes, like Buley Rockholes in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/ Charles Hill)

The immersion doesn’t end there: come lunchtime you’ll be feasting on wild-caught barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile.

small group tour, Wangi Falls, NT Indigenous Tours Litchfield — A spectacular view awaits you above Wangi Falls. (Image: NT Indigenous Tours Litchfield)

Kakadu

7. Lords Kakadu tour

The family-owned, eco-certified and award-winning Lords Kakadu and Arnhem Land Safaris operate a small group day tour to Kakadu: the traditional lands of the Bininj people and World Heritage-listed national park.

Kakadu Salty Wings — Explore the ancient lands of the Bininj people and World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/ Salty Wings)

While each private group can work with the guides to create their own itinerary, suggested stops include Nourlangie/ Burrungkuy Rock where visitors can see Aboriginal rock art, a cruise through the Yellow Water/ Ngurrungurrudjba Billabong and a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Yellow Water Billabong Kakadu — Prioritise a trip to serene Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu. (Image: Tourism NT)

Multi-day luxury safari trips that visit Arnhem Land are also available through Lords.

8. AAT Kings in Kakadu

AAT Kings also operates in the area, with day and multi-day tours for groups.

If you’re short on time, an air-conditioned coach can pick you up in Darwin for a day trip, which also stops at Yellow Water/ Ngurrungurrudjba Billabong, the Warradjan Cultural Centre and a guided tour past the rock art of Nourlangie/ Burrungkuy. You can even add on a flight over the escarpments of the park.

Rock art of Nourlangie/ Burrungkuy — Join a guided tour past the rock art of Nourlangie/ Burrungkuy. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

9. Top End Cycling Adventures

As well as offering short guided tours around Darwin (such as to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, or an arts and culture tour), Top End Cycling Adventures also run multi-day cycling trips in and around Kakadu, as well as Litchfield, Katherine, Nitmiluk Gorge and more, paired with cultural activities.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

10. Outback Spirit Simply Kakadu

This comprehensive 3-day tour will transport you around Kakadu beginning with a water cruise on Murry River and ending at Florence Falls.

Tour highlights include seeing the largest permanent display of Aboriginal artwork, a scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, and swimming in a waterfall at Litchfield National Park – don’t worry the experts know the croc-safe areas!

Jet Ski tours

11. 00Seven Jet ski Tours

Channel your inner bond with an activity that definitely has a licence to thrill.

Join a Jet Ski Adventures tour with 00Seven. (Image: Tourism NT)

Jump on a jet ski (tux, alas, not recommended) to stop by sunken warships, ride the waves in the light of golden hour, speed through the mangroves, or simply enjoy the purr of the engine as you race through the waters.

00Seven Jet ski Tours, Darwin tours, NT — Explore Darwin waters on a jet ski. (Image: 00Seven Jet ski Tours)

If you’re a little nervous about being the driver, no problem. You can hop on the back of a 00Seven guide’s ride instead.

12. Top End Safari

For a luxury multi-day tour, look no further than a Top End Safari , created by Matt Wright, the star of the TV series, Outback Wrangler.

You will be picked up in Darwin, before embarking on an overnight adventure that includes a helicopter ride over floodplains, an airboat cruise through the river systems and meet some monster salties.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright — Meet some monster salties on a Matt Wright Top End tour. (Image: Tourism NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

Finish with an overnight glamping stay under the starry outback sky. Day trips are also available.

helicopter ride at Top End Safari base camp, Darwin tours, NT — Your helicopter chariot awaits outside your glamping tent. (Image: Top End Safari)

13. Jumping Croc Tours

There’s a high chance you’ll naturally see Darwin’s famous scaly residents while you’re up in the Top End. But if you want to see them in their full muscled magnificence, say yes to a jumping croc tour.

Jumping Croc Tours along Adelaide River, Darwin tours, NT — Prepare to be on the edge of your seat during a jumping croc tour.

Your guide will take you out on the water, where the crocs (lured by a morsel of meat), will jump right out in the air in front of you. Jeepers. Read our review of the Adelaide River Cruises jumping crocodile tour here for more information.

