Top Darwin Museums

Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on a full-day tour from Darwin. Head to the Adelaide River for a private Jumping Crocodile cruise that gives you great views of the crocs. Continue into Litchfield National Park to cool off in swimming holes such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Buley Rockhole, see the sculptural termite mounds and have a picnic lunch. Back in Darwin, watch the sunset at Mindil Beach while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling prawn appetizers before returning to your hotel.

Instead of briefly reading about Australia’s Aboriginal communities in your guidebook or online, truly immerse yourself in the history and culture of those communities on this full day experience. Take a ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island to meet members of the local Tiwi community of Wurrumiyanga. Witness ancient customs and rituals like smoking ceremony, hand weaving and painting and learn about day-to-day life of the Tiwi Community.

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

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.

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).

See where World War II bombs fell on Darwin on this harbour cruise. On 19 February 1942, Japanese planes targeted Allied ships in Darwin’s waters, causing mass destruction. Board an open-sided boat to cruise by these and other landmarks as you hear stories of the fateful day and Darwin’s wartime history. See remnants of the raids and underwater shipwreck sites, and sail by historical wharfs, pearling luggers, and other maritime locations. Live commentary included.

Explore Litchfield National Park on this guided walking tour. Cool off in the spring-fed waterfalls, take a hike in the tropical monsoon vine forests, get a lesson in ancient Indigenous bush food and medicine. Enjoy lunch at Tolmer Falls where you’ll have the chance to head to the lookout or walk through an ancient cycad forest. Then, choose to visit the Batchelor Butterfly Farm (additional fee) to learn about Australian butterflies.

This ultimate top-end tour is ideal for travelers short on time who want to see and do a lot. Travel by helicopter, airboat, cruise boat, and overland, for an incredible range of sights and experiences. Look out for crocodiles and birds on the floodplains of the Litchfield National Park and even cool off with a swim in a crocodile-safe pool.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — Australia’s largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the ‘desert museum’ of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Enjoy a history tour from a unique angle: the seat of a World War II truck. The vehicle sets the scene for many of the places you’ll drive past and the stories your guide will tell you. See important wartime sites and get the chance to visit a military museum (extra cost). An ideal tour for history buffs and travelers curious to learn more about Darwin.