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DarwinCulture & history

Our most recommended Darwin Culture & history

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour with Lunch

1. 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.

Darwin: Kakadu National Park Cultural Day Tour with Lunch

2. 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.

From Darwin: Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour

3. 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.

From Darwin: Tiwi Islands Cultural Day Tour by Ferry

4. 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: 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise

5. 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: Bombing of Darwin WW2 Tour with Harbor Cruise

6. 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 & Nourlangie Day Trip Plus Billabong Cruise

7. 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.

From Darwin: 3 Day Kakadu and Litchfield 4WD Camping Tour

8. From Darwin: 3 Day Kakadu and Litchfield 4WD Camping Tour

Join us on an exclusive 4wd safari adventure of a lifetime, showcasing the very best Kakadu & Litchfield National Park has to offer. Discover some of the oldest and best-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art in the world, and keep a lookout for some of our prehistoric friends (crocodiles) as we cruise the ancient wetlands by boat. Visit spectacular waterfalls and cool off in some of the most beautiful natural plunge pools imaginable. We’ll be exploring some truly spectacular destinations onboard this outback camping adventure. Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park Start your adventure from Darwin heading to the Wetlands Region for a Crocodile Wildlife Cruise on the Mary River, a great opportunity to spot a huge range of Top End wildlife! We journey on to Kakadu National Park, visiting the Bowali Visitor Center, which offers an introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife. After relaxing at camp, we journey north to *Cahills Crossing the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We visit one of the best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world at Ubirr rock upon sunset. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy sunset overlooking the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head to camp to prepare dinner and get to know our fellow travelers. Meals: L, D. Camp: Kakadu National Park Safari Tents or Basic Swags. Driving Distance: 420km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3. Day 2: Kakadu Waterfalls & Plunge Pools We rise early on day 2 and make our way South to Kakadu National Park. We’ll spend the day soaking up the spectacular natural beauty, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests, swimming in pristine plunge pools surrounded by steep escarpments. Visit Twin Falls or Jim Jim Falls (seasonally accessible), alternatively, we stop at Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) or other waterfalls such as Yurmikmik (Motor Car Falls). Time permitting, we stop at Nourlangie Rock, a rock art site where archaeologists uncovered works dating back over 20,000 years old. Explore the evolving cultural and environmental changes to the area, before making our way back to camp for a dinner and a well-earned rest. Meals: B, L, D. Camp: Kakadu National Park Safari Tents or Basic Swags, Driving Distance: 150km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km - 4km. Day 3: Litchfield National Park to Darwin. Travelling south through Pine Creek, a small pioneering town in the Katherine region outside of Kakadu National Park, famous for its discovery of gold in the 1970s. We stop for a quick refreshment break at the Adelaide River before our journey leads us to Litchfield National Park. Immerse yourself in Litchfield’s natural oasis, spring-fed streams and rugged sandstone escarpments. Spend time at Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls or Florence Falls for a refreshing soak in picturesque rock pools and waterfalls. Be impressed by the Magnetic Cathedral Termite Mounds before making our way back to Darwin. Meals: B, L. Driving Distance: 500km. Hike Distance and Grading: 1 - 2 km.

From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

9. From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

Explore Kakadu National Park with this small group tour from Darwin. See the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world, visit waterfalls, and cruise through wetlands on this unique experience. Day 1: Depart from Darwin and head out to the floodplains of the Mary River to board a Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. Take in the views as you sail to Kakadu. Get an introduction to the park's landscape at the Bowali Visitor Center. Head to your accommodation to relax for a bit before going out to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem land where you can spot crocodiles in the East Alligator River. See the Ubirr rock art as the sun sets over the Nadab Floodplain. Day 2: Partake in an exclusive aboriginal cultural experience. Hike out to Jim Jim or Twin falls and enjoy the shady monsoon forest. Stop for a hearty picnic lunch. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center learn about the culture and management of Kakadu. Day 3: Begin bright and early to catch the sunrise at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout. Have a delicious breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy Rock which houses some of Bininj Aborigional rock art. Drive up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. Travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of the pristine waterfall Maguk. Travel back to your accommodation in Pine Creek to relax. Day 4: Explore and swim at Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge, where you can cool off in the clear water. Start the return trip to Darwin with a stop at Adelaide River, a town steeped in history. Learn about the impact of World War II at the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Darwin: Small Group 2-Hour Heritage Walk

10. Darwin: Small Group 2-Hour Heritage Walk

Departing from the meeting point in Raintree Park, begin the 2-hour guided tour as you walk the paths of pioneers. Your guide will cheerfully share their passion for the town they call home as they share its history including World War II bombings, Cyclone Tracy, and toady's multicultural atmosphere.  Discover many of the remaining buildings such as the old courthouse and police station, Brown's Mart theater, and the Palmerston Town Hall ruins, all of which have been painstakingly reconstructed. View Government House, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory on a journey through the streets of this modern tropical city.  There are many hidden treasures to see on foot and plenty of opportunities to capture photographs of the public artworks, architecture, historic buildings, tropical plants, and wildlife.

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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.

I think it was a really nice and interesting day filled with things to do and see. It was cool to see the landscapes, different types of trees, animals and rock formations. Dani was so lovely and really passionate about the area and what she was showing us. I’m really great full to have had the chance to go with her yesterday and to be told and have her explain the meaning behind the paintings, the ceremonies and some other fun fact about the different areas we were in.

Great trip. Very long day but great to see so much wildlife and learn about the area and see so much Indigenous art.

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

It’s way amazing to hear what really happened in Darwin with the booming it was a eye opening