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.
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
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.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Nature
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.)
Frances Bay mooring basin
Waterfront precinct
Darwin sunset
The Darwin Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus
The Darwin Explorer makes a 90-minute loop stopping at:
- City Centre and Darwin Tourist Information Centre
- Crocosaurus Cove
- Doctor’s Gully Aquascene Fish Feeding
- Cullen Bay Jetty
- Cullen Bay Apts
- Casino and Botanic Gardens
- Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory and then on to East Point Reserve
- Parap Parap Markets (open only on Saturday)
- Stokes Hill Wharf and Military Museum
- Waterfront Precinct
- 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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Which are your favourite things to do in Darwin Austarlia? Will you take the Darwin Explorer Bus when you visit?
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.
Mandy
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! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Darwin is famous for its sunsets, and the shots over the water are wonderful.
Nancie McKinnon
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!
Rhonda Albom
In Darwin the Hop on / Hop off bus had a recorded commentary, so it was always the same, and quite good.
Paula McInerney
Gordon has been to Darwin but I haven’t. I would like to visit one day, and your photos are enticing.
Rhonda Albom
It is quite an interesting place. I would like to go further out next time, perhaps Litchfield National Park.
indah Nuria
many to see in such a short time! I hope you can manage to enjoy your stop in Bali as well, Rhonda
Rhonda Albom
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.
eileen g
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.
Rhonda Albom
Great idea. I am planning on doing this as a conclusion to this series.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
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!
Rhonda Albom
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.
Kreete
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!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. There is more coming on the cruise and the upcoming ports.
Kathy Marris
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.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, there are many things to do in this Northern Territory capitol city. I could have spent more time here exploring.
messymimi
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Anda
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Lara Dunning
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!
Rhonda Albom
We learned so many interesting tidbits and things we otherwise never would have discovered.
Ruth
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
Rhonda Albom
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.
Elaine J Masters
So much of Australia to explore. Love this idea of a self-guided shore tour. Good for you!
Rhonda Albom
Australia is so big, we are just scratching the surface.
Jackie
We didn’t get to Darwin, so many places to see!!! I love hop on tours.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Corinne
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.
Rhonda Albom
Sadly, yes, it is very humid and hot.
Nano
I’m about to start planning my trip to Australia, so this is extremely helpful. Definitely bookmarking this post. Thanks! xoxo, nano
Rhonda Albom
I will have about 2 months on Australia, so watch this space 🙂
Lexa Cain
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
Rhonda Albom
We opted not to go on the jumping crocodile tour as they bait the animals to get them to jump out for food.
Rhonda Albom
I think the water colour is on of my favourite things about being in the tropics.
Trekking with Becky
I LOVE Hop-On Hop-Off buses! Darwin looks interesting and fun. 😀
Rhonda Albom
We hadn’t done one in many years and forgot how great they are.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Allison
Looks like a fascinating place. Lake Alexander looks beautiful and the wave pool looks like fun. #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
Darwin is beautiful, and those two swimming spots are really needed as it is quite humid and hot.
Lolo
Wow that water is soooo pristine!! Makes me want to go on a cruise again! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
Hope on, we still have a week left 🙂
Kat @anaussieinsf
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!
Rhonda Albom
There is a big swimming lagoon in Cairns for the same reason – only the one in Cairns is free 🙂
Comedy Plus
How fun. What great shots too. I’m glad you’re having a fabulous birthday cruise.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Sandee 🙂
Hilary Melton-Butcher
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
Rhonda Albom
It was an interesting city, and one I hope to get back to some day. I would like to explore Kakadu.
Lorelei aka Ladymermaid
Your travel adventure articles are always so vividly descriptive. I almost feel as though I am there. Your photos are A-grade wonderful.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Lorelei. That’s my goal 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Such a variety – something for everyone. The museum looks fascinating.
Rhonda Albom
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.