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Darwin Culture & history

Our most recommended Darwin Culture & history

From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour

1. 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.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

2. From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

Make your way to the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, a five-minute drive from Darwin CBD, then cruise over to Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Islands. Upon arrival, meet your guide and the modern-day Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. Stop by the Early Mission Precinct with its Tiwi-style Catholic Church, and learn how the Tiwi people have blended their culture with Christianity. Later, spend some time with the Tiwi ladies while they work on their weaving and painting. Then, watch the ladies demonstrate a totem dance and perform a smoking ceremony to bless the visitors.  Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a tasty lunch, served with local billy tea and damper. After lunch, there’s time to see more of the community’s arts and crafts and have the opportunity to purchase some. Finally, learn about the complex rituals associated with the Pukamani (burial ceremony). You'll then be taken back to the ferry port for your return to Darwin.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

3. From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

Tour the Tiwi Islands community and experience a traditional Tiwi welcome smoking ceremony. Visit the Tiwi Design art center and Catholic mission precinct in the company of a local guide. The Tiwi Islands ferry departs Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, located 5 minutes from Darwin's city center. Boarding commences at 7:30 AM for a prompt 8:00 AM departure. Bring a book, sit back and relax on the 2.5-hour journey to the Tiwi Islands, 80km north of Darwin. Sandwiches, pies, coffee, drinks, and snack foods are available for purchase from the ferry kiosk.  Upon arrival, your local Tiwi guide will greet you on the beach and take you on a walking tour of the community. For those with mobility impairments, don't be disheartened as it is only a few minutes' walk between locations.  From the ferry landing, wander up to Tiwi Design for a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper and a cuppa). Your guide will then show you local paintings and teach you about the culture and history of the Tiwi People. On to the historic Catholic mission precinct before returning to Tiwi Design for lunch and a 'behind-the-scenes' screen printing session with a local Tiwi artist. Create your own screen-printed Tiwi-style art piece to take home – a memento of your day on the Tiwi Islands.  You also have the opportunity to purchase unique and traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices. Return to the ferry at 15:00 PM for the journey back to Darwin, arriving back in Cullen Bay at 5:45 PM.

Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

4. Darwin: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

Travel back in time to 19 February 1942 and uncover the Bombing of Darwin on this half-day tour. Learn about how 2 Japanese air attacks on this forgotten military base killed 243 people and destroyed the city. Now a modern and vibrant city, Darwin still bares the scars of its history, which you will discover on this tour. The tour begins with an introduction into the Bombing of Darwin, as you listen to stories and information provided by local historians. Later, explore the sites that were hit by the Japanese air raids and remember those who lost their lives. Next, head to the Charles Darwin National Park to see bunkers and other WW2 relics before visiting the acclaimed Defense of Darwin museum as well as the East Point Military precinct and the Myilly Point Heritage precinct. The tour is concluded with a 1-hour cruise through Darwin Harbor which passes the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas. You’ll also sail by the wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, and finally to Cullen Bay where you can see the gun emplacements from the water.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

5. 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.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Day Trip

6. Darwin: Kakadu National Park Day Trip

Enjoy 1.5 hours of spectacular scenic flying, cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, and visit the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take part in an experience which varies between wet and dry seasons: 8:30 AM: Check-in at Kakadu Air Terminal 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Kick start the day with a 60-minute scenic flight paired with informative commentary delivered by your expert pilot. This extended flight tracks over Adelaide River, Mary River National Park, and Kakadu’s winding South and East Alligator rivers. 11:30 AM: Visit the Yellow Water Billabong, rich with flora, wildlife and changing landscapes. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute cruise through Kakadu’s wetlands. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Barra Bar and Bistro. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Transfer to the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take in personal histories, videos and artifacts in a place developed by Aboriginal traditional owners. Browse the gallery gift shop offering traditional didgeridoos, local artwork, and much more. 3:00 PM: Depart Kakadu on a 45-minute ferry flight back to Darwin. 4:00 PM: Farewell in Darwin. DECEMBER – APRIL ITINERARY (WET SEASON) 8:30 AM: Check-in at Kakadu Air Terminal, Darwin 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Kakadu comes to life in the Wet season. Start your morning with 1.5 hours of scenic flying paired with informative commentary delivered by your expert pilot. This extended flight tracks over Adelaide River, Mary River National Park, and Kakadu’s winding South and East Alligator Rivers. Finish off your aerial sightseeing with views over the mighty Jim Jim and Twin Waterfalls. 11:30 AM: Visit the Yellow Water Billabong ,which comes alive in the wet season. Enjoy a place rich with flora, wildlife and changing landscapes. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute cruise through Kakadu’s wetlands as you keep an eye out for crocodiles sunbathing. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at Barra Bar and Bistro. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Transfer to the Warradjan Cultural Center. Take in personal histories, videos and artifacts in a place developed by Aboriginal traditional owners. Browse the gallery gift shop offering traditional didgeridoos, local artwork, and much more. 3:00 PM: Depart Kakadu on a 45-minute ferry flight back to Darwin. 4:00 PM: Farewell in Darwin.

