In the travel blogs about Darwin that I wrote before, you could already read that there are many beautiful places in the city. The coastline of Darwin is stunning, there are many places to relaxt like Waterfront and there...
In the travel blogs about Darwin that I wrote before, you could already read that there are many beautiful places in the city. The coastline of Darwin is stunning, there are many places to relaxt like Waterfront and there are many good restaurants where you can enjoy the most delicious world dishes. But there is also plenty to do and the discover in Darwin Area. In this blog I share 8 great things to do around Darwin.
Make an adventurous wetland cruise
The wetland cruise on the Mary River is one of the greatest tours I have ever done. During the wetland cruise you see so much nature and wildlife together, you keep shooting with your camera. During the Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise you will go on the Mary River together with a tour guide. Looking for wildlife like crocodiles and water birds.
During our cruise we came early face to face with huge saltwater crocodiles and we saw the most extraordinary water birds. The tour guide takes you on an adventure and tells you many facts about these wetlands. Don’t miss this wetland cruise on the Mary River when you’re in Darwin, because it is really worth it. More information about the Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
Book a Darwin Fishing Tour
The north of Australia is known for its fishing. People in Darwin like to be on the water, looking for the big boys (fishes). From the harbour and other places in Darwin you can book several fishing trips where you can spend a few hours, half a day or even a full day at sea together with an experienced fisherman to catch the most special fish in the Northern Territory.
(@million_dollar_fish)Fishing in Darwin is extra exciting in the wet season. You can participate in the Million Dollar Fish competition. Several fish have been released with tags that are worth very nice amounts of money, such as $10,000. Worth a try, don’t you think? 
Go hiking in Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is the nearest national park from Darwin. In a 1.5 hours drive you’ll be in this huge nature reserve full of hiking trails, waterfalls, natural swimming pools and Australian wildlife. There are many different places to visit in Litchfield. Before you go, make a planning in advance about which areas you want to visit and how much time it will take.
Litchfield National Park
Booking an overnight stay near Litchfield is also highly recommended. When you stay one night ore more you can spread you visit to the park over several days and see a lot of the national park. I visited the park myself in the wet and dry season. For a long hike I recommend to do this in the dry season. Tip: start your hike in the morning, always take enough water with you, use sunscreen and wear a cap.
Visit the Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Northern Territory. You find this park after a 2 hour drive from Darwin, but this depends on which place you want to visit in Kakadu. Kakadu National Park is known from the rough landscapes and the many wildlife you can spot.
Yellow Water Cruise – Kakadu National Park
Kakadu covers an area of 19,804 km² and consists of wetlands, mountains, waterfalls, natural swimming pools and vast landscapes. There’s plenty to discover. I recommended to stay here several days, then you have enough time to make different beautiful hiking trips, make a cruise and maybe a scenic flight above the landscapes. Do you only have 1 day to spend in Kakadu? Read more about day trips from Darwin.
Canoeing in Nitmiluk National Park
National park Nitmiluk near Katherine is, just like Kakadu National Park, a must visit. Compared to Kakadu, Nitmiluk is less touristy and still reasonably undiscovered. Nitmiluk National Park is known for the Katherine Gorge that runs through it, a gigantic gorge through which a river flows.
You can admire the gorge in different ways. There are cruises that you can book with other tourists on the water, but you can also rent a canoe and go the adventurous way. The Katherine Gorge consists of 13 gorges and it is 12 kilometres long. The Nitmiluk National Park also consists of areas where you can hike and dive in one of the swimming holes. More information about tours in Nitmiluk National Park
Make a sunset cruise
When you say Darwin, you also say stunning sunsets. Sunsets in Darwin are different every day. Especially in the wet season, it is a big surprise how red the sky turns every evening, especially when showers hanging in the sky at that moment.
Sunset in Darwin
You can admire this natural phenomenon on one of Darwin’s beaches, but you can also choose to book a sunset cruise and enjoy this beautiful spectacle from the water. In Darwin you can book several sunset cruises with also dinner arrangements. Read more about the sunset cruises here.
Visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve & Howard Springs
Around Darwin you will find many nature parks. I have visited a few of them in the past year. For me, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve & Howard Springs are worth a visit. At Fogg Dam you can drive through wetlands and look for crocodiles. Besides crocodiles you have a great chance to spot the most special (water)birds.
Mertens Water Monitors
At 30 minutes from Fogg Dam you will find Howards Springs. A beautiful nature reserve where you can make beautiful walks. The area is situated around a lake, where Mertens Water Monitors and water snakes live. If you are lucky (like me) you can also spot them. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve & Howard Springs are really worthwhile and easy to combine in one day.
Visit Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands are 80 kilometres from the north of Darwin. The islands consist of Melville Island, Bathurst Island and 9 smaller (uninhabited) islands. From Cullen Bay you can take the boat to these islands and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Tiwi’s.
If you’re visiting the Tiwi Islands it’s great to meet the locals and learn about their culture. Take a cultural tour and learn all about the island life. Create your own Tiwi-inspired artwork on Bathurst Island, go fishing or enjoy the paradisiacal beaches. Tiwi is not a cheap destination, but an experience for life.
Visiting the Tiwi Islands from Darwin? Book your boat tickets here. Do you want to do a day tour to the Tiwi’s from Darwin? Check out the possibilities here!
This is also great to do in the Darwin area:
Visit the paradisiacal Crab Claw Island on a cruise.Take a 1 hour helicopter ride in Litchfield National Park.Do a pub crawl by helicopter in the Darwin area.If you have any questions about Darwin or its surroundings, please leave a comment or send me a message via the contact form.
More travel tips about the Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park: Ubirr, Yellow Water Cruise & Scenic Flight
Darwin: the most beautiful places along the coast of Darwin
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu: sleeping in the middle of nature!
What to do in Australia: 5 absolute must do’s
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