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Home » Travel » Cruising » Cruise Ports » What to Do in Darwin Australia on a Cruise Port Visit

What to Do in Darwin Australia on a Cruise Port Visit

Last Updated: December 25, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 54 Comments
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Radiance of the Seas as seen from the Bicentennial Park in Darwin Australia
Radiance of the Seas as seen from the Bicentennial Park in Darwin Australia
Sunset in Darwin Australia, a city in the Northern Territory loaded with interesting things to do.

As the Radiance of the Seas pulled into the port of Darwin, I really didn’t know what to expect from this tropical capital of the Northern Territories. The key things to do in Darwin Australia when you are just here for a day include a boat tour to see jumping crocodiles, a discovery of the untamed countryside of Litchfield Park, an interactive eco-adventure harbour cruise tour, or the Darwin Explorer hop-on-hop-off bus.

We opted for the Explorer bus, as we couldn’t decide what to do in Darwin, and this would give us a good sample and enough time to explore a few options in more detail. The Big Bus, as it’s also called, stops just outside the cruise ship terminal (stop 11), making it an ideal option for anyone not wanting to take a ship’s excursion.

The bus makes 11 stops around the city and offers fascinating commentary as we travel. With one bus every 20-25 minutes, we can hop off at any stop, stay as long as we want, and then board another bus to continue the loop.

Darwin city centre – stop one on the Darwin Explorer Bus

We could have easily walked to this spot from the ship, rather than waiting in a queue with other cruise passengers at stop 11.

Once in the city centre (stop 1), we found plenty of things to do in Darwin. Our first stop was for some people-watching as we enjoyed a coffee in the mall (a modern outdoor shopping area). Next, followed a self-guided Darwin city heritage walk that we picked up at the Parliament House, and finally, we enjoyed the music of a talented street performer.

One of our highlights was the Christ Church Cathedral. Built in 1902, it was devastated by Cyclone Tracy. Now it is a mix of the old and modern. Cyclone Tracey destroyed more than 70% of Darwin’s buildings on Christmas day, 1974.

Christ Church Cathedral in Darwin Australia
Christ Church Cathedral.
The Old Town Hall are pre Cyclone Tracey ruins.
The Old Town Hall is pre-Cyclone Tracey ruins.

Crocosaurus Cove

Crocosaurus Cove is at Stop 2 and has an additional fee for entry. We opted to skip this venue as we have seen crocodiles many times. Had we not seen them before, I am pretty sure this would have done so today. Reserve your tickets for Crocosaurus Cove here, or you can get a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that includes entry to Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS here.

If you really want Darwin adventures, consider a Darwin crocodile tour. It typically takes about 90 minutes to drive from Darwin to Litchfield Park.

Bicentennial Park

Radiance of the Seas as seen from the Bicentennial Park in Darwin Australia
Radiance of the Seas as seen from the Bicentennial Park.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Some of the interesting trees we saw at the Botanic Gardens. It was a charming place founded in 1886. We also stopped in at Eva’s Botanic Garden Cafe for a refreshing organic smoothie.

George Brown Botanic Gardens in Darwin Australia
Botanic Gardens

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory in Darwin Australia
Aboriginal art in the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory.

Nature

Lorikeet near Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory
Lorikeet eating berries that hubby spotted in a tree near the museum.
On Darwin Explorer Bus on way to East Point Milatary Museum, Darwin Australia
Looking out the front window from the upper deck of the Darwin Explorer Bus on the way to East Point Military Museum.

East Point reserve

Lake Alexander is a man-made lake that is safe for swimming. It is located in the East Point reserve, which is home to 600 wallabies, plus bandicoots, brushtail possums, and 35 species of butterflies. (Seen from the bus between stops 7 and 8.)

Lake Alexander is a safe to swim in manmade lake in Darwin Australia
Lake Alexander at East Point reserve

Frances Bay mooring basin

Frances Bay mooring basin - Part of the Darwin Australia Images collection
Frances Bay mooring basin, a marina mostly used for commercial fishing, is accessed through a lock.

