Off the beaten track Day trips from Darwin
Discover the Top End’s secret havens and ‘off the beaten track’ Day Trips that only the locals know about. Come with us as we share some of our favourite day trips from Darwin.
We’re so lucky to have so much to see and do in the Top End. Start by exploring ancient escarpments and world-famous national parks. Swim in the waterfalls and crystal clear swimming holes – all just a day trip away.
Most of these day trips are within 2 hours of Darwin. Get the most out of your visit and discover these ‘off the beaten track’ day trips from Darwin.
Off the beaten track Day Trips from Darwin
Explore Litchfield National Park – 1-2 days
Litchfield National Park is one of the favourite day trips from Darwin however, with so much to see and do you may consider staying longer.
Expect to find some impressive waterfalls and walking trails in Litchfield National Park. Laze around in the crystal-clear pools at Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls or take my favourite hike along Green Ant creek to the natural infinity pools at Tjaetaba Falls. They are all unforgettable places to visit!
If you have a 4WD, make sure you visit the Lost City. I have it on good authority, new picnic spots and camping grounds will be opened next year.
Read more: Why you must visit Litchfield National Park
Where to Stay
- Batchelor – Near the Batchelor turnoff are motels and camping grounds where you can extend your visit to Litchfield National Park.
- Berry Springs – Along the Cox Peninsula Road there are a number of motels, cabins and camping spots close to Litchfield National Park.
Travel the Peninsula Way – 1 – 3 days
Travelling west along the Cox Peninsula Highway will take you to the more remote parts of the Northern Territory.
The Cox Peninsula is the ideal weekend getaway that’s off the beaten track and one of the best day trips from Darwin. It’s perfect for relaxing, watching the sunset on an isolated beach, fishing or just enjoying the serenity.
Locals consider this part of the world their best kept secret.
Berry Springs Nature Park
One of the locals favourite day trips is just 50 kilometres from Darwin. A popular relaxation spot for locals and visitors alike with spring-fed pools and a small waterfall. Berry Springs is an ideal spot for picnics, swimming and bush walking.
- Drop into nearby Crazy Acres Mango Farm and Cafe for one of their ‘insanely delicious’ treats!
- Visit the Territory Wildlife Park to see the Australian wildlife in their natural habitats.
Crab Claw Island
Just 130 kilometres from Darwin city, Crab Claw Island is a popular day trip from Darwin. Visit for lunch at the licensed restaurant overlooking Darwin city or check-in for an extended stay. Relax and enjoy more serenity!
Wander along the sandy beach, keep cool in the swimming pool or hire a boat and catch yourself a whopper!
Dundee Beach is one of the popular day trips from Darwin
Dundee Beach is a popular weekend getaway just 140 kilometres from Darwin City.
Home to some of the best unspoiled fishing areas in the Top End, this beachside town is one of the popular day trips to get away from it all. Dundee Beach is known for it’s fishing and crabbing, bird watching and it’s spectacular sunsets and long walks along the beach.
Where to Stay
- Crab Claw Island – elevated cabins overlooking Bynoe Harbour, licensed restaurant and other recreational facilities.
- Dundee Beach Holiday Park is the perfect getaway for a relaxing weekend. Cabins and bungalow accommodation, caravan and camping sites are available.
Tiwi Islands – day trips
One of the best day trips is across the water from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands. Just 80 kilometres north of Darwin is Bathurst and Melville Islands.
Famous for their traditional island lifestyle and their passion for football, the Tiwi Islanders have had their art and textiles exhibited around the world. Their traditional stories are expressed through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, screen-printed fabrics, prints and hand-made jewellery.
If you love fishing, hop onboard one of the local fishing tours.
Take the SeaLink Ferry Service over to the Tiwi Islands for your island cultural experience.
Fishing in Darwin – day trips
It’s no surprise that one of the most popular things to do in Darwin is fishing!
You do know that you have to hide behind a tree, to bait your hook, right?
Where to go? Darwin Harbour, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands or head down to the Victoria or Daly Rivers in the Katherine region for a truly memorable experience.
Fishing is excellent all year round with barramundi are most active March to May. Fishermen can enjoy catching giant trevally (GT), golden snapper, rock cod (my favourite), jewfish and Spanish mackerel to name a few.
Hire a boat, bring your own or take a guided fishing safari. There’s even the option of staying at a remote fishing lodge or take the ultimate Helifishing experience!
Visit Adelaide River, Robyn Falls & Pine Creek – 1 – 2 days
Adelaide River
About an hour south of Darwin, Adelaide River is a small town where the Adelaide River War Cemetery is located. The cemetery is the only Australian war cemetery on Australian soil commemorating the lives of 432 servicemen and 63 civilians who died during World War II in the Northern Territory. More information here.
