Making the most of Darwin
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Fort Hill Wharf’s new Darwin cruise terminal was built to serve rising passenger numbers, alongside convention centre and waterfront development that has made Darwin a more appealing destination. Some itineraries use the commercial port, so check with your cruise before arranging plans.
The terminal can host a mini-market of Darwin products suited to cruise ship passengers. Downtown is about a 15 minute walk away via a public elevator. Taxis are available at the pier, with a trip to the city centre expected to cost about $8.
Some cruise lines operate a shuttle for the short journey into town. A $2 single ticket gives three hours of travel, sufficient for a return trip to certain destinations, while $5 all-day passes are available.
With its relaxed outdoor way of life and year-round warmth, Darwin sits on a peninsula bordered by sea on three sides. It is a strong base for the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory has Aboriginal art and Australian history displays, including one on the destruction Cyclone Tracy caused in Darwin in 1974. The Cornucopia Cafe serves tasty food but is popular, so book as soon as you reach the museum if lunch is planned. Other Darwin options are: 1) hand-feeding fish at Aquascene, an activity not just for children. They appear only at high tide, so use its website to check the day’s time. 2)…
Getting around
Darwin is compact and easy to cover on foot.
Hop-on/hop-off buses stop at the port.
Nearby places
On the Adelaide River, the Jumping Crocodile Cruise offers a chance to see crocodiles that usually remain hidden. More than 80,000 Saltwater Crocodiles inhabit Northern Australia’s waterways, but here they recognise the boats and emerge because they may be fed. It is about an hour’s drive from Darwin.
Litchfield National Park, around an hour and a half from Darwin, combines beautiful tropical waterfalls with swimming holes.
Food and shopping
Popular purchases include Aboriginal art on canvas, bark and paper, crafts, cultured pearls, opal and diamonds.
Smith Street Mall is the principal pedestrian mall.
Money
Australia uses the Australian Dollar.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services usually open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many remain open late on Thursday or Friday, normally until 9pm, and throughout Saturday; shopping malls often also open on Sundays.
In remote rural areas, roadhouses supply essential services and are generally open 24 hours a day on major highways. Even off the beaten track, tourist offices often open daily or on weekdays plus weekend mornings, whereas urban information centres more often follow standard shopping hours.
Museums, galleries and staffed historic monuments often open daily, although rural attractions can have irregular hours.