Waterfront precinct

View from pedestrian bridge to Darwin Waterfront.
View from a pedestrian bridge to Darwin Waterfront Precinct.
Wave Lagoon and recreation lagoon. in Darwin Australia
Wave Lagoon in the Waterfront Precinct.

Darwin sunset

Sunset in Darwin Australia
A perfect end to our day in Darwin.

The Darwin Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus

Darwin Bus - Explorer bus on Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin Australia
Explorer bus on Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin Australia.

The Darwin Explorer makes a 90-minute loop stopping at:

  1. City Centre and Darwin Tourist Information Centre
  2. Crocosaurus Cove
  3. Doctor’s Gully Aquascene Fish Feeding
  4. Cullen Bay Jetty
  5. Cullen Bay Apts
  6. Casino and Botanic Gardens
  7. Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory and then on to East Point Reserve
  8. Parap Parap Markets (open only on Saturday)
  9. Stokes Hill Wharf and Military Museum
  10. Waterfront Precinct
  11. Fort Hill Wharf (Cruise Terminal)

We opted to board and then completed one loop so we could hear all of the history and options. We then did a second lap and got off at the various stops. I think a better option would be to get off at each location of interest, therefore completing only one lap of the bus route.

⇒ Reserve Your Tickets for the Darwin Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Bus

OR

⇒ Reserve your tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with added Crocosaurus Cove and RFDS Entry

Interesting facts about Darwin Australia

  • During much of the year, swimming from Darwin Australia beaches is not recommended due to crocodiles, box jellies, and Irukandji.
  • Cullen Bay is a registered cyclone haven for small to medium sized ships.
  • Darwin was bombed in WWII on 19 February 1942 by the same planes that bombed Pearl Harbor.
  • Darwin’s population of only 142, 300 is half of the population of the Northern Territory.
  • The Northern Territory is equivalent to the size of France, Spain, and Italy combined.
  • Darwin is situated on the Timor Sea in the Indian Ocean. It has two seasons, dry season (May 1 to October 1) and the wet season.
  • Darwin is a former frontier outpost and the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

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  • Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
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Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Sunset in Darwin Australia, a perfect end to a busy day.

Which are your favourite things to do in Darwin Austarlia? Will you take the Darwin Explorer Bus when you visit?

More from Australia you might like …

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Street Art in Perth: Huge Murals and Sculptures in Australia

Iron Ore boulder on display in town in Port Hedlands, Australia

Things to Do in Port Hedland Australia – An interesting Mining Town

Union Lane Melbourne Australia photo by beer-and-croissants

Travel Bloggers Explore New Zealand and Australia Street Art


Disclaimer: We were provided with a complimentary Darwin Explorer tour for the purpose of this review. In addition, Royal Caribbean has provided VIP treatment onboard the Radiance of the Seas as well as many complimentary extras. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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Category: Cruise Ports, AustraliaTag: Australia

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mandy

    November 17, 2016 at 11:57 pm

    Darwin, Australia looks amazing! I’d love to visit Australia someday and looking at your pictures has me desiring it even more! I love the shot of the sunset and Lorikeet! So colorful! And, of course, the image from Bicentennial Park had me clicking through to read this post instead of the one above it. No one can resist beautiful water shots! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 18, 2016 at 5:38 am

      Darwin is famous for its sunsets, and the shots over the water are wonderful.

      Reply
  2. Nancie McKinnon

    November 16, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Hi, Rhonda. Darwin is an interesting looking city. Love that blue sky! The hop-on/hop-off bus seems like a good option. I did that in Porto last year and wasn’t that impressed. However, I think it depends on your driver!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 17, 2016 at 1:30 am

      In Darwin the Hop on / Hop off bus had a recorded commentary, so it was always the same, and quite good.

