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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > Australia > Northern Territory > Darwin

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Darwin tours and excursions

Darwin tours

Aboriginal cultural tours

Discover the nearby Adelaide River wetlands on a cultural tour led by Aboriginal guides. On the two-hour tour you'll have the chance to meet local Aborigines and learn about traditional ochre colours, Dilly Bag (traditional Aboriginal bags) and basket weaving, clap stick and didgeridoos, and enjoy a bush tucker and medicine guided walk and talk. All activities are set beside a billabong.

Tel: +61 8 8984 9282.
Website: http://www.pudakul.com.au

Boat tours

See Darwin's beautiful harbour with Darwin Harbour Cruises. Three-hour sunset cruises (some on a restored traditional pearling lugger) leave Cullen Bay Marina in time for the sunset. Lunch cruises are also available. Another sunset option is a three-hour sail around the harbour on a lovely old sailing boat, the Cape Adieu. It includes a seafood and barbecue banquet with loads of local seafood.

Tel: +61 8 8942 3131; +61 439 893 939.
Website: http://www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au

Darwin excursions

Tiwi Islands

Around 80km (49 miles) north of Darwin lie the beautiful Tiwi Islands featuring tropical rainforests, clay-like cliffs, white-sand beaches, dense jungle and inviting rock pools. It's possible to sail out to the islands from the city. The local indigenous art is legendary and can be seen carved on burial poles and in various art centres. Visitors can meet the artists and watch them paint, weave, sculpt and carve.

Tel: +61 8 8981 2878.
Website: http://www.sealinknt.com.au/ferry

Litchfield National Park

140km (87 miles) south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is famous for its waterfalls, rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds, weathered sandstone pillars, and cooling lily-clad ponds. Highlights include the plunge pools at Florence and Wangi Falls, the cascades at Buley Rockhole, the sandstone towers of The Lost City and superb hiking territory..

Tel: +61 8 8976 0282.
Website: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/litchfield

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Featured Hotels

Value Inn

Don't be put off by the name, all the rooms in this affordable city centre hotel feature queen sized beds, a single bed, air conditioning and en suite facilities. There are also three pools, a licensed bar, and a spa available for guest use at Melaleuca on Mitchell, the award-winning backpackers hangout across the road.

Oaks Elan Darwin

This impressive newbie is a 301-room property with a range of one- and two-bed apartments. It has a decent central location, while the in-house restaurant, O.A.K., is another good reason to visit. Private balconies, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi are all part of the deal too.

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

A laid-back campsite and resort sitting 15 minutes' drive from central Darwin, this is arguably the best of the city's out-of-town options. It's popular with families, thanks in part to the presence of three swimming pools. You'll also find BBQ areas and a bar-bistro among its tropical palm trees and gardens.

Novotel Darwin CBD

Formerly the Novotel Darwin Atrium, this mid-range hotel overlooks the coast and sits a short stroll from the buzz of Mitchell Street. There are 140 rooms in total, and they're nice enough to make the relatively affordable price a big draw. It also has what it refers to as a "tropical indoor rainforest" – not many crocs to be found, though.

Vibe Hotel

A fresh and funky boutique hotel in the Waterfront Precinct, expect fine harbour views, several swimming pools with bars, an excellent restaurant and all the usual high-end trimmings. It's adjacent to its sister property, Adina Grand Waterfront, which is similarly appealing. All rooms have Wi-Fi access, digital TVs and round-the-clock room service.

The Cavenagh

This centrally located hotel is a great base from which to explore Darwin's vibrant nightlife. The Cav also delivers a touch of luxury, with a large outdoor swimming pool, TV lounge and free Wi-Fi throughout, in addition to a cozy bar and restaurant.

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