Darwin isn’t just the capital of the Northern Territory — it’s the sun-soaked heart of Australia’s Top End, where the wild really comes alive. While Darwin Harbour Cruises offer a popular way to experience the astonishing coastline and diverse marine life, they are just a sneak peek into the Darwin experience. From saltwater crocs with toothy grins to marsupials you’ve never heard of, this tropical outpost is teeming with creatures unique to Australia.
In Darwin, the untamed wild is incredible, but it is very important to respect boundaries as well. Crocodiles are powerful, stealthy, and very much part of the ecosystem here. You could be on a boat, in a crocodile park, an indoor cove, or even in the bushland — just make sure you always follow local safety guidelines.
Here’s your ultimate guide on where to see some of Australia’s most unique animals and crocodiles in Darwin— safely, of course! We’ve made your experience in Darwin easier, fun and adventurous.
Crocosaurus Cove
Location: 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin City
Watching and feeding a crocodile is one thing, but a face-to-face encounter with one under the water? That’s an experience that gives you the chills! Feel the bite force of the apex predator on the ‘Cage of Death’— with you inside the cage! Experience wildlife as intended—not with crocs inside the cage, but you inside it. The largest reptile in the world staring at you for 15 mins? If you call yourself an explorer, then this experience is just the choice for you.
Jumping Crocodile Darwin Cruises
Location: 2915 Arnhem Highway
Ever heard of ‘porpoising’? It’s not related to poisoning tortoises. It’s the technique by which crocodiles leap out of water to surprise-attack their prey. And the best part? You get to watch it closely from purpose-built boats with outward-facing seats for the perfect view. You will also get the chance to feed the jumping crocs.
The friendly staff, adept in Crocodile 101, will also make your experience more informative with interesting commentary on crocodiles and their habitat. So, don’t miss this one-hour cruise on the Adelaide River (about 65 kms from Darwin).
Crocodylus Park
Location: 815 Mcmillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon 0828
If you want to spice up your crocodile experience, this park is just the choice for you. Founded by a crocodile biologist from Darwin, Crocodylus Park allows you to touch and interact with little baby crocodiles. Forget googling the difference between a freshwater crocodile and saltwater crocodile, here you can touch them and feel the difference for yourself.
The park also has a wide variety of Aussie animals including marmosets, wombats, spider monkeys, dingoes, cassowaries and many more native animals. Bonus tip: Don’t forget to visit the crocodile museum to learn more croc facts.
Territory Wildlife Park
Location: Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs 0838
If you're a busy tourist/Darwinite keen to see crocs and exotic Aussie fauna in one place, the Territory Wildlife Park is the perfect choice. Experience Woodland, Wetland and Monsoon Vine Forest — the three unique habitats of the park.
Each habitat is further divided into different sections like the Nocturnal House with the rock-wallabies, cryptic geckos and tiny blossom bats; the Flight Deck with the wedge-tailed eagle and black-breasted buzzard; the Goose Lagoon with the Aussie magpie geese; the Oolloo Sand Bar housing the barramundi, saratoga and freshwater whiprays; the Woodland Wallaby Walk where you can feed wallabies and wallaroos. There is also a ‘river-like’ aquarium with a saltwater crocodile and over 20 other exhibits showcasing diverse aquatic life from the Top End.
The All-In-One: Kakadu National Park
Though not in Darwin, Kakadu National Park is not to be missed if you are planning to visit the Northern Territory. Darwin is the gateway to the park, and just a three-hour drive from there, you reach the 20,000 sq km park with over 10,000 crocodiles, 280 types of birds, one-quarter of Australia's fish species and many more native Aussie animals (like the white-throated grasswren and the brush-tailed phascogale).
The park is best experienced if you can dedicate 2–5 days to it. So, if you have the time for an authentic wildlife experience, then this is the ideal place to see crocodiles and unique Aussie animals. (Bonus: Get the best of Kakadu wildlife aboard a Kakadu Water Cruise)
So, how will your Darwin experience unfold? Will it be popular cruises, offbeat territories or intense wildlife explorations? The choice is yours—Darwin is calling!