Katherine / Nitmiluk

14. Nitmiluk Tours

Listen to and learn the Dreaming stories of Nitmiluk Gorge when you book with the 100% Indigenous-owned and operated Nitmiluk Tours .

Nitmiluk National Park — Learn the Dreaming stories of Nitmiluk Gorge on a tour with Nitmiluk Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/ Let’s Escape Together)

Also known as ‘Katherine’ Gorge, Nitmiluk is the Jawoyn name, on whose land you will hear stories of Bula, the creator, and Bolung, the Rainbow Serpent, who lies undisturbed in a pool in the Second Gorge.

The group offers a variety of tours, including helicopter rides, cruises on the river, canoeing, basket-weaving and other cultural experiences. You can read more on our Nitmiluk Tour review here.

Kayak Nitmiluk Gorge — There are a variety of tours to choose from when deciding how to experience Nitmikuk Gorge. (Image: Tourism NY/ Helen Orr)

Wetlands tour

15. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience

Pack your binoculars for a day cruising in a stunning waterscape of pink lilies and lotuses, saltwater crocs and an abundant array of birdlife that includes kingfishers, jabiru and rainbow bee-eaters, right on the outskirts of Mary River National Park with Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience .

Corroboree Billabong cruise Darwin — Explore the beauty of the wetlands inside Mary River National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/ Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises)

The tour is 90 minutes from Darwin and a picnic lunch is included in some cruises.

Corroboree Billabong cruise at sunset — Soak up the stunning waterscape of pink lilies and lotuses. (Image: Tourism NT/ Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises)

16. Wildfoto photography tour

See the Mary River wetlands in a different light when you go on a Wildfoto nature photography tour with Paul Thomsen, an award-winning wildlife photographer, documentary maker and Indigenous man.

Small group and private tours are available in the wetlands, as well as around Darwin on this Top-End tour.

freshwater crocodile, Wildfoto nature photography tour, Darwin, NT — A freshwater crocodile captured through the lens of Paul Thomsen. (Image: Wildfoto)

17. The Indigenous/wetlands tour: Wetland Discovery Tour

Run by the owner of Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours , this trip combines a trip out to Corroboree Billabong with a two-hour demonstration of local history and culture at Pudakul, including a bush tucker walk and talk, playing the didgeridoo, spear throwing and a pot of billy tea brew. Pick up and drop off included.

Darwin Airboat tours

18. Wildlands Wetlands Safari Cruises

Cruise by airboat through the Mary River wetlands and Corroboree Billabong with Wildlands Wetlands Safari Cruises .

Over 45 minutes, you will access private areas by airboat on the hunt for saltwater crocodiles and the many bird species that call this beautiful area home.

Wildlands Wetlands also run safari cruises as well as their Mary River airboat experience.

Wildlands Wetlands Safari Cruises at Mary River wetlands, Darwin, NT — Cruise along the wilderness of Mary River wetlands. (Image: Wildlands Wetlands Safari Cruises)

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19. Darwin Airboat Tours by Matt Wright

Operating out of the city centre, Darwin Airboat Tours is another offering from Outback Wrangler’s Matt Wright.

Set off on a custom-built V8 airboat – which uses giant fans to glide across the harbour surface – and spend a thrilling hour looking for local wildlife and birds at top speeds.

Darwin Airboat Tours, Darwin, NT — An exhilarating jet boat experience. (Image: Darwin Airboat Tours)

Food tours

20. Darwin Gourmet Tours

Sample around a dozen degustation plates from three of Darwin’s most award-winning restaurants in this three-hour walking tour .

Expect to try tropical delicacies, such as buffalo carpaccio, paperbark-smoked barramundi, salt and pepper crocodile and bush spices like pepperberry loaf with saltbush dukkah: all unique tastes of the Top End.

