Day Trips in Darwin

Take a culturally immersive day trip to the Tiwi Islands to witness the traditional practices of the Nguiu Aboriginal community. Take a short flight from Darwin to Brathurst Island, and spend the day observing and taking part in time-honored rituals and social practices. Admire local art depicting Dreamtime stories, and visit an ancient island burial ground while your guide shares insight into local spiritual practices. Watch a traditional totem dance and smoking ceremony, and chat with local community members over campfire billy tea and damper. Lunch and round-trip flights are included.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia's Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Includes lunch, snacks, guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explore the tropical wilderness of the Litchfield National Park on this full-day small-group tour from Darwin. Visit the Florence and Wangi Falls; cool off with a dip in the Buley Rockhole, and snap photos of the gigantic Cathedral and Magnetic Termite Mounds. You'll also enjoy a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Adelaide River and hear about the reptiles from the wildlife guide. Includes lunch, snacks, croc cruise, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu - Australia's largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the 'desert museum' of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Spend a day exploring the waterfalls, monsoon forest and rock formations of Litchfield National Park on a small-group tour from Darwin. Swim in natural rock pools such as Buley Rockhole, admire massive termite pillars, take a guided walk in the forest, hear Aboriginal stories, and learn about Australian plants and animals. Take a dip at waterfalls that cascade from the Tabletop Range, relax over a barbecue lunch and travel by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable guide.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls, and recharge with a delicious picnic lunch. Get a glimpse of local cattle culture on a coach tour of Katherine, and pass through the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Caf e, and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on a full-day tour from Darwin. Head to the Adelaide River for a private Jumping Crocodile cruise that gives you great views of the crocs. Continue into Litchfield National Park to cool off in swimming holes such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Buley Rockhole, see the sculptural termite mounds and have a picnic lunch. Back in Darwin, watch the sunset at Mindil Beach while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling prawn appetizers before returning to your hotel.