Things to do in

Darwin

How close are you willing to get to some of nature’s most aggressive and dangerous reptiles as they leap out of the Australian Northern Territory waterways to grab a little snack? Feel your heart beating as you see the biggest reptile in the world and oldest creature to walk the planet since the time of dinosaurs from the safety of an Adelaide River boat cruise. Stand in awe of these prehistoric beasts, which can grow up to 6 meters in length — the size of a small bus — and can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms. Don’t worry, you’re in the safe hands of highly trained guides who will ensure the safety of both the crocodiles and passengers at all times while feeding the crocodiles buffalo meat. See firsthand the powerful and spectacular hunting techniques of saltwater crocodiles.

Discover a network of 13 gorges carved into billion-year-old sandstone rock by the Katherine River of Nitmiluk National Park on this scenic full-day sightseeing tour from Darwin. During the tour you will learn about the Aboriginal culture abundant in the area and see rock art sites dotted throughout the park. With its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and lush gorges, the Nitmiluk National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with plentiful flora and fauna. Travel south through tropical country, passing former World War II airstrips en route to the Adelaide River. Make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery to pay your respects to those killed in the air raids of Darwin in the 1940s. Continue to Edith Falls for a refreshing swim in the paperbark and pandana-lined waterhole (conditions permitting). After an inclusive lunch, enjoy a 2-hour scenic cruise through the Katherine Gorge, looking for freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Keep your eyes open for the many interesting species of birdlife. Enjoy a brief tour of Katherine, hub of the region’s cattle and farming industries. Then, travel via the historic mining town of Pine Creek to an evening stop along the Adelaide River. From May through September lunch can be taken on board your cruise, while dinner is available at your own expense at the evening stop, before your transfer back to Darwin.

Zoom along the beautiful Darwin coastline on a guided jet ski tour. Enjoy the sites, wildlife, and scenery from the water. Meet your guide by the Bella Darwin Restaurant. Learn how to operate a jet ski during the safety briefing. Then, take to the waves. Cruise at full throttle or a more leisurely pace – you decide. Experience the thrill of the pristine open water as you follow the sun-drenched, unspoilt coastline. Enjoy your tour guide's informative commentary. Spot wildlife, such as sea turtles, seabirds, and dolphins, and feed the fish. Then, open up the engine and zoom full-throttle in front of Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach Casino before making your way back to base.

Explore the landscape of Kakadu National Park on a 13-hour tour. Discover mangrove-fringed coastal areas that blend into expansive flood plains, lowland hills flanked to the east by sandstone escarpments, all interwoven between various open woodland and forest habitats. Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre to view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people, before your return to Darwin. There is also the opportunity for an optional 50-minute scenic flight (own expense) for a different perspective of this vibrant landscape. Next, join a local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colorful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. Teeming with wildlife in the water, land, and air, the many species that provide a diversity and concentration seen nowhere else add to the natural spectacle. See how the land takes on different forms and colors with the passing of each season. After lunch, travel across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains, and stop at Nourlangie Rock, where your guide will lead a walk to view the ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Your day begins around 07:30, with pick-ups in the city at your accommodation doorstep before heading out for an early morning dip and morning tea in the refreshing crystal clear waters of Berry Springs. Paddle around and watch the many fish, look for turtles, or sit casually under the waterfall - it's your difficult decision to make! Having set the tone for the day, you will leave Berry Springs and re-join the Stuart Highway on your journey to Batchelor Town. Along the way, get to know the landscape and history of the Top End as your local guide lets you in on the past and present before arriving at Batchelor Town. Here we take the time to enjoy the Batchelor Museum which showcases many personal stories of the people and events which shaped the Northern Territory and Australia as a whole. It is also the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a gourmet lunch in peace and quiet in an exclusive lunch spot. After lunch you will enter Litchfield National Park and begin to discover why this is the most popular park in the Territory. Full of places to visit, the list includes the iconic Cathedral and Magnetic Termite mounds, Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, and Tabletop Wetland. There is ample opportunity here to go for a stroll along the rainforest shaded creeks, or just sit and relax. If bush survival is of interest to you, you can be shown some of the native plants and their uses.

