Big Bus: 1/2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Darwin

Routes & Schedule

Classic Red Route

Climb on and off at any of the Classic Red Route stops. Learn about the history, culture, and geography of the Top End capital with a pre-recorded commentary available in English.

Schedule

• First Bus: 9am from stop #1 (Tourist Information Centre)

• Last Bus: 4.15pm from stop #1 (Tourist Information Centre)

• Frequency: Morning: 70 mins | Afternoon: 90 mins

• Popular stops: Cullen Bay Jetty, Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory, Stokes Hill Wharf & Fort Hill Wharf (Cruise Ship Terminal)

Please click here for a detailed Red Route map and its boarding points.

Crocosaurus Cove

A Deluxe Pass gives you additional admission to Crocosaurus Cove to top off your explorations at this iconic city.

• Daily: 9am to 6pm

Royal Flying Doctor Service

A Deluxe Pass gives you additional access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) which explains the history of two iconic territories.

• Daily: 9:30am to 5pm

Big Bus: 1/2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Darwin

Dive into the heart of Darwin with a flexible itinerary that invites you to explore at your own pace, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike. This tour is crafted for explorers of history, devotees of culture, and seekers of natural beauty, offering an unparalleled journey through the city’s rich tapestry of heritage and modernity. With access to 12 stops located near Darwin's top attractions, you can delve into the Military Museum, Botanic Gardens, Mindil Beach, Waterfront Precinct, and more, each stop revealing a new chapter in the city's story. The tour includes three pass options—Classic, Premium, and Deluxe—each offering varying levels of access to these stops, with the Deluxe Pass providing exclusive entry to Crocosaurus Cove and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), adding an extra layer of adventure to your exploration. This hop-on-hop-off experience weaves history and contemporary life into a tapestry that offers memorable encounters to forge lasting connections while understanding that every stop is a gateway to deeper knowledge and personal discovery.

Visiting Military Museum's Historic Exhibits

A visit to the Military Museum during your tour showcases Darwin’s rich military heritage, where you can explore exhibits detailing Australia’s wartime history. The museum stands as a testament to resilience and heroism, offering an immersive journey through its galleries that highlight significant events from World War II onwards. Each exhibit brings history vividly to life with artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, providing visitors with a profound understanding of the city's role in national defense.

Exploring Mindil Beach’s Tropical Charm

Access Mindil Beach as part of your comprehensive itinerary, where this tour package enables you to experience one of Darwin’s most beloved natural treasures. The beach offers serene sands and turquoise waters, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim. During the sunset, join locals and tourists alike at the vibrant Mindil Beach Markets, brimming with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and traditional cuisine. This stop represents the tour's centerpiece where cultural and natural beauty converge, creating an unforgettable backdrop.

Discovering Botanic Gardens’ Biodiversity

Stop at the Botanic Gardens showcasing the tour’s botanical appeal where visitors can immerse themselves in lush greenery and exotic flora. The gardens feature a diverse range of plant species native to Australia and beyond, creating a tranquil oasis amidst urban life. Wander through themed areas such as the Arid Zone and the Tropical Rainforest Walk, each offering unique insights into Darwin's ecological heritage and conservation efforts. This stop is a must for nature enthusiasts who wish to forge connections with the city’s natural wonders.

Experiencing Crocosaurus Cove’s Unique Wildlife

Explore Crocosaurus Cove as part of the tour's Deluxe Pass, where guests can encounter crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The cove offers an array of thrilling experiences including the famous ‘Cage of Death’ dive into a saltwater crocodile enclosure, providing adrenaline-pumping encounters with these apex predators. For those seeking less intense interactions, guided tours and exhibits offer educational insights into the conservation efforts for crocodiles and other reptiles. This unique wildlife experience is included in your ticket price, creating an unforgettable adventure that blends education and excitement.

Ascending Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Skies

Ascend to new heights at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), a highlight of the Deluxe Pass where visitors can learn about one of Australia's most iconic services. The RFDS offers an interactive experience with exhibits showcasing medical equipment used in remote areas, illustrating the challenges and triumphs faced by this pioneering healthcare service. Visitors are invited to climb aboard replica aircraft and simulate flights through virtual reality technology, providing a realistic sense of what it’s like to be part of this life-saving organization.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Military Museum historic exhibits showcasing resilience
• Experience Mindil Beach tropical charm with sunset markets included
• Explore Botanic Gardens biodiversity featuring diverse plant species comprehensive
• Discover Crocosaurus Cove unique wildlife encounters adrenaline-pumping optional
• Access Royal Flying Doctor Service skies interactive exhibits educational
• Choose between Classic, Premium, and Deluxe passes providing flexible access spectacular

For explorers of history, devotees of culture, and seekers of natural beauty, this hop-on-hop-off journey weaves the past and present into a tapestry that offers memorable encounters to forge lasting connections while understanding that every stop is a gateway to deeper knowledge and personal discovery.