As you walk, you’ll also watch street art come to life in hyper-cool augmented reality.

meal at PepperBerry Restaurant, Darwin, NT — Drop by the PepperBerry Restaurant in case you get hungry. (Image: Darwin Gourmet Tours)

21. Aboriginal Bush Tucker

This not-for-profit venture that sells ethically sourced and sustainable products has recently launched a Bush Food Tasting Platter and Gallery Tour.

If you time your trip right, you can dive into a menu curated with traditional bush flavours, including native finger lime and bush tomato. Keep an eye out for future events on their Facebook page .

Fishing tours

22. Offshore Boats Fishing Charters

Surrounded by the Timor Sea, rivers and estuaries, the warm waters of Darwin are quite the catch when it comes to a fishing holiday.

Place your trust in a local to show you where the best fishing areas can be found with Offshore Boats Fishing Charters . They will take you out on a private charter boat where your guide will show you where to snag the best barramundi, sailfish, mackerel, golden snapper, tuna and more.

Fishing in Darwin — There is a plentiful supply of fishing to be had near Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT/ Aquascene)

23. Buffalo Boat Hire

If you’d rather choose your own adventure, the Darwin-based Buffalo Boat Hire is an Aboriginal-owned and operated business that has quality boats, accessories and fishing equipment for hire.

They can also give you a pointer on the best fishing and crabbing spots around the area.

Heli fishing

24. HeliFish Tour

Reach remote fishing spots beyond your wildest dreams with a tour with HeliFish .

Travelling by helicopter, not only will you get six hours casting lines in far-off regions (with options including Cape Hotham, coastal creeks, Daly River and Anson Bay – all dependent on season, weather and where the best catch is that day).

Start and finish with a magnificent flight across the Top End.

HeliFish near Darwin — Discover remote fishing locations on a HeliFish Tour. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tom Laurence)

Heli Pub Crawl

25. HeliFish: Heli Pub Crawl

From securing a mega-catch in the rivers to stopping at another kind of watering hole: HeliFish also runs a Heli Pub crawl of some of the region’s most iconic pubs.

Enjoy (responsibly) the incredible views as you are flown between beach resort bars, river taverns and pubs overlooking a moat of saltwater crocodiles.

26. Heli-pub crawl with Airborne Solutions

Head out on Darwin’s original heli-pub tour with Airborne Solutions , which stops at five pubs on its full-day tour (with optional half days with three).

You can also combine a half day fishing with the rest of the day stopping off at the pubs, for the ultimate day spent in troppo relaxation.

Heli Fishing Airborne Solutions — Combine a heli-pub crawl with a half-day of fishing on an Airborne Solutions Tour. (Image: Tourism NT/ Airborne Solutions)

Coburg Peninsula Tours

27. Outback Spirit Seven Spirit Bay

The remote Cobourg Peninsula boasts some of the world’s best reef and tropical sports fishing locations. And the iconic Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge is an idyllic spot to unwind in the area for five days.

Aside from your stay at the 5-star lodge, this tour will have you exploring the turquoise waters of Cobourg Marine Park, going blue-water and estuary fishing aboard one of the lodge’s expedition boats, and 4WD to Rainbow Beach, Vashon Head and Trepang Creek.

Seven Spirit Bay, Cobourg Peninsula — Admire the beauty of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Arnhem Land Tours

28. Outback Spirit Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure

Immerse yourself in the world’s oldest surviving culture with a 13-day tour of Arnhem Land. The extensive Arnhem Land Wilderness Adventure , you will enjoy authentic cultural activities with Indigenous guides from a ‘Welcome to Country’ performance in Nhulunbuy to viewing exquisite rock art at Mt Borradaile.

After big days of exploring, unwind in luxury wilderness lodges and Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris.

Rock art tour through Davidsons Arnhemland Safaris — Learn about the local rock art and the geology of the area. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

For more things to do in Darwin, don’t forget to check out our Darwin Holidays & Travel Guide.

Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory — Watch the stars come out over five courses.

Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

3. Kungkas Can Cook

Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap — Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) — See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

5. Pudakul

Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin — Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls) — Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.

Make 2026 the year to discover the flavours, culture and beauty of the Northern Territory at aatkings.com.