14 Of The Best Full-Day Tours In Darwin

Darwin’s position in Australia’s Northern Territory makes it an ideal starting point for exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes and cultural sites in the Top End. Its close proximity to Litchfield National Park, Kakadu, and Nitmiluk National Park means you can experience a wide variety of adventures without lengthy travel times. We love tours that combine nature, wildlife, and indigenous heritage, especially those with knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics. For example, the Litchfield and Jumping Crocodiles Full Day Trip offers a hassle-free way to enjoy waterfalls, wildlife, and a thrilling crocodile cruise—all with hotel transfers and included lunch. These tours provide a practical, engaging way to see the region’s highlights without the stress of self-driving or organizing logistics.

Quick Overview

Darwin offers a variety of full-day tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. These include nature-focused outings like Litchfield National Park and Berry Springs, cultural experiences such as Arnhem Land’s sacred rock art, and adventure-packed excursions like Kakadu’s wetlands and wildlife. Below, we cover each tour’s unique features, helping you pick just the right adventure.

1. Litchfield and Jumping Crocodiles Full Day Trip from Darwin

This tour combines the best of Litchfield National Park with an adrenaline-fueled crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. For around $190, the tour includes hotel transfers, a guided visit to waterfalls Wangi and Florence, and the chance to swim in safe swimming holes. The highlight is the one-hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise, where you’ll see these ancient predators leap from the water—an unforgettable experience. The local guide shares insider insights, making this a lively, informative day. Visitors rave about the diverse scenery, waterfalls, and the excitement of the crocodile encounter. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to see iconic NT landscapes without the hassle of driving themselves. The included lunch and hotel pickups make this tour excellent value.

Bottom Line: Perfect for families or anyone looking for a balanced day of wildlife, waterfalls, and adventure in a comfortable, guided package.

2. Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin

This exclusive experience offers private access to Injalak Hill, a sacred Aboriginal site home to some of the most impressive rock art in Australia. For $254, you’re picked up from your Darwin hotel and driven into Indigenous territory, where an indigenous guide shares stories about the ancient artworks and local culture. The tour includes walking tours of the rock art sites and insights into Aboriginal traditions, making it a deeply meaningful culture. With only a handful of tours granted access, this is a rare opportunity to connect with the land and its stories directly from the traditional custodians. Visitors commend the generosity of guides and the moving experience of seeing art that’s thousands of years old.

Bottom Line: Best suited for culturally curious travelers who want an intimate, respectful encounter with Aboriginal heritage.

3. Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls Full-Day Tour from Darwin

For about 14 hours, this tour takes you into the heart of Nitmiluk National Park, with a 2-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge. The trip features a combination of cultural insights, scenic vistas, and a refreshing dip in Edith Falls. The tour’s strength is the balanced itinerary—you get to see spectacular gorges, learn about Indigenous rock art, and relax in natural swimming pools. It’s a longer adventure suited for those who want a comprehensive tour of Top End’s river gorges and waterfalls. The expert guides provide detailed commentary on the geology and Aboriginal stories. Expect a full day of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and cultural learning.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an immersive experience of Nitmiluk’s dramatic landscapes coupled with a scenic waterway cruise.

4. Darwin: Kakadu National Park & Wildlife Full Day Tour

This 12-hour tour offers a full immersion into Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. For a competitive price, it includes visits to Ubirr Rock Art with its ancient Aboriginal paintings, and a cruise along Cahills Crossing to spot saltwater crocodiles. The highlight is the guided tour of Kakadu’s natural and cultural sites, with commentary on the indigenous stories and local ecosystems. The tour covers famous landmarks and wildlife sightings, making it a good choice for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see crocodiles in the wild.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a comprehensive day of wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery in Kakadu.

5. Litchfield National Park: Full-Day & Lunch from Darwin

For about 10.5 hours, this tour explores Litchfield’s waterfalls, termite mounds, and rainforest. The day includes swimming in Florence Falls, visiting magnetic termite mounds, and enjoying a cafe lunch overlooking the scenery. The emphasis is on relaxation and photography, with guided walks that highlight the park’s diverse ecosystems. Very good value at around $106 per person, it’s perfect for those who want a relaxed but comprehensive look at Litchfield’s natural wonders. Visitors love the combination of swimming, scenic walks, and cultural insights about the natural landscape.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full day immersed in nature with plenty of opportunities to swim and relax.

6. Darwin: Katherine Two Gorge Cruise Edith Falls Full Day Tour

This 13.5-hour trip combines a scenic boat cruise through Katherine Gorge with a visit to Edith Falls. The tour offers spectacular views, wildlife spotting, and cultural insights, especially as you learn about the Jawoyn people’s connection to the land. You’ll enjoy swimming in seasonal waterholes and exploring the spectacular gorges. An excellent choice for those who prefer a more relaxed pace but still want to experience the top sights of the Top End. Reviews mention the friendly guides and the variety of landscapes seen throughout the day.

Bottom Line: Suited for nature lovers seeking a mix of boat cruising and scenic walks with cultural context.

