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Darwin Birdwatching

Our most recommended Darwin Birdwatching

Darwin: Mary River Wetlands Wildlife Cruise with Lunch

1. Darwin: Mary River Wetlands Wildlife Cruise with Lunch

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.

From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

2. From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

Discover the spectacular Kakadu National Park for its exceptional natural and cultural values. Visit the infamous Cahills Crossing to safely spot saltwater crocodiles, explore the floodplains of Ubirr, go to Fogg Dam Conservation Centre and the Bowali Visitor Centre. Leave tropical Darwin, traveling through the rich floodplains towards Kakadu National Park, a 20,000 square kilometer area, teeming with wildlife, important Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse landscapes. Make an optional stop at the Jumping Croc Cruise on the Adelaide River, or visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre. See the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people (who are active in the reserve's management) to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End, home to numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic Saltwater Crocodile. Go to the Bowali Visitor Centre and learn more about this special place's rich indigenous culture and history. Visit the famous Cahills Crossing searching for crocodiles at this eye-opening stretch of water, the only road access point between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. Visit the World Heritage-listed, sacred site Ubirr rock art, home to some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art galleries in the world dating back some 20,000 years, and discover the hidden secrets with a guided walk.

Litchfield National Park: Full-Day & Lunch from Darwin

3. Litchfield National Park: Full-Day & Lunch from Darwin

Enjoy a full-day trip to Litchfield National Park from Darwin. See lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. Experience a park that includes the spectacular Tabletop Range, a sandstone plateau surrounded by cliffs. During the green season, 4 major waterfalls thunder down to tropical rock pools below. They flow more gently in the dry season, making them perfect spots for a refreshing swim. Follow the Stuart Highway to reach Litchfield National Park. Visit park waterfalls like Florence Falls, where you’ll enjoy a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. Go for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Continue on to Tolmer Falls and see water cascading down into a deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Visit Wangi Falls, which features a large, crystal-clear pool that’s a perfect spot for a cool dip. Finally, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s natural wonders.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

4. Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu on a day trip exploring the best of Kakadu National Park. See ancient rock art, unique plants, and wildlife, and spectacular bush views as you drive, walk and cruise through Kakadu. After pickup from your Darwin hotel, enter Kakadu National Park, and travel to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Join your guide on an interpretative walk through ancient rock galleries, and hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians. There are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, but the pace is slow, with plenty of stops to discuss the rock art and the history of those who painted it. Stop at Nadab Lookout for amazing 360-degree views over the wetlands of the Nadab floodplains, before continuing to East Alligator River. A descendant of the traditional owners will join you for a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River. The River which divides Kakadu and Arnhem Land is home to some of the region’s largest saltwater crocodiles. Feel honored to be invited onto Arnhem Land shores to see a cultural demonstration of how the Bininj people work with the waterways to this day. The Guluyambi cultural cruise is a great opportunity to hear about the area, history, and culture directly from the land's traditional custodians. During your Kakadu day trip there is a stop for a picnic lunch and at the end of the day, get dropped off back at your Darwin hotel.

From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

5. From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

Explore Kakadu National Park with this small group tour from Darwin. See the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world, visit waterfalls, and cruise through wetlands on this unique experience. Day 1: Depart from Darwin and head out to the floodplains of the Mary River to board a Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. Take in the views as you sail to Kakadu. Get an introduction to the park's landscape at the Bowali Visitor Center. Head to your accommodation to relax for a bit before going out to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem land where you can spot crocodiles in the East Alligator River. See the Ubirr rock art as the sun sets over the Nadab Floodplain. Day 2: Partake in an exclusive aboriginal cultural experience. Hike out to Jim Jim or Twin falls and enjoy the shady monsoon forest. Stop for a hearty picnic lunch. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center learn about the culture and management of Kakadu. Day 3: Begin bright and early to catch the sunrise at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout. Have a delicious breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy Rock which houses some of Bininj Aborigional rock art. Drive up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. Travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of the pristine waterfall Maguk. Travel back to your accommodation in Pine Creek to relax. Day 4: Explore and swim at Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge, where you can cool off in the clear water. Start the return trip to Darwin with a stop at Adelaide River, a town steeped in history. Learn about the impact of World War II at the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Darwin: Kakadu & Nourlangie Day Trip Plus Billabong Cruise

6. Darwin: Kakadu & Nourlangie Day Trip Plus Billabong Cruise

Explore the landscape of Kakadu National Park on a day trip. 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.

