6 Best Sunset Cruises in Darwin

June 17, 2024
A black and white silhouette of a wave on a white background.

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.

Streeter Cruises

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

Photo Credit: Vincent_Nguyen

Watching the sun go down on board a 65ft pearling lugger, Streeter, is one of the best overall cruising experiences in Darwin. With her friendly crew at the helm, you can toast to an amazing day with friends and family.


The elegance and history of the ship add to the experience. Streeter won the Ship’s Bell at the Wooden & Classic Ship Festival. A knowledgeable crew can expound not only on the tales of Darwin but also on the very stories that have made this ship beloved.


As the sun creeps towards the horizon, the sky is beset with a golden aura. Enjoy the fully licensed bar, or bring along your own adult beverages. Eskies, ice, and glasses are provided.


Sunset tours with Street Cruises depart daily through the dry season at 5.20 pm. Guests will be returned to Stokes Hill Wharf at 7.30 pm, where you’ll find a range of excellent dining.

Darwin Harbour Cruises

A Table with Plates of Food and A Bowl of Fruit on It — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Solarisys


Perhaps the most iconic sunset dinner cruise in the Top End, Darwin Harbour Cruises, provides a lofty level of luxury. From your seat aboard the Charles Darwin sunset cruise, you’ll enjoy a front-row view of the harbour’s legendary sunsets, all with an upscale dinner and refreshing drinks.


There are two cruising styles travelers can choose from. The first is the popular dinner cruise. Boarding at 5.30 pm, this two-and-a-half-hour cruise comes with a scrumptious Territory-style dinner with fresh catch and local produce.


You can purchase renowned wines as you enjoy your fabulous dinner with your crew. All while enjoying the stories from the ship’s expert guides.


The other options is a Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise. This opulent social experience comes with a large grazing platter of all your favourites from prawns to oysters. It’s then topped off with Darwin’s best mango ice cream. This tour also provides priority seating on the Charles Darwin Sundeck for amazing sunset views.

Spirit of Darwin

Two People Are Toasting with Champagne Glasses on A Balcony — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Maridav


Headed to Darwin with a large group of friends and family? Well, the Spirit of Darwin stakes its claim as the best option for you. The family-run sunset cruise brings Darwin’s breathtaking sunsets right to you, with ample value as the cherry on top.


The Spirit of Darwin takes you on a 2.5-hour sunset experience. It all starts with a greeting as warm as the sun above before guiding you through the tropical splendour of Darwin Harbour.


The standard sunset cruise comes with delicious canapés sourced from fresh, local produce. There is also a licensed bar on board.


For an additional $45pp, guests can enjoy a family-friendly buffet. Whichever you choose, all on board can partake in the ship’s famous fish feeding. Queenfish and barramundi have been known to join the thrilling party.

Sail Darwin

A Sailboat Is Floating in The Ocean at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Soysam


A sunset cruise with a difference. Sail Darwin lets the wind do the talking as you make your way out into the harbour for a memorable evening. The cruise’s 50ft catamaran provides the perfect setting to enjoy the silence of the water and the fun reminiscent chatter of the day that’s been.


The yacht, Sundancer, has two spacious hulls combined with the fore trampolines. This not only provides plenty of space for sunset watching but also ample comfort as you slowly sail out to sea. Importantly, with Yanmar engines, you’ll be able to explore the harbour even if the doldrums come to town.


Sail Darwin runs a singular, specialised Champagne Sunset Sail. Running from 5 pm to 8 pm, you can cruise in style and comfort with complementary tapas, bottomless sparkling wine, soft drinks, and water. Guests can also BYO, with eskies and ice available on board.

Cape Adieu Cruises

A Group of People Are Taking a Selfie on A Boat — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: oneinchpunch


Owned and operated by local fishermen, Cape Adieu Cruises blends the sunset experience with fresh and delicious seafood. With an abundance of room aboard the 71ft ketch, you’ll only have to rub shoulders with your loved ones as you watch the day turn to night.


Cape Adieu runs three different sunset experiences suited to various tastes. The premier choice is the sunset dinner. This begins with entrees of Northern Territory banana prawns and smoked Spanish mackerel. Dinner is even more mouthwatering with a fish of the day or a succulent Scotch fillet steak.


If you have a dinner reservation for later, the other two cruise options will suit you. Guests can kick back and enjoy homemade dips and a prawn platter. Or simply settle for the former as the sun dazzles all on board. For any cruise option, feel free to BYOB or head to the onboard bar.


In addition, Cape Adieu runs chartered sunset cruises. You can either hire the entire yacht or one of the three spacious decks.

Sea Darwin

A Group of People Are Riding a Boat on A River at Sunset — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

Photo Credit: Pikoso.kz


Almost all of the best sunset cruises in Darwin take the word cruise seriously. But Sea Darwin separates itself from the popular pack with an exciting, fast boat ride.


Unique and certainly the most adventurous sunset cruise in Darwin, the fast boat departs Stokes Hill Wharf at 5.45 pm. You and your guests will quickly be whisked away to explore the best of the harbour as the sun slowly creeps towards the western horizon.


As you go, you’ll be able to see Darwin City light up and see the folks down on Mindil Beach and around Fannie Bay. With each minute, the landscape changes. Soon, you’ll arrive at Cullen Bay Beach. After a quick stop to pick up your classic dinner of fish’n chips, you can sit back, bask in the warm wind, and sip on bubbling champagne.


With the help of the boat’s speed, guests can quickly make their way around the harbour. It’s a perfect proposition as you can always ensure the best spot to watch the sunset.

Stay Near Darwin Harbour

There you have it, the best sunset cruises in Darwin. Each has its own point of difference, so one is bound to work with your best-laid plans.


You’ll find history and comfort aboard the iconic Streeter. Luxury and elevated dining is standard on the Charles Darwin. While the soothing breeze is free aboard the Sundancer and Cape Adieu, the champagne, tapas, and seafood are the perfect complement to time with friends and family.


Looking for the most comfortable place to disembark to after a sunset cruise? Book your stay at a Zen Luxury Retreat 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 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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A Man is Pouring Beer Into Glasses at a Bar — Zen Luxury Retreats in Darwin City, NT

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