9 Best Day Trips From Darwin, NT, AUstralia (2024 Guide)

Explore the nature, wildlife, national parks, and culture of Australia’s Northern Territory with these amazing day trips from Darwin!

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, and it’s the gateway to the rich history, famous national parks, lush wilderness, and special culture of Australia’s Top End.

Though the city itself has much to offer, day trips from Darwin are the best way to engage with the Outback landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

Whether you book organised Darwin tours with a local guide, or you just rent a car and go exploring on your own, these full day tours will help you make the most of your time in the Northern Territory!

9 Best Day Trips From Darwin

From swimming in Florence Falls and Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, to hitting the walking trails and admiring Aboriginal art in Kakadu National Park, there is a day trip for everyone visiting Darwin!

We’re going to outline the best Darwin day trips and tours for those who want to get out of the city.

Most of these day trips are easy to tackle on your own with a rental car.

Or you can join a guided tour from Darwin for most of these destinations. We’ll list some top-rated Darwin tours where available, as well as the driving distances for those who are choosing a self-drive day trip.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1. Litchfield National Park

• Distance from Darwin: 106km
• Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

One of the easiest and most popular Darwin day trips is Litchfield National Park! A gorgeous oasis tucked away in the Northern Territory Outback, this amazing national park is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, and fascinating termite mounds.

Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Tolmer Falls, and Buley Rockhole are among the most gorgeous waterfalls in the park. Combine wilderness hiking trails with natural swimming holes while exploring these destinations!

The Magnetic Termite Mounds are another highlight of Litchfield National Park. These towering structures, built by magnetic termites, rise up to four meters high and are scattered across the open savannah. The Magnetic Termite Mounds are like natural skyscrapers!

Easily accessible and open year-round, Litchfield National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the Northern Territory’s natural beauty and adventure-filled landscapes.

It’s a quick drive from Darwin, or you can join one of the day tours that head into the park daily.

2. Katherine Gorge

• Distance from Darwin: 345km
• Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes

Located in Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge) is one of the most spectacular sights to see on a full day tour from Darwin.

Though it’s a bit of a hike to get down here, it’s well worth the journey. Consider stretching out the journey to Katherine Gorge to 2 days or more, as there is so much to see and do here.

This breathtaking landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and sparkling waters, is culturally significant to the local Jawoyn people, who consider it a sacred site.

The gorge system, comprising 13 distinct sections, offers a range of activities for visitors. You can go kayaking, hiking, and join a scenic boat cruise on the Katherine River that reveals ancient rock art and native wildlife.

Katherine Gorge is particularly striking at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light highlights the rugged beauty of the cliffs and surrounding tropical woodlands, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.

While you’re in the area, also be sure to check out Edith Falls, another gem of Nitmiluk National Park. Combine the gorge and the stunning Edith Falls on a full day tour from Darwin!

3. Kakadu National Park

• Distance from Darwin: 151km
• Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most diverse and expansive natural parks, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural significance, Kakadu is known for its stunning landscapes, from vast floodplains and towering sandstone escarpments to serene wetlands and billabongs.

The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, and hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Top things to do in the park include a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, admiring the best-known Aboriginal art sites, such as Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, and birdwatching at Mamukala Wetlands. There are also glorious waterfalls here, including Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls.

Because the park is so huge, you may choose to spend a few days here instead of just a day trip. Kakadu National Park is absolutely incredible, and it can take more than one day to really appreciate the wilderness!

But if you’re short on time, full day Darwin tours to Kakadu National Park are a popular way to go. You’ll have a local tour guide to help you navigate the massive park and teach you about the history and landscape of the area.

Some of the best day tours from Darwin to Kakadu include the Kakadu Wilderness Escape Day Tour and the Full Day Kakadu National Park Tour.

4. Berry Springs Nature Park

• Distance from Darwin: 50km
• Driving time: 40 minutes

A quick and easy day trip destination from Darwin is the beloved Berry Springs Nature Park.

The park has clear, spring-fed pools connected by small cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests, making it an epic spot to cool off in the warm climate.

Berry Springs is also well-equipped with picnic areas and barbecues, making it a great choice for families and groups looking for a fun day out in nature.

In addition to its swimming spots, Berry Springs Nature Park is home to diverse flora and fauna and tranquil walking trails. There is also a small interpretive center that provides insight into the area’s ecosystems and the history of Berry Springs, which served as a rest and recreation area for soldiers during World War II.

