Hafen
Darwin

OVERVIEW

Sit back and relax on a delightful orientation tour of Darwin harbor, twice the size of Sydney’s and full of history. While this Northern Territory capital is both cosmopolitan and charming, it’s so distant from the rest of Australia that most visitors know little about it. This leisurely, narrated cruise aboard a chartered tour vessel is an ideal way to fill in those gaps. You’ll learn about the flurry of Japanese air attacks Darwin endured during 1942-43, costing 300 lives and sinking a dozen ships in the harbor. And how the tides here vary by as much as 26 feet between high and low. Traveling through a saltwater loch and into the harbor, you’ll pass the suburb of Larrakeyah, the Naval Patrol boat base and Doctors Gully, home to an unusual local attraction – the hundreds of fish that come to shore at high tide to be fed by hand. Rounding the Darwin Esplanade, you’ll be able to see your ship berthed in the wharf precinct. Watch the sights glide by, enjoy some refreshment on board, and be on the lookout for naval vessels from all over the world in the waters of this decidedly multicultural city.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step aboard a chartered vessel for a relaxing, panoramic cruise of Darwin harbor.
• See the sights and hear the stories behind them as you tour this sprawling body of water.
• Learn about the military action that took place here in WWII and the extreme tides that sweep in and out daily.
• See the new East Arm Port, the Darwin rail terminal and line, and naval vessels flying all flags.
• Enjoy a complimentary refreshment on board.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat shoes with non-slip soles are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a journey through Darwin and its history, visiting sites that chronicle a rich, multicultural past. This cosmopolitan, relaxed capital of the Northern Territory has ties not just to Australia but to the Asian nations just across the Timor Sea to its north – many of which have imparted their flavor to the melting pot here. You’ll see this laid out in artistic terms on a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – its collection brimming with Aboriginal, Southeast Asian and Oceanic artworks as well as modern Australian fine art. The sizable Indigenous artifacts gallery reveals much about the peoples who were living in the area long before the HMS Beagle called in 1839 and left behind the name Darwin. Another gallery presents a realistic recreation of what happened when Cyclone Tracy came to call on Darwin on Christmas Eve, 1974. Visiting the Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, you’ll see a cruder side of Darwin’s heritage. Active from 1883 through 1979, this prison – complete with chilling old gallows section – kept the local peace with a harsh hand. A drive with photo stops at the botanic gardens and scenic East Point rounds out this well-rounded city survey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a drive through the city with visits to key venues where Darwin’s colorful history is the focus.
• Visit Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, housed in Darwin’s original – and not inviting – penal institution.
• Tour an eclectic museum where Aboriginal artifacts, Southeast Asian crafts, Oceanic art, and one very large stuffed crocodile are just part of the offerings.
• Learn about the whirlwind visit of Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and the spirited rebuild that followed.
• Stop by the botanic gardens and admire East Point, scenically perched at the harbor’s entrance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Enjoy a wide range of tasty exotic delicacies that are unique to Outback Australia whilst enjoying Darwin's fabulous street art scene.

Darwin Harbour

Begin your tour from the pier where your experienced local guide will commence the walking art and tasting tour from the harbour. See distinct architecture

Your knowledgeable, experienced local guide takes you on an easy walking tour to 3 award-winning restaurants in 4 hours.

Try over 12 gourmet tastes including Aboriginal bush foods and regional delicacies like barramundi (fish), crocodile, kangaroo, banana prawns, gold band snapper, exotic tropical fruits and vegetables, native spices and more. The staff or talented chefs will proudly tell you more about their creations upon serving, and in between restaurants your guide will point out cultural and artistic landmarks along the way. The tour also features Darwin’s fabulous street artworks, many with futuristic augmented reality.

Discover Darwin city during this sightseeing excursion with a friendly local guide.

Darwin City Sights & George Brown Botanical Gardens

Depart the pier and enjoy the views of the esplanade while uncovering the history of this top end town which has a distinctive tropical character all of its own. Your route takes you past Darwin's historic buildings and places of interest that are notable for their involvement in the bombing of Darwin. Head to the Botanic gardens and explore the wide variety of species that flourish in the hot tropical climate.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Continue on to the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory for self-exploration. Explore the many exhibits with more than 1.2 million natural history specimens and over 30,000 items of art and material culture on view.

At the conclusion of your tour, enjoy the views and a photo opportunity at the picturesque East point before you make your way back to the pier.