      Reply
  3. Paula McInerney

    November 15, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Gordon has been to Darwin but I haven’t. I would like to visit one day, and your photos are enticing.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      It is quite an interesting place. I would like to go further out next time, perhaps Litchfield National Park.

      Reply
  4. indah Nuria

    November 15, 2016 at 7:01 am

    many to see in such a short time! I hope you can manage to enjoy your stop in Bali as well, Rhonda

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      The port stops on a cruise ship are typically for five to ten hours. You can see a lot if you research the port a bit and plan out what you want to do. An excursion from the ship does the planning and scheduling for you.

      Reply
  5. eileen g

    November 15, 2016 at 4:39 am

    you know, it has never occurred to me to cruise around Australia, but there is so much territory to cover that it makes sense. I’d love to see a post on your while itinerary. I’m interested in how long the cruise, all the places it stopped, how long you had in each place and between destinations. The church is really interesting! Here in NY we have added modern fronts to old buildings. Adding a modern building to an old front is different. they both stop you in your tracks but I can appreciate what they are doing and why.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Great idea. I am planning on doing this as a conclusion to this series.

      Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      Cruising around Australia gives you a taste of the port cities without having to fly (or drive) the vast distances between them. I also liked that the cruise made a stop in Bali, Indonesia.

      Reply
  6. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

    November 15, 2016 at 2:42 am

    Looks like you got to see a lot in the short amount of time you had in Darwin. Looks like a nice mix of nice scenery and history!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      I think the hop on hop off bus was the optimum way to see the city from downtown to the most popular close in sites.

      Reply
  7. Kreete

    November 15, 2016 at 2:34 am

    I would love to read more about your time on the cruise ship too! The budget, what you do on board and so on! With your weekly posts, you are tempting me to hop on one of them aswell! Darwin looks beautiful and as always, your photographs are spot on! Loving the facts you added in the end! Especially the one about the bombing in !942 by the same planes that bombed Pearl Harbor!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:11 pm

      Thanks. There is more coming on the cruise and the upcoming ports.

      Reply
  8. Kathy Marris

    November 14, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    I have been to Darwin a few years ago and enjoyed my stay very much. We went out to Adelaide River to see the jumping crocs and also to Litchfield National Park which was awesome. Darwin itself is an interesting city to explore. So much history and so much turmoil.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 15, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Yes, there are many things to do in this Northern Territory capitol city. I could have spent more time here exploring.

      Reply
  9. messymimi

    November 14, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Such a fabulous idea, to have a bus tour that takes you to a city’s highlights to make it easier for tourists to become aquainted with the area! Thank you for sharing, i hope i can get to see it myself someday.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 14, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      The best part of the bus is that we can get on and off as many times as we want to, and any of the sights.

      Reply
  10. Anda

    November 13, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    You just gave me a great idea, Rhonda. I thing the best way to visit Australia would be to take a cruise. I could get an idea about this continent and then go back to visit the places I found the most interesting. I’d love to do that.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      LOL – Yes, cruising is a great way to get the flavour of an area. It’s quite far for you, so be sure to visit New Zealand when you get to this side of the world.

      Reply
  11. Lara Dunning

    November 13, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    I haven’t been to Darwin. Taking the hop-on/hop-off bus sounds like ts the way to see the city and learn about its history. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 11:11 pm

      We learned so many interesting tidbits and things we otherwise never would have discovered.

      Reply
  12. Ruth

    November 13, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Since the city is so picturesque, it makes sense to explore on an open top bus. I would like to explore the natural nearby attractions. #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 11:10 pm

      I would love to explore the nearby parks. I have seen photos of Kakadu, and hope I get back here for a serious amount of time in the future.

      Reply
  13. Elaine J Masters

    November 13, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    So much of Australia to explore. Love this idea of a self-guided shore tour. Good for you!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 11:09 pm

      Australia is so big, we are just scratching the surface.

