If you are considering cruising to or from Darwin then read this! Darwin is one of Australia’s great highlights, an excellent winter getaway destination and gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular spots for wildlife sightseeing. It’s also an increasingly popular cruise port, attracting visits from both Australian sailings and those which call in to popular destinations like Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Those beginning or finishing up their voyage in Darwin have an amazing opportunity to see a slice of Australia that often gets ignored in favour of the more famous east coast. You should think twice before leaving this stunning slice of the country without taking a look around first – here’s just a few of the reasons why:
There aren’t many places in Australia you can visit which don’t boast amazing wildlife, but Northern Territory takes it to another level. One of the very best places you can go to see Mother Nature at her best is the immense and spectacular Kakadu National Park, a little over an hour and a half from Darwin. While Kakadu is home to around a third of Australia’s bird species, the park’s biodiversity goes far beyond this. From dingoes, dugongs and kangaroos to goannas, frill necked lizards and 10,000 crocodiles, this diverse landscape is bursting with life.
Of course, you don’t have to leave the city to find incredible things to see and do. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are always a huge draw during the dry season – live entertainment, street food and colourful market wares are all on offer as the sun goes down. For a slightly more thrilling experience, head along Crocosaurus Cove where you can see enormous saltwater crocodiles right up close – the truly adventurous can even enter the Cage of Death, with only centimetres between you and these prehistoric monsters. If history is more your thing, the Defence of Darwin Experience is a fascinating place to visit, exploring the impact of the Japanese aggression against Darwin during World War II in an impactful, highly engaging way.
These attractions only begin to scratch the surface of what Darwin has to offer as a destination. If your cruise is sailing away from (or sailing into) Darwin, don’t miss the opportunity to spend a few days discovering this truly incredible place.
When choosing a hotel for before or after your Darwin cruise, consider Ramada Suites Zen Quarter as your home away from home option. Our large hotel apartments are fully self-contained and include washing machines and dryers to help get you refreshed for the next part of your journey. You will find the best available rates online here. Happy cruising!