Explore Darwin’s highlights from the harbour with expert guides. Visit Stokes Hill, Fork Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Darwin Harbour

Visit the watery grave of a shipwreck where the telegraph cable from London came ashore. If lucky you might see some marine wildlife such as dolphins. On this tour will you also go back in time to 1942 to hear stories, visit key sites and remember lives lost during the Bombing of Darwin.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover what the city has to offer with a local on this 2-hour walking tour and enjoy a local's perspective whilst getting a sense of how the city of Darwin has developed to blend the past with today's modern multicultural vibe.

City Sights

Your guide will share their passion for the town they call home and will tell of the history of the World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy. You will see many of the remaining buildings such as the old Court House and Police Station, Browns Mart and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins. View Government House, Parliament House and the Northern Territory Supreme Court on your walk through the streets of this modern tropical city.

There are so many hidden treasure's to discover which is best done on foot. There are loads of opportunities to capture photographs of the indigenous sculptures, architecture, historic buildings, and wildflowers.

The tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover what the city has to offer and enjoy a local's perspective whilst getting a sense of how the city of Darwin has developed to blend the past with today's modern multicultural vibe. There are so many hidden treasures to discover which is best done on foot. Your local guide will share their passion for the town they call home and will tell of the history of the World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy.

Uncover the Northern Territory's and Darwin's significant role in Australia's defensive and offensive activities during World War II. You will visit Darwin Military Museum, Oil Storage Tunnels and take a stroll at Charles Darwin National Park.

Darwin Military Museum

Board your coach and travel to East Point which has a long association with military history.  Military tacticians identified this spot as an ideal defensive position for protecting Darwin Harbour and its assets.  During the war, Darwin was bombed 64 times over almost two years.  Your first stop is at Darwin Military museum where you have free time to view the exhibits, artefacts, items of war, artillery pieces, vehicles, firearms and much more. The exhibition space includes the Defense of Darwin Experience, a major interpretive theatre production that will give visitors a sense of what it must have been like to have witnessed the first bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942.

Charles Darwin National Park

Afterwards, travel to the nearby Charles Darwin National Park. The park lies on the outskirts of the city on Frances Bay. It is both a significant wetland area and a part of a network of World War II military sites established during the development of Darwin as Australia's northern defense line. The park is home to a number of bunkers and shelters that were used for storage between 1944 and the mid 1980's. Take a stroll along the parks pathways (approx. 500m) to the scenic Lookout platform for views of the harbour and its wetland. Pass by the bunkers and shelters and hear about their history and use.

WWII Secret Oil Storage Tunnels

Your final stop is at WWII secret Oil Storage Tunnels. Made by the Civil Construction Corps, these giant tunnels had blood, sweat and tears in the hope, in part, to end the WWII and these days featuring a photographic display of Darwin during WWII including photographs of the brave men and women who served in the protection of Australia. Take a self -guided tour and explore the tunnels.

After your immersion in WWII history on Darwin you will return to the pier and your ship.

Uncover the magnificent scenery and a rich Aboriginal tradition of the Litchfield region. Visit spiritually important waterfalls and stone country, ancient rainforest and unspoilt woodland, and find out how these places relate to Aboriginal culture. Take away a deeper understanding of Aboriginal life, its relationship to country and its place in modern society.

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is approximately 90-minutedrive south of Darwin. The main route in is the sealed Stuart Highway, via the tiny gateway township of Batchelor. The Park is home to a vibrant show of nature and boasts some of Australia's most incredible scenery.

Termite Mounds

One of Litchfield National Park's most impressive sights is the hundreds of Magnetic Termite mounds standing up to two metres high on a wide flat plain. During the journey you learn about these many termites, primary herbivores of the Northern Territory, and the huge housing complexes they build. You will be amazed at how indigenous people use these industrious creatures and their homes. Uncover seasonal bush resources used by local Aboriginal people for thousands of years.

Tolmer Falls & Wangi Falls

Next, proceed to the spectacular stone country of Tolmer Falls and the iconic Nyunydjurr (Wangi Falls).

Buffet Style Lunch

During you tour you will enjoy some of the flavours of Australia with freshly grilled wild-caught barramundi, crocodile and kangaroo for lunch. Travelling in a small group you will be treated to expert natural and cultural interpretation from guides with unrivalled knowledge of the area and take home memories you'll never forget.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

The Northern Territory is home to an incredibly diverse array of waterways, flora and fauna, and wildlife. Join the famous jumping crocodiles cruise on the Adelaide River.