The Adelaide River 303 Bar and Diggers Bistro is famous as the home for Charlie, the co-starring buffalo in the Crocodile Dundee movie. Great for it’s old fashioned country-pub atmosphere.
Robyn Falls
Robyn Falls is an beautiful three-tiered waterfall near the township of Adelaide River. The best time to visit is early in the Dry Season while there is plenty of water flowing. It’s a great place to enjoy a refreshing dip in the secluded pool.
The falls are reached by a short 20 minute walk along the crystal clear creek through the rocky surroundings. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to the Top End, Robyn Falls provides a stunning view of the cascading waterfalls.
Pine Creek
Just 2 hours south of Darwin is the old gold mining township of Pine Creek. Gold was accidentally discovered when building the Overland Telegraph Line in 1871.
It grew to a bustling town of over 2,000, but today it’s a quiet community with a heritage focus. The National Trust Museum (1888), the historic railway heritage museum and the ‘Walk through Time’ path are popular attractions.
The Ah Toy Bakery is a glimpse into the pivotal role the town played during the gold rush era and World War II. The baker, Jimmy Ah Toy built ovens using the ant-bed mortar to bake bread which are still standing today.
Great opportunities for birdwatchers can be found at nearby Grove Hill Historic Hotel (now closed), Lake Copperfield and Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park.
Where to Stay
- Mount Bundy Station is just over an hour’s drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. A working cattle property with weekend accommodation providing a unique station (farm) stay experience.
Wildlife on the Wetlands – 1 – 3 days
The Adelaide and Mary River wetlands are home to an extensive array of birdlife, barramundi as well as the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world.
Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises
You won’t be tempted to swim after you’ve done one of these cruises.
Where the Adelaide River crosses the Arnhem highway is the place to take a Jumping Crocodile cruise.
Learn about Australia’s most predatory reptile, the Saltwater Crocodile. The deckhands entice the crocodiles to jump out of the water to take bait dangled from the riverboat.
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Fogg Dam is just 40 minutes from Darwin city and one of the few wetland areas that is accessible year-round. These wetlands have international significance because of their natural eco-systems and cultural importance.
One of my favourite photography haunts, over 250 species of birds flock to Fogg Dam. It’s a great place to spot jabiru, brolgas and colourful migratory birds and especially beautiful at sunset or sunrise.
The best time to experience the birdlife at Fogg Dam is from the end of March until the beginning of October.
Corroboree Billabong
Check out our wildlife photos of our last trip to Corroboree Billabong.
Corroboree Billabong is a stunning waterhole which is home to the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world.
A haven for wild buffalo, barramundi and a natural habitat for exotic birds, Corroboree Billabong is one of the perfect day trips for photographers and birdwatchers alike.
Drive it Yourself (DIY) picnic boats are available for hire or take a Houseboat overnight for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Fishing charters are also available if you want to try your luck at snaring an elusive barramundi.
Read more: Corroboree Billabong Wetlands Experience
Fishing in the Mary River wetlands
The Mary River wetlands are alive with barramundi. Anglers come from all over the world to fish for the famous ‘barra’ at places like Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong and the Adelaide River.
Fisherman’s Tip:
Barramundi up to 1.4 metres are caught each year.
Cruise one of the billabongs to see saltwater crocodiles, wild buffalo and other wildlife including the exotic birds that live in this rich ecosystem.
Stay in a fishing lodge and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of local guides. Join a day tour from Darwin or hire a boat and drive yourself.
Where to Stay
- Mary River Wilderness Lodge – Half-way between Darwin and Kakadu. Air-conditioned cottages with a veranda overlooking the natural landscape. Complete with swimming pools and an on-site seasonal restaurant.
- Corroboree Houseboats – For something different, the houseboats offer a wildlife tour combined with accommodation. Self contained boats with a balcony and basic cooking facilities.
The secret is out! Darwin locals head off the beaten track on one of these day trips for their weekend getaways.
Pin these Day Trips from Darwin for later …
There’s so much to see and do in the Top End, so get the most out of your holiday and take value add with these day trips from Darwin.
Drive it Yourself (DIY) opportunities are everywhere so if you didn’t bring your own car, consider hiring a car or campervan for your adventure. There are plenty of tours available too, so check them out and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Additional reading about Darwin, and other things to see and do nearby.
- Best time to visit Darwin
- 6 seasons of Kakadu – time your visit perfectly
- Things to do in Darwin
- Darwin to Adelaide in 2 weeks – Australia’s best Road Trip
- Darwin to Kakadu – Your 6 day Top End Itinerary