In Darwin, the untamed wild is incredible, but it is very important to respect boundaries as well. Crocodiles are powerful, stealthy, and very much part of the ecosystem here. You could be on a boat, in a crocodile park, an indoor cove, or even in the bushland — just make sure you always follow local safety guidelines.
Here’s your ultimate guide on where to see some of Australia’s most unique animals and crocodiles in Darwin— safely, of course! We’ve made your experience in Darwin easier, fun and adventurous.
Crocosaurus Cove
Location: 58 Mitchell Street, Darwin City
Watching and feeding a crocodile is one thing, but a face-to-face encounter with one under the water? That’s an experience that gives you the chills! Feel the bite force of the apex predator on the ‘Cage of Death’— with you inside the cage! Experience wildlife as intended—not with crocs inside the cage, but you inside it. The largest reptile in the world staring at you for 15 mins? If you call yourself an explorer, then this experience is just the choice for you.
Jumping Crocodile Darwin Cruises
Location: 2915 Arnhem Highway
Ever heard of ‘porpoising’? It’s not related to poisoning tortoises. It’s the technique by which crocodiles leap out of water to surprise-attack their prey. And the best part? You get to watch it closely from purpose-built boats with outward-facing seats for the perfect view. You will also get the chance to feed the jumping crocs.
The friendly staff, adept in Crocodile 101, will also make your experience more informative with interesting commentary on crocodiles and their habitat. So, don’t miss this one-hour cruise on the Adelaide River (about 65 kms from Darwin).
Crocodylus Park
Location: 815 Mcmillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon 0828
If you want to spice up your crocodile experience, this park is just the choice for you. Founded by a crocodile biologist from Darwin, Crocodylus Park allows you to touch and interact with little baby crocodiles. Forget googling the difference between a freshwater crocodile and saltwater crocodile, here you can touch them and feel the difference for yourself.
The park also has a wide variety of Aussie animals including marmosets, wombats, spider monkeys, dingoes, cassowaries and many more native animals. Bonus tip: Don’t forget to visit the crocodile museum to learn more croc facts.
Territory Wildlife Park
Location: Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs 0838
If you're a busy tourist/Darwinite keen to see crocs and exotic Aussie fauna in one place, the Territory Wildlife Park is the perfect choice. Experience Woodland, Wetland and Monsoon Vine Forest — the three unique habitats of the park.
Each habitat is further divided into different sections like the Nocturnal House with the rock-wallabies, cryptic geckos and tiny blossom bats; the Flight Deck with the wedge-tailed eagle and black-breasted buzzard; the Goose Lagoon with the Aussie magpie geese; the Oolloo Sand Bar housing the barramundi, saratoga and freshwater whiprays; the Woodland Wallaby Walk where you can feed wallabies and wallaroos. There is also a ‘river-like’ aquarium with a saltwater crocodile and over 20 other exhibits showcasing diverse aquatic life from the Top End.
The All-In-One: Kakadu National Park
Though not in Darwin, Kakadu National Park is not to be missed if you are planning to visit the Northern Territory. Darwin is the gateway to the park, and just a three-hour drive from there, you reach the 20,000 sq km park with over 10,000 crocodiles, 280 types of birds, one-quarter of Australia's fish species and many more native Aussie animals (like the white-throated grasswren and the brush-tailed phascogale).
The park is best experienced if you can dedicate 2–5 days to it. So, if you have the time for an authentic wildlife experience, then this is the ideal place to see crocodiles and unique Aussie animals. (Bonus: Get the best of Kakadu wildlife aboard a Kakadu Water Cruise)
So, how will your Darwin experience unfold? Will it be popular cruises, offbeat territories or intense wildlife explorations? The choice is yours—Darwin is calling!