From Darwin: Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour

7. From Darwin: Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour

Join a group tour perfect for families, groups, and adventure-seekers alike and spend a full day exploring the Kakadu National Park in an air-conditioned minibus to view the park's incredible landscape and ancient Aboriginal rock art.    Enjoy your journey into Kakadu National Park, the largest National Park in Australia, with a professional guide who will lead you to 3-4 of the most amazing sites and overlooks that the 20,000-square-kilometer protected site has to offer. Visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Centre as your first stop. These traditional lands are of the Limilngan-Wulna people, who are active in the reserve's management, and are home to some of the most spectacular places to explore the diverse wildlife of the Top End. Keep an eye out for numerous species of birds, turtles, water pythons, and of course, the iconic saltwater crocodile. Choose the optional Jumping Croc Cruise on the iconic Adelaide River to get a closer look at the gigantic saltwater crocodile. Hear stories and information about the art's formation, history, animals, and ancient inhabitants. After arriving at each site or overlook, you will have plenty of time to explore and capture memories in photographs.

Darwin: Adelaide River Half-Day Jumping Crocs Cruise

8. Darwin: Adelaide River Half-Day Jumping Crocs Cruise

Experience leaping saltwater crocodiles up close on a half-day cruise along the Adelaide River, departing from Darwin. Once on the river, your local guide will entice the prehistoric creatures to leap out of the water for an alarming but thrilling display of their mighty jaws. Continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, the highest point on the lower Adelaide River floodplain. From the top of the center, enjoy superb panoramic views across the scenic Marrakai Plains. Next, visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve to discover its diverse habitat and wildlife, including eucalyptus forest, open scrubland, and melaleuca woodland. The floodplain and open water attract a significant number of birds, as well as reptiles, mammals, and marsupials that add to your wildlife adventure. Stroll the boardwalks to keep your feet dry as your wander through monsoon and paperback forests.

Darwin: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River

9. Darwin: Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River

Watch wild saltwater crocodiles and their hunting techniques as you cruise down the Adelaide River. Enjoy a tour with wildlife guides that know the crocodiles individually by name and personality. This tour is 100% Indigenous-owned with all profits going to the Groote Eylandt Archipelago community. Join this tour with staff who are issued Wildlife Permits by National Parks and Wildlife to ensure no animals are harmed during these interactions. Watch them offer the crocodiles a taste of buffalo meat in return for them swimming out to say hi. Your guides are highly trained to ensure the safety of both the crocodiles and passengers at all times and animal interactions comply with an internationally recognized code of ethics to ensure the safety and sustainability of the wildlife. Also, keep an eye out for other wildlife that call this river home. You might even spot white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, bull sharks, black flying-foxes, the endangered speartooth shark, and the critically endangered large tooth sawfish.

From Darwin: Litchfield National Park Full Day Tour

10. From Darwin: Litchfield National Park Full Day Tour

Join a group tour perfect for families, groups, and adventure-seekers alike and spend a full day exploring the Litchfield National Park in an air-conditioned minibus. Leave Darwin's heat behind as you make your way to the cooler climes of the park.    Enjoy your journey into the Litchfield National Park with a professional guide who will lead you to 3-4 of the most amazing spots in and around the park, including the incredible, century-old Magnetic Termite Mounds, and Litchfield's natural plunge pools where you can hop in to cool off. Watch magnificent saltwater crocodiles jump high in the air to grab food during an optional Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the famous Adelaide River. Alternatively, visit the Fogg Dam Conservation Center where you can learn all about the wetland protected area and its incredible flora and fauna. Hear stories and information about the region's formation, history, animals, and ancient inhabitants. After arriving at each destination or overlook, you will have plenty of time to explore and capture memories in photographs.

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Frequently asked questions about Darwin

What are the best day trips and excursions from Darwin?

The best day trips and excursions from Darwin are:

Kakadu National Park

Other Sightseeing Options in Darwin

Want to discover all there is to do in Darwin? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Darwin

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 8 reviews

Our family of four had an amazing time today with Lee who was our incredibly informed and experienced guide for our 1 day tour of Kakadu. Lee shared a plethora of local knowledge gathered over years and his commentary, care for nature and ability to answer any question in depth was a highlight of the day. Ion the trip we made plenty of comfort stops and could buy from local roadhouses and water and a shared esky was provided. It was a long trip for one day and is really better experienced over three or more days. This was certainly a great introduction to the top end and Lee made it a highly educational and interactive experience, for example mid trip he stopped the bus, pointed out a grilled next lizard, caught it and brought it on the bud to show us! Highly recommend any tour with Lee as the guide! My questions were also answered quickly by emailing the company. We are now inspired to see much of the NT. Thanks Lee.

I think it was a really nice and interesting day filled with things to do and see. It was cool to see the landscapes, different types of trees, animals and rock formations. Dani was so lovely and really passionate about the area and what she was showing us. I’m really great full to have had the chance to go with her yesterday and to be told and have her explain the meaning behind the paintings, the ceremonies and some other fun fact about the different areas we were in.

Great trip. Very long day but great to see so much wildlife and learn about the area and see so much Indigenous art.

Dani was amazing! She was Informative, engaging, easy going, caring and a great bus driver! We all enjoyed it!

Great easy user friendly experience. Doesn’t take up a whole day, expect to be back in Darwin by noon!