7. Kakadu National Park Full Day Tour + Yellow Water River Cruise

This tour combines the wonders of Kakadu with the famous Yellow Water River Cruise, known for its birdlife and crocodile sightings. For $429, it’s a longer, more immersive experience lasting about 12 hours, and includes visits to Ngourlangie Rock Art, the Warradjan Cultural Centre, and the Wetlands Bird Hide. The cruise is the highlight, offering a close-up view of wildlife in their natural habitat. Reviewers note the friendly, knowledgeable guide and the diverse ecosystems encountered. It’s ideal for biodiversity enthusiasts who want a rich cultural and natural experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers keen on wildlife photography and indigenous art.

8. From Darwin: Litchfield National Park Full Day Tour

This tour offers a 10.5-hour exploration of Litchfield’s waterfalls, termite mounds, and scenic spots. It includes swimming at Florence Falls and a visit to the Magnetic Termite Mounds. The tour is praised for its local guide and the chance to learn about Northern Territory wildlife and geology. It’s a good choice for those who want a comprehensive day trip with a focus on nature and wildlife at affordable prices, starting at just $106.

Bottom Line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a full day immersed in NT’s natural beauty.

9. Katherine Gorge – Nitmiluk National Park – Full Day Tour

With a perfect 5.0-star rating, this 13-hour tour offers a peaceful day exploring Katherine Hot Springs and a scenic cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. The highlight is time at the thermal pools, perfect for relaxing after a hike or boat ride. The tour’s focus on natural beauty and tranquility makes it popular among nature enthusiasts. The tour includes lunch and optional hiking, making it versatile. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the beautiful scenery.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a relaxing yet scenic day in the NT’s natural hot spots.

10. Private Full Day Darwin City Tour with Lunch and Pickup

This tailored experience is perfect for those who want to enjoy Darwin’s culture and history. For up to 4 people at $1,075, the tour covers museums, botanical gardens, and local stories with a personal guide. It includes lunch and all admission fees. The flexibility allows travelers to focus on specific interests like art, history, or local life. Guests praise the friendly, knowledgeable guide and the customized itinerary. It’s best for small groups or families who prefer a personal touch.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a private, customized tour of Darwin’s highlights.

11. Kakadu National Park Full Day Guided Tour (Tour 3D)

This small-group tour offers an intimate 12-hour experience of Kakadu’s landscapes. It includes a visit to Ubirr Rock, Yellow Water cruise, and cultural commentary. While it has no reviews yet, the itinerary promises a comprehensive look at Kakadu’s scenic and cultural features. It’s ideal for travelers seeking personalized attention and deep dives into Kakadu’s ecosystems.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an in-depth, small-group experience in Kakadu.

12. Litchfield National Park and Berry Springs Full Day Tour

This 8-hour tour combines Litchfield’s waterfalls and termite mounds with the relaxing springs at Berry Springs. The focus is on comfortable exploration, with plenty of time for swimming and photography. For $112, it’s a budget-friendly option that covers the region’s key natural sites. Reviewers value the easy pace and beautiful scenery. It’s suited for those who want a shorter but satisfying day trip.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers on a tight schedule who still want a taste of NT’s natural beauty.

13. Kakadu Backpacker and Budget Full Day Tour of Nourlangie Ubirr

Offering a 10-hour adventure at a friendly price of $258, this tour takes you to Fogg Dam and Ubirr Rock, sharing Indigenous stories and wildlife sightings. It’s a good choice for budget travelers wanting to see significant Kakadu sites without sacrificing quality. The tours focus on cultural sites and natural beauty, making it suitable for independent travelers or backpackers.

Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious guests wanting authentic Kakadu sights with local guides.

14. Litchfield National Park – Full Day Tour – Tour 2

This 10-hour guided tour offers a visit to Wangi and Florence Falls, termite mounds, and scenic walks. Priced at $197.72, it provides good value for seeing Litchfield’s waterfalls and geological features. The tour emphasizes hiking and nature with practical details like hotel pickup and drop-off. Reviewers mention the well-organized schedule and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for active travelers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine physical activity with sightseeing in Litchfield.

How to Choose

When selecting a full-day tour in Darwin, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. Want to experience Aboriginal art and culture? The Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill is a unique, private option. For wildlife and waterfalls, Litchfield National Park and its sister tours are hard to beat. If you’re after a full immersion in Kakadu, the Yellow Water River Cruise or Kakadu guided tour provide a mix of scenery and cultural stories.

For travelers with tight schedules, shorter options like the Litchfield and Berry Springs tours pack a punch in fewer hours. Budget-conscious adventurers should look at the Litchfield full-day or Kakadu budget tour. For those seeking luxury or personalized service, the private Darwin City Tour delivers an exclusive experience.

Final Thoughts

Darwin’s full-day tours provide a fantastic way to see iconic waterfalls, wildlife, Aboriginal art sites, and stunning national parks without the stress of self-driving. Whether you want a thrilling crocodile cruise, an intimate cultural experience, or a scenic boat ride through Katherine Gorge, options abound. Two standout choices are the Litchfield and Jumping Crocodiles Day Trip for a well-rounded adventure, and the Kakadu with Yellow Water cruise for wildlife and cultural insights.

If you’re traveling with family, the Litchfield tours are practical and fun; for cultural explorers, the Arnhem Land trip offers a rare glimpse into Indigenous traditions. Booking early is advised, especially for tours with limited permits or private access. Whatever your interests, Darwin’s full-day tours promise unforgettable memories of the Top End’s wild beauty and ancient stories.