Adelaide River

Traveling by coach, make your way to the Adelaide River, one of eight rivers in the Top End which have large floodplains in their catchments. These floodplains create a great expanse of coastal wetlands that are home to a great variety of unique animals and plant life. The Northern Territory is also well known as crocodile country.

Jumping Crocodiles

Proceed to the Adelaide River for a cruise which brings you almost face-to-face with the famous jumping crocodiles. Keep watch for the tell-tale ripples of an approaching reptile, camera ready in anticipation of capturing that breath-taking moment as a crocodile leaps out of the water to almost its full body length.

Your coach will then return you to the pier by way of the outer suburbs of Darwin.

Discover the Top End in a unique way with combined air and ground experience.

Scenic Flight along the Northern Coast to the Mary River and out to Kakadu National Park

Depart the pier for a short transfer to the airport. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions and board your plane. Now there is nothing else to do but to sit back with views of the ever-changing landscape and wildlife that inhabit these timeless lands of the Northern Territory. From coastal river systems that empty vast wetlands to the magical escarpments and waterfalls of Kakadu, after taking in some of the best views in the world land, in the National Park.

Yellow Water Boat Cruise, Wildlife & Wetlands

Once in Cooinda, embark on approximately 90-minutes Yellow Water Boat Cruise. This is a great opportunity to really get up close and personal with the finer details of Kakadu, and what it has to offer. The absolutely stunning water systems, abundant wildlife and spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people will leave you in awe.

Cooinda Resort & Lunch

Following your cruise, proceed to Cooinda Resort and enjoy a casual lunch in this relaxing environment. After lunch, take to the air one more time for a final pass-over of Kakadu and its stunning features, before getting back to Darwin with memories to last a lifetime.

The tour concluded back at the pier.

Uncover the magnificent scenery and a rich Aboriginal tradition of the Litchfield region through an outstanding scenic flight where you will have the opportunity to land at an exclusive waterfall to explore followed by lunch at the luxurious Finniss River Lodge.

Litchfield National Park

Just over 100km south west of Darwin, this iconic Litchfield  National Park is a must-see when visiting Australia’s Top End. From a bird's eye view in a helicopter, discover Litchfield’s treasures including rugged sandstone escarpments, spring-fed streams, impressive waterfalls and iconic features such as The Lost City, fields of tombstone-like magnetic termite mounds and both Tolmer & Wangi falls from above.

Sandy Creek Falls

Experience an exhilarating VIP landing on top of a private waterfall! With no advertised tracks, roads or walking trails leading to this exclusive location, marvel at the highly personalised experience. Take in the ambience and relaxing sounds of the falls.

Finniss River Lodge and Lunch

Reboard the helicopter for a unique aerial transfer to Finniss River Lodge. Nestled on a 50,000-acre working cattle station, Finniss River Lodge was created as an experiential and environmentally sustainable luxury lodge which is privately owned by a third-generation pastoralist family. Your time at Finniss River Lodge will include a 5 star lunch overlooking the beautiful landscape of the iconic Northern Territory of Australia.

Your visit will conclude by re-boarding the helicopter for the return to the heliport and then drive to the pier.

Explore Darwin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Darwin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Darwin at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Darwin at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the diverse wildlife and habitats of the Northern Territory during this fun-filled, half-day excursion to the Territory Wildlife Park.

Territory Wildlife Park, Tree-Top Aviaries, Lagoon

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Darwin's Territory Wildlife Park. Upon arrival, you will have access to all areas of the park and the park rangers will be available at several exhibit to talk to you about the exhibits such as the park's Nocturnal House where you can have a look at the creatures of the night. Explore the different habitats and ecosystems of northern Australia, discover the nocturnal animals that inhabit this area and feel free to ask questions along the way. Many of the animals here are not found in zoos or wildlife parks anywhere else in the world.

Aquarium, Flora & Fauna, Whip Rays, Giant Barramundi, Saltwater Crocodile

Experience the watery depths of the park's Aquarium. Your journey of discovery starts in the small rock pools of sandstone escarpment country, and showcases the unique flora and fauna that is found in this harsh environment. Travel down streams and tributaries into the big northern Australian rivers. Here, walk under a 'river' where freshwater whip rays and giant barramundi swim overhead.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.