Darwin Cruise Port
The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is Australia’s northernmost city and a popular stop for intrepid travelers cruising the northern shores or arriving from Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of Darwin, Darwin Cruise Port offers easy access to the city center, and it’s a gateway to Australia’s impressive national parks.
The basics
Travelers arriving at Darwin cruise port can choose from a wide range of shore excursions. With a full day in port, options include exploring Litchfield National Park with its giant termite mounds, cruising along the Adelaide River, taking a wildlife-watching cruise around the Corroboree Billabong Wetlands, and visiting the Territory Wildlife Park.
Within the city, hop-on hop-off tours let you jump off to explore the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, spot crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, tour Darwin’s WWII sites, and visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Things to know before you go
- Shore excursions from Darwin often include outdoor activities, so bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and your swimsuit.
- Downtown Darwin is reachable on foot, but you’ll need to take a taxi or hop-on hop-off bus to reach many of the city’s other sights.
- The port is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get to Darwin from Darwin Cruise Port
The cruise terminal is located at Fort Hill Wharf, about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from downtown Darwin and about .5 miles (1 kilometer) from the Esplanade. It’s about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride into town and many cruise liners offer free shuttle buses.
Trip ideas
Port information
The official language is English, although the local dialect may differ from British and American English. The local currency is the Australian dollar. There is a tourist information booth, ATM, and currency exchange at the cruise terminal, and there are numerous choices for restaurants, cafés, and shops within walking distance.
- Lyons Cottage
- Crocosaurus Cove
- Parliament House
- Bicentennial Park
- Aquascene
- Magnetic Termite Mounds
- Darwin Waterfront Precint
- Cullen Bay
- Myilly Point Heritage Precinct
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Mindil Beach
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
- Qantas Hangar
- Fannie Bay Gaol
- East Point Reserve