Darwin Bus Tours

Discover Darwin by bus.

Tours & Experiences

Broome to Darwin
Broome To Darwin -Kimberly Land And Coastal Tour
0

(0 reviews)
Cultural Nature
From$26,895.00
20 Days
Kimberley
Broome to Darwin: 10 Day Kimberley Tour
0

(0 reviews)
Cultural Nature
From$2,999.00
10 Days
Darwin
Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
0

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Sightseeing
From$49.00
1 Hour 30 Minutes
Darwin to Perth
Darwin to Perth Overland Tour
0

(0 reviews)
Cultural Nature
From$12,150.00
19 Days

About Darwin

Darwin is the capital city of Australia's Northern Territory, located on the Timor Sea in the country's tropical north. With a population of around 150,000 in the greater area, it serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Top End and is Australia's northernmost major city. Darwin has a rich multicultural heritage shaped by its strategic location as a gateway between Australia and Asia, and it has overcome significant challenges including being almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve 1974, after which it was rebuilt with modern cyclone-resistant architecture. The city is known for its relaxed tropical lifestyle, wet and dry seasons, vibrant markets like Mindil Beach Sunset Market, and its proximity to world-renowned natural attractions including Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.

What to see in Darwin

Darwin offers a wonderful mix of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and historical sites. Here are the key things to see:

Waterfront and Beaches

Darwin Waterfront – A lagoon precinct with swimming areas, restaurants, and walking paths
Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday evenings) – Famous for its food stalls, crafts, and spectacular sunsets
Casuarina Beach – Popular for swimming and relaxation

Cultural and Historical Sites

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – Excellent displays on Top End natural history, Aboriginal culture, and Cyclone Tracy
Darwin Military Museum – Explores Darwin’s WWII history and the Japanese bombing raids
Fannie Bay Gaol – Historic former prison turned museum

Natural Attractions

Crocodylus Park – See saltwater crocodiles and native wildlife up close
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens – Tropical plants and peaceful walking trails
East Point Reserve – Great for picnics with views over Fannie Bay

Day Trips from Darwin

Litchfield National Park (1.5 hours) – Swimming holes, waterfalls like Florence Falls and Wangi Falls
Kakadu National Park (2.5 hours) – UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient rock art and diverse ecosystems
Tiwi Islands – Rich Aboriginal culture and art (accessible by tour)

Darwin’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by car, and the tropical climate means outdoor activities are best enjoyed during the cooler dry season (May to September).

Darwin Bus Service

Big Bus Tours (Hop-On Hop-Off)

The primary tourist bus service is Big Bus Tours, which operates open-top double-decker buses with hop-on hop-off access to 12 stops covering major attractions. Key features include:

Ticket options: 1-day or 2-day passes (some packages include attraction entries)
Starting point: Tourist Information Centre at the corner of Smith St and Bennett St
Operating times: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM (April-September), 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (September-April)
Frequency: Buses run every 35-45 minutes in peak season (April-September) and every 60-90 minutes in off-peak season
Features: Audio commentary, wheelchair accessible lower deck

Main stops include:

Crocosaurus Cove
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Darwin Botanic Gardens
Museum & Art Gallery of Northern Territory
Military Museum
Cullen Bay Marina
Stokes Hill Wharf
Darwin Waterfront

Public Buses

For budget travelers, Route 4 public bus travels from Darwin Bus Interchange to Casuarina Bus Interchange via the waterfront, stopping at popular attractions like Crocosaurus Cove, Mindil Beach Sunset Market, and the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory.