Darwin is the gateway to the rest of the Northern Territory. There are many day trips from Darwin that are well worth exploring. The city provides a base for day trips to explore the ‘Top End’ of the Australia.

While there are many things to do in Darwin, there are also many nearby attractions to explore.

Keep on reading to find out more.

Check out: Australian Northern Territory: A Journey from Alice Springs to Darwin

Take your pick of the below day trips from Darwin

Darwin is the perfect base for exploring North Australia, here are the top day trips from Darwin

Berry Springs Nature Park

Berry Springs Nature Park is a popular and picturesque area for picnics and is a great swimming spot. Use goggles to spot native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. The picnic area is a good base from which to take a walk through the monsoon forest and woodlands. Bring your binoculars if you’re keen on bird watching. This park is located around 50km south of Darwin. It has a kiosk. It can be closed for swimming during the wet season.

Litchfield National Park 

Litchfield National Park is 1,500 square kilometres situated an hour-and-a-half drive from Darwin. The Park includes a lot of the Tabletop Range, which is a wide sandstone plateau mostly surrounded by cliffs. Stay for the day or for the more adventurous stay for two or three days. The monsoon season lasts from October to May, the rest of the year is a good time to visit as the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect spots for a cool dip.

Main attractions include permanent spring fed waterfalls (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi), cascades at Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds, and a wildlife cruise along the majestic Reynolds River.

Join this full day tour to Litchfield National Park from Darwin.

Territory Wildlife Park

Territory Wildlife Park is a world acclaimed attraction, only 45 minutes drive from Darwin. Highlights include an impressive aquarium, a daily birds-of-prey display, nocturnal house and the bird walk. Learn fascinating facts about reptiles at the reptile display and explore a representation of Darwin’s river systems, from the escarpment to the mangroves on the coast. 

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of aboriginal rock art sites in the world, the most famous being at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. 

Join this day trip to Kakadu National Park from Darwin.

Kakadu National Park - day trips from Darwin, Australia
Kakadu National Park

Katherine 

Where the outback meets the tropics. Situated about 300km south of Darwin. The township is situated on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park). There are incredibly diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for outback adventure activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and four-wheel driving. 

Join this Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls full-day tour from Darwin.

Day trips from Darwin - Katherine River
Katherine Gorge, Australia

Casuarina Coastal Reserve 

Just 20 minutes drive from the city, the Casuarina Coastal Reserve comprises sandy beaches fringed by Casuarina trees and sandstone cliffs. The Reserve protects areas of cultural significance, including Old Man Rock, a registered Aboriginal sacred site. The Reserve also features a large grassy area with barbeques and tables.

There are many day trips from Darwin to explore the many wonders for North Australia! While you’re in Darwin, make sure to visit Darwin’s Popular Roadkill Cafe.

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  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.