Your experienced guides will first take you through a 30-minute safety briefing to ensure you are well prepared to enter the Cage of Death. Operated by an over-head monorail and designed for 1 or 2 people per cage, the Cage of Death (a clear cage) will suspend you above the crocs before being lowered into the pen for a closer encounter with these amazing reptiles. You will then come face to face with the world’s largest reptile underwater. Experience the thrill of sharing the very same environment of a five-meter-long (or longer) saltwater crocodile. Marvel at their size and their prehistoric features and prepare for your heart to start racing as you catch each others' eye. Every Cage of Death dive includes 15 minutes in the enclosure with one of these massive reptiles. Regular feeding by our crocodile handlers while you are in the cage encourages more movement from the crocodiles and ensures an up-close encounter that must be seen to be believed! Don’t miss the chance of getting 360-degree views of you and the crocs as the on-site photographers captures amazing images both inside and outside of the crocodile enclosures. Meet some of the famous crocodile inhabitants, such as Chopper, Axel and William and Kate and be wowed by this unique, once in a lifetime experience. Included is a general admission ticket to Crocosaurus Cove to complete your day!

Spend a day in the natural habitat of fascinating wildlife creatures at Litchfield National Park. After being picked up from your accommodation at approximately 6:00 AM, ride in air-conditioned comfort to the famous Adelaide River. There, you'll board your private boat and cruise up the river. From the boat you can feed the crocodiles that teem in the water and see an abundance of wildlife all around you. You may even see a crocodile launching itself out of the water with the power of its tail! At the famous Litchfield National Park, you'll visit three waterfalls - the Wangi, Florence and Buley rock holes - and get the opportunity to swim in all three! Lunch is prepared in the park by your guide - a big bush picnic with an array of wraps, cold meats, breads, salad and fruit. Snacks are also included along the way if you're ever feeling peckish! Local and knowledgeable guides will give you thorough commentary throughout the day and stop for lots of photo opportunities. Marvel at the magnetic and cathedral termite mounds, and take time to visit the butterfly farm. Return to your accommodation in Darwin around 5:30 pm - or, on Sundays and Thursdays, at the famous Mindil beach markets!

Begin your cruise from Stokes Hill Wharf with a complementary refreshment in hand. Sail out past Kitchener Bay and pause to admire the magnificent expanse of the Darwin Harbour and its fascinating landmarks.  Next, hold on to your hats as you leave other boats in your wake and get to know the sights and sounds of the Darwin city seascape. On arrival at Cullen Bay, be treated to stories of this historic part of town while the crew picks up your dinner of deliciously fresh, wild fish with chips from the award-winning La Beach restaurant. As you eat your dinner onboard, cruise to the best location for enjoying a delightfully warm breeze and an exquisite tropical sunset. The tide, wind, weather and season will all be considered as the captain turns the boat in a particular direction. You may experience a walk on the Fannie Bay sandbar or enjoy your meal among a pod of frolicking dolphins or dugong.

Jump on board a half-day Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River. Get up close and personal to some of nature's most aggressive and dangerous wildlife located in the naturally occurring waterways of the Northern Territory. Depart the city and journey about 60km southeast towards the Marrakai wetlands. Explore the home of an apex predator, the crocodile and 117 different species of reptiles, and 280 different types of birds. Travel aboard the only aboriginally owned cruise operator, where profits go back into supporting the traditional owners of the surrounding area. Discover the biggest reptile in the world and oldest creature to walk the planet since dinosaurs, these prehistoric beasts growing up to 6 meters in length (the size of a small bus) and can weigh up to 1000kg. Be in the hands of a highly trained crew so that you experience a safe interaction with the crocodiles. See firsthand, the powerful and spectacular hunting techniques of saltwater crocodiles as they feed on buffalo meat. The staff is issued with Wildlife Permits by National Parks and Wildlife for our interactions and no animals are harmed in any way during your wildlife interactions.

Today starts with a pick-up from your Darwin accommodation at around 9:00 AM. Listen to interesting commentary about the region from your knowledgeable guide as you make your way to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. Originally set up as a large scale rice growing project in the 1950s, this location is now a haven for many varieties of birds that you'll get a chance to admire. A short drive from there takes you to the “Window on the Wetlands” Information Centre, where you can enjoy a hands-on display explaining the wetlands and get a fantastic view over the Adelaide River floodplains from their upper viewing deck. Your highlight for the day is an amazing 2.5-hour cruise on the wetlands! See an abundance of birds, crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat on the Mary River Wetlands. Home to a huge variety of animals, birdlife and also boasting the largest concentration of Saltwater Crocodiles in the world, these pristine wetlands are a nature lover's paradise. Participants generally see about 30 different species of birds on these cruises! Enjoy a delicious cold lunch on the wetlands, surrounded by nature at its best, as you get up close and personal with plenty of local wildlife. Lunches are healthy and consist of individual pre-packed fresh salads with dressings. There will also be a selection of cold sliced meats and bread so you can make sandwiches if you wish. From here it is just under a 90-minute drive to return you to your Darwin accommodation at around 5:00 PM.