Incredible Day Trips From Darwin To Do Now

A holiday to Darwin isn’t complete without venturing into the natural and cultural wonders that lie beyond its city lights. Here, four of the best day trips from Darwin.

Darwin is a colourful city thanks to its vibrant markets, outdoor movies and other urban delights. But the city’s surrounds are equally (if not more) enchanting. Hop in the car – or catch a ferry, bus or charter flight – to one of these gems that sparkle just a short distance away from the Northern Territory capital. Here are the four best day trips from Darwin.

Litchfield National Park

If you fancy waterfalls, emerald-green swimming holes and a tropical and tranquil setting, Litchfield National Park is only a 1.5-hour drive from Darwin. Travel down the Stuart Highway and enter the park via the tiny township of Batchelor, stopping at the magnetic termite mounds before exploring the plunging waterfalls at Florence Falls, or floating inside a network of peaceful waterholes at Buley Rockhole. A walking path links the two popular spots, so take your time ambling along this route, pausing for regular dips in the adjacent waters.

Other stunning sites within Litchfield include Tolmer Falls and Wangi Falls, the best-known attraction in the national park. Within the park, you’ll find a kiosk and barbecue facilities at Wangi Falls, walking trails and a picnic spot that’s ideal for a lazy tropical lunch. Access to the park is free and the best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon.

Litchfild National Park swimming — Cool off with a refreshing swim at Greenant Creek in Litchfield National Park (Image: Tourism NT/Joshua Griffen)

Total travel time, Darwin return: about four hours

What to pack: Sunscreen, lunch, water, beach towel and goggles if you want to explore underwater.

Mary River Region

If spotting wildlife in its natural habitat is high on the agenda, and you’re partial to a rainforest walk, travel 70 kilometres to the Mary River wetlands east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway (leading to Kakadu National Park). Make Fogg Dam Conservation Area your first stop, where you can choose between the wetlands or a walk. Up to 200 species of birdlife gather among the lilies and reeds in the wetlands, including rainbow pitta birds and crimson finches. You might spy the odd croc, too.

Walking trails will take you through the rainforest, past ancient fig and banyan trees, to a number of lookouts overlooking the wetlands. Take your adrenalin levels up a notch a little further along the highway with a jumping crocodile cruise. Over one (spine-tingling) hour, you’ll coast along the Adelaide River, where crocs lurk just beneath the water’s surface and jump up to snap at buffalo meat hanging from rods just off the boat’s deck.

a crocodile spotted during the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Adelaide River — Spot a croc from the deep on a jumping crocodile cruise in the Mary River. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Total travel distance, Darwin return: two hours

What to pack: a broad-rimmed hat, sunscreen, water, lunch and binoculars.

Crab Claw Island

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin, Crab Claw Island Resort is a picturesque coastal retreat perched on the water’s edge – providing the perfect balance of family-friendly fun, fishing and relaxation. There are two pools and boats for hire, or simply relax on the deck. If you’re a keen angler, don’t forget to register to catch the Million Dollar Fish .

Total travel distance, Darwin return: two hours driving

What to pack: a broad-rimmed hat, sunscreen, bathers, beach towel and water.

Berry Springs

If a short-ish day trip from Darwin sounds ideal, you can’t go past a visit to Berry Springs Nature Park – it’s a real-deal tropical paradise. Travel south from the city and turn off at Cox Peninsula Road to get to the park, located just 50 minutes’ drive from Darwin. Pull in at Territory Wildlife Park on the way to explore its vast 404 hectares, home to almost every variety of native bird, reptile and macropod.

A shuttle bus takes visitors to the Nocturnal House, which hums with ghost bats, sugar gliders, quolls and other night-time critters, as well as the walk-in aviary, aquarium, stingray lagoon and dingo enclosure. Refresh over a mango chutney-laced lunch and a tropical fruit ice cream at Crazy Acres Mango Farm , then dive into Berry Springs: three sparkling, azure-hued waterholes fringed by pandanas.

Total travel distance, Darwin return: 1.5 hours

What to pack: mask and snorkel, water, towel and sunscreen.

Want more travel inspiration for Darwin? Check out our guide to Darwin here.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Incredible day trips from Darwin you need to try