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: 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise

8. Darwin: 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise

This one-hour Bombing of Darwin cruise departs Stokes Hill Wharf at 11:00 AM. After leaving the wharf, you will uncover the historic Stokes Hill and Fort Hill wharf areas, the Pearling Luggers, wreck sites of the SS Neptuna and USS Peary, the old flying boat base at Doctors Gully, and HMAS Coonawarra, before eventually arriving at Cullen Bay. With real-time commentary from local guides, this cruise takes in Darwin Harbour’s World War II history. For an immersive experience select to try the Darwin Bombing virtual reality experience. You will later be free to disembark at Cullen Bay to join the hop-on hop-off bus, or stay aboard and return to Stokes Hill Wharf at 12:15 PM.

Darwin: Kakadu & Nourlangie Day Trip Plus Billabong Cruise

9. 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.

Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

10. Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

Discover the wonders of the Northern Territory Top End and Kakadu National Park as you embark on an adventurous 5-day 4WD expedition. See the best-kept collection of Aboriginal rock art, traverse across wetlands, admire waterfalls, cool off in a natural plunge pool, and uncover magnificent lookout views. Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu Travel to the floodplains of the Mary River. Continue to Kakadu National Park in Jabiru, where you'll be spending the next two nights. Go to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Visit Ubirr Sunset to see the best-preserved collection of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world and be blown away by the lookout views over the Nadab Floodplains. Day 2: Jabiru Return Visit either the Jim Jim or Twin Falls Waterfall (seasonal access permitting) situated at the bottom of an adventurous 4WD road. Partake in an Aboriginal cultural experience. Stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center and explore the culture of Kakadu. Day 3: Jabiru - Pine Creek Start at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout, before breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock which houses fantastic Aboriginal Rock Art of the Bininj at the Anabangbang Gallery. Head up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. A 4WD track awaits, as you travel south to the plunge pool of Maguk one of the most pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. After a 2km walk, head towards Pine Creek to relax and enjoy the local hospitality. Day 4: Pine Creek - Darwin Visit either Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge for exploration and swimming (seasonal access permitting). Stop at Adelaide River on your way back to Darwin. Go to the Heritage-Listed Adelaide River War Cemetery and explore the impact WWII had on the area. Afterward, the vibrant Mindil Markets await, where you can grab some local food and watch the sunset. Day 5: Darwin - Litchfield Return Explore Litchfield National Park and experience thick pockets of tropical rainforest. Hop on the iconic Jumping Crocodile Cruise (optional extra) along the Adelaide River. Alternatively, visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. See the incredible monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds, before cooling off in one of the natural plunge pools such as Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit the thundering Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out amongst the rocky escarpment.

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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

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What people are saying about Darwin

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 104 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.

It was a beautiful trip into the Australian bush and wetlands with a knowledgable and friendly guide/driver. It gave also a very interesting insights into Aboriginal rock art and culture. Can recommend it!

beautiful landscapes, beautiful park and nature, good guide, no swimming through the crocodiles beautiful places, many wild animals seen

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

Unbelievable

Kakadu is a beautiful place. Everyone should visit it at least once.