      Reply
  14. Jackie

    November 13, 2016 at 9:12 am

    We didn’t get to Darwin, so many places to see!!! I love hop on tours.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 11:08 pm

      Maybe next time you are in Australia it will be on your list. This is my fourth visit to Aussie, and first time in the Northern Territories.

      Reply
  15. Corinne

    November 13, 2016 at 5:27 am

    I’ve always wanted to go to Darwin. I’ve heard it’s super – muggy. Is that true? I also don’t mind taking hop on/off buses…sometimes. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Sadly, yes, it is very humid and hot.

      Reply
  16. Nano

    November 13, 2016 at 2:02 am

    I’m about to start planning my trip to Australia, so this is extremely helpful. Definitely bookmarking this post. Thanks! xoxo, nano

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 2:28 am

      I will have about 2 months on Australia, so watch this space 🙂

      Reply
  17. Lexa Cain

    November 13, 2016 at 12:50 am

    That Cycone Tracy must have been huge if it knocked down buildings. It must have been very scary for the people in houses. I love all the greenery in the pictures. But where were the jumping alligators?? Those sound really cool. lol

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 13, 2016 at 2:28 am

      We opted not to go on the jumping crocodile tour as they bait the animals to get them to jump out for food.

      Reply
  18. Rhonda Albom

    November 12, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I think the water colour is on of my favourite things about being in the tropics.

    Reply
  19. Trekking with Becky

    November 12, 2016 at 10:13 am

    I LOVE Hop-On Hop-Off buses! Darwin looks interesting and fun. 😀

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      We hadn’t done one in many years and forgot how great they are.

      Reply
  20. Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

    November 12, 2016 at 9:57 am

    Darwin looks like it has changed a lot since I was last there, a few years after Cyclone Tracy. I have been trying to get David to add it to our travel wishlist without much success so far. I’ll show him this post and see if it helps. I love your photo of the lorikeet.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks Lyn. We quite enjoyed the day there and would love to get out to Kakadu some other time. It’s an easy city to be in.

      Reply
  21. Allison

    November 12, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Looks like a fascinating place. Lake Alexander looks beautiful and the wave pool looks like fun. #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      Darwin is beautiful, and those two swimming spots are really needed as it is quite humid and hot.

      Reply
  22. Lolo

    November 12, 2016 at 7:20 am

    Wow that water is soooo pristine!! Makes me want to go on a cruise again! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      Hope on, we still have a week left 🙂

      Reply
  23. Kat @anaussieinsf

    November 12, 2016 at 7:05 am

    I’m going to sound so stupid saying this, but it’s a lot greener than I imagined it to be. Also, that wave lagoon looks like a place I’d like to be. Less crocodiles and jellyfish!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      There is a big swimming lagoon in Cairns for the same reason – only the one in Cairns is free 🙂

      Reply
  24. Comedy Plus

    November 12, 2016 at 5:39 am

    How fun. What great shots too. I’m glad you’re having a fabulous birthday cruise.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks Sandee 🙂

      Reply
  25. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    November 12, 2016 at 5:08 am

    Hi Rhonda – what a great way to see the city and surroundings … and be able to get out and about too … looks a great city. Thanks for the photos – the wave lagoon must be fun … but seeing the museum and the ruins from the pre cyclone Tracey days … wonderful .. thanks for sharing – cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      It was an interesting city, and one I hope to get back to some day. I would like to explore Kakadu.

      Reply
  26. Lorelei aka Ladymermaid

    November 12, 2016 at 3:33 am

    Your travel adventure articles are always so vividly descriptive. I almost feel as though I am there. Your photos are A-grade wonderful.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks Lorelei. That’s my goal 🙂

      Reply
  27. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    November 12, 2016 at 2:01 am

    Such a variety – something for everyone. The museum looks fascinating.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      November 12, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      There was so much more to this museum than I could fit on the page. Plus, I think you would have liked the museum out on Stokes Hill Wharf as it had a lot of virtual reality.

      Reply

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