6 Best Darwin Harbour Cruises

June 16, 2024
A black and white silhouette of a wave on a white background.

In the Top End of Australia, Darwin is arguably the country’s most unique city. The capital of the Northern Territory is home to an enamouring multicultural dining scene, vibrant markets, and Mindil Beach sunsets.


One of the best ways to experience Darwin when you stay at a Zen Luxury Retreat is to explore its harbour. Not only will you get up close to the city’s historic waterfront. But you’ll see how quickly Darwin changes from a capital city to a natural wonder. From Cullen Bay to Bare Sand Island, the water is the domain of wildlife.


Our six best Darwin Harbour cruises include sunsets, fishing, high tea, and a Darwin dinner cruise. As you’ll see, Darwin has a flair for variety, so there’s bound to be a cruise that draws you in.

Darwin Harbour Cruises: Dinner Cruise

A Plate of Food is on a Table in Front of a Window Overlooking the Ocean — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Solarisys

On one of our favourite Darwin cruises, guests can step aboard the Charles Darwin for an evening of opulence, colour and atmosphere. There are two experiences to choose from, with the boat providing a front-row seat to the city’s famous sunsets.


Our pick of the two is the Sunset Dinner Cruise, which begins boarding each evening at 5.30 pm in time for a 6 pm departure. Once you’ve settled in, you can kick back, relax, and spend time with loved ones across a two and a half hour sunset experience.


As you explore the sights around Darwin Harbour, you’ll learn about the amazing highlights and historic locations with onboard commentary from an expert guide. All the while, guests will be savouring every bite of the Territory-style dinner featuring local produce and Aussie seafood.


Soon, the sun will reach the horizon, setting the sky ablaze in a mix of exotic colours. Onboard beverages are available to purchase just in time to toast to an excellent evening.


The other option is the Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise. Rather than dinner, guests can enjoy a gourmet grazing platter, dessert, and licensed bar.

Sail Darwin!: High Tea

A Table With a View of the Ocean and Food on It — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Solarisys


Top End harbour cruises aren’t just the domain of motorized ships. Anyone wishing to feel the sea breeze run through their hair as they depart the Stokes Hill Wharf will revel in the enjoyment of Sail Darwin! Tours depart from the docks in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This provides you with plenty of opportunity to step aboard this 50ft catamaran and cruise in comfort.


In the morning, the Sundancer departs for a relaxing 2 hours of sailing and high tea. This is complemented by light sandwiches, cupcakes, and platters. Later on, the three-hour afternoon sail takes you literally “where the wind blows.” Spot turtles and dolphins as you sample local cuisine. Guests can also BYO alcohol.


As the sun sets on another day, the boat sets sail again at 5 pm for a 3-hour cruise. Guests can enjoy complimentary sparkling wine and tapas. BYOB is also allowed.


Another aspect separating Sail Darwin! from other harbour cruise experiences is its group packages. Groups travelling to Darwin for special occasions such as birthdays, groom and bridal parties can enjoy 3-5 hours of sailing customised to suit your celebration.

Sea Darwin: Historical Tour

A Catamaran Is Floating on Top of A Turquoise Ocean — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Anna Jedynak


As much as we love Darwin sunsets, there’s more to the Top End capital than radiating skies. Sea Darwin has several harbour cruises that all you to take in the sights and the local history.


For example, on the Bombing of Darwin Cruise, guests will take a 75-minute journey along the harbour’s edge. As you cruise, you’ll retrace the events of February 19th, 1942, seeing the wrecks of USS Neptuna and USS Peary. As the boat is small, the expert commentary feels personal and tailored.


In addition, the half day trip, By Land & Sea covers the above while also taking guests on a guided land-based tour to Charles Darwin National Park.


With the history of Darwin now tucked in your back pocket, you can go see the Bare Sand Island turtles. This sunset tour allows you to walk along the beach to explore turtle nesting grounds before enjoying dinner and a drink.


Alternatively, Sea Darwin can serve up a hearty fish and chips, alongside champagne or beer as you cruise the harbour with the horizon ablaze in a sea of red.

Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters: Sport Fishing

A Large White Boat Is Floating on Top of A Large Body of Water — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Robert Pernell


Specialising in small group fishing adventures, Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters is a harbour cruise with a difference. Rather than sitting back and enjoying the views, your fishing day tour puts you in the heart of the action.


Thanks to the harbours easy access, you and your travelling party can be casting a reel in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the custom-built vessels allow you to explore all the best fishing spots regardless of the tides.


With your bait dangling in the water, you’ll have the chance to reel in some famous Darwin barramundi, alongside snappers, gropers and trout. If that kicks your appetite into overdrive, all half day charters make a stop at Fusion on the Wharf. The chefs will gladly cook up your catch any way you wish.


You’ll find an abundance of choices on their website. Whether you’re looking for a half-day charter, a group experience, or even a 3-day package, this is a memorable and adventurous way to experience the Darwin Harbour.

Darwin Airboat Tours: Thrill Seeking

A Group of People Are Riding on A Boat in The Water — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Rob Wilson


For some, fishing charters are a thrill. For others, the thought of fishing doesn’t quite get the heart racing. If you want to add some adrenalin to your trip into the Darwin Harbour, then consider taking a ride with Darwin Airboat Tours.


Departing from Stokes Hill Wharf, you’ll be swiftly transported across the harbour on an epic jet boat, with a few dives and spins thrown in for good measure. Soon the jet boat will arrive at the beautiful mangroves, where you’ll jump onboard the airboat to cruise the mudflats and billabong.


Travellers who enjoy spotting wildlife will feel right at home here. Keep your eyes peeled for lingering crocs, sharks, dolphins, and stingrays. After exploring the flats, you’ll once again experience the thrills of the jet boat as you cross back through the Darwin Harbour.

Streeter Cruises: Sunset Cruise

A Man and A Woman Are Standing on The Back of A Boat Looking at The Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Maridav


Did we save the best Darwin Harbour cruise for last? Maybe. We’ll let you be the judge. But there is something magical about stepping onto the historic 65ft Streeter just in time for sunset.


From your seat on the pristine pearl lugger, you can enjoy your own BYO beverages and nibblies. This two-hour cruise provides uninhibited sunset views and a city awash in vibrant colours. Once the sun has gone down, the stars begin to shimmer, and the city becomes a mix of silhouettes and lights.


Such is the size and beauty of Streeter; she makes for the perfect group charter. Up to 38 people can enjoy a private charter with half and full day rates available.

Cruise and Stay in Darwin

Whether you’re looking to experience the best Darwin sunset cruise, learn about the city’s WWII history, or get up close with local wildlife, there is a Darwin Harbour cruise for you.


The best time to expert the harbour at its best is during the dry season. This runs from May to October. Rain and wind are minimal, creating a lovely environment to explore.


Book your stay in Darwin today!

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A Family Is Walking on The Beach at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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A Man in a Hat is Looking at Food in a Display Case — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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A Sailboat is Floating on Top of a Body of Water at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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There may not be a better city in Australia to watch the sunset. With a harbour bigger than Sydney’s, a warm climate, and a vibrant blend of city and nature, the Top End has it all. The sprawling harbour and famous Darwin Waterfront become alive around 5.30 pm during the dry season when fishing charters return for the day and sunset enthusiasts position themselves for the show in the sky. Daily Darwin harbour cruises depart daily with excited guests, glasses of champagne, and fresh seafood. No wonder it’s a Darwin must-do! Each cruise has its own personality, whether it be luxurious Darwin dinner cruises, catamarans, or speed boats. Either way, they become the best platform from which to admire the Northern Territory sky as it becomes an enticing mix of oranges, reds, yellows, and purples. This bounty of options ensures there’s more than one way to take in this spectacular sight.
A Close Up of a Painting on a Rock Wall — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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A Sandwich With Guacamole on It on a Plate — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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A Swimming Pool at Darwin Waterfront With Umbrellas and Chairs — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City,

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A White Plate Topped With a Piece of Grilled Fish — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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