Whether you want history, nature, wilderness walks, or a beautiful swimming spot, Berry Springs has it all and it’s only 40 minutes from Darwin!

Plan more adventures Down Under with our complete guide to hiking in Australia!

5. Tiwi Islands

• Distance from Darwin: 85km
• Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Venture offshore for an incredible full day tour to the Tiwi Islands! Located about 85 kilometers north of Darwin, these remote islands are rich with cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Known as the “Islands of Smiles,” the Tiwi Islands—Bathurst and Melville—are famous for their vibrant Aboriginal arts, traditional ceremonies, and beautiful landscapes.

You can book a ferry to the islands with Sealink, or join a 1 day guided cultural tour. The guided tour is a much more immersive option, as you’ll have interactive experiences with the locals on the island.

Whichever option you choose, try to connect with the unique traditions and cultures on the islands during your Darwin tour.

Visitors can tour art centers to see the intricate fabric, pottery, and carvings and learn about the Tiwi people’s cultural traditions.

You can also join tours with a Tiwi guide, many of which include a smoking ceremony, storytelling, and tastings of local bush tucker, offering a deeper connection to the Tiwi way of life.

With its unique mix of culture, art, and nature, a Tiwi Islands day trip provides an unforgettable experience and a refreshing change from mainland Australia.

6. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

• Distance from Darwin: 66km
• Driving time: 53 minutes

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, located about 60 kilometers east of Darwin, is a haven for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to the rich ecosystems of Australia’s Top End.

Originally built as part of a rice-growing project in the 1950s, the dam now serves as a wetland sanctuary that supports diverse species, including thousands of water birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Walking trails and viewing platforms offer stunning views of the floodplains, where visitors can spot magpie geese, egrets, jabirus, and even the occasional saltwater crocodile.

The landscape shifts dramatically with the seasons, from lush, flooded wetlands in the wet season to dry, open plains in the dry season, each offering unique opportunities to observe wildlife.

Known for its accessibility and abundance of wildlife, Fogg Dam is a convenient and beautiful day tour from Darwin.

7. Mary River Wetlands Cruise

• Distance from Darwin: 170km
• Driving time: 2 hours

If you’re looking for a Darwin tour with amazing scenery, visit the Mary River Wetlands for a wonderful experience on a boat cruise. This sprawling network of rivers, billabongs, and floodplains offer some of the best wildlife-spotting in the Top End.

Known for having one of the highest crocodile populations in the world, the wetlands provide excellent opportunities to see these impressive creatures in their natural habitat, along with a wide variety of bird species like egrets, jacanas, magpie geese, and sea eagles.

The Mary River Wetlands are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the water and sky are painted in vibrant colors, creating an unforgettable backdrop.

Visitors can explore the area by boat cruise, guided tours, or on scenic trails, each providing unique perspectives on the wetlands’ ecosystems and the chance to spot wildlife up close. It’s a popular spot for day trips from Darwin for all types of travellers!

8. Shoal Bay Coastal Preserve

• Distance from Darwin: 43km
• Driving time: 40 minutes

Another great spot for nature and wildlife lovers is the Shoal Bay Coastal Preserve. This beautiful area is known for its diverse coastal habitats, including mangrove forests, salt flats, and sandy beaches.

The preserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with its mudflats and tidal zones attracting a variety of migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and waders, especially during the dry season.

Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the coastline, take in panoramic views of the bay, or explore the wetlands, where they may spot native wildlife such as wallabies, saltwater crocodiles, and an array of marine life.

Shoal Bay also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings. The combination of lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking coastal scenery makes Shoal Bay Coastal Preserve a fabulous spot for a nature adventure outside Darwin.

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9. Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise

• Distance from Darwin: 63km
• Driving time: 50 minutes

Another one of the top Darwin tours to try is a crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. Crocodiles are basically synonymous with Australia’s Top End, and it’s always an adventure exploring the state’s waterways and trying to spot these ancient reptiles.

Though the Adelaide River stretches through the Northern Territory for 180km, taking a boat trip along the waterways to spot saltwater crocodiles is one of the best day trips from Darwin!

Join a guided river cruise along the Adelaide River, where your local guide will help you spot the magnificent saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.

The cruise is guided by experienced rangers who share fascinating insights into crocodile behaviour, conservation efforts, and the region’s diverse wildlife.

The Adelaide River is home to some of the largest crocodiles in the world, and the spectacle of these formidable creatures leaping out of the water to snatch food is a highlight for many.

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