Walk Darwin

Explore the city of Darwin with your local guide on this 2-hour walking tour and hear of the history and present-day happenings. From the destruction caused by the WWII bombings and Cyclone Tracy, Darwin has risen and you'll discover many of the remaining buildings, some of which have been painstakingly reconstructed.

See the Old Police Station and Courthouse, Brown's Mart and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins, and enjoy manicured tropical gardens as your route meanders through city streets and across the paths of pioneers.

There are many hidden treasures to see on foot when you explore with a local.

The Ship to Shore walking tour is perfect for cruise ship passengers seeking a short shore excursion. This 2-hour walking tour will uncover the hidden treasures of Darwin city, to then allow further exploration at your leisure.

The relaxed walk starts at the Cruise Ship Terminal and departure time is dependent on the scheduled arrival time of each ship.

Hear of WWII bombings and Cyclone Tracy and discover many of the remaining buildings such as the old Court House and Police Station, Browns Mart and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins, all of which have been painstakingly reconstructed. Pass by Government House, Parliament House and the Supreme Court on your journey through the streets of this modern tropical city. Along the way, your guide will share their passion for the town they call home.

Your tour will conclude near the Visitor Information Centre where shuttle buses depart regularly for the journey back to your ship, or you can walk back to the cruise ship terminal along the Smith Street pathway.

Thursday. 19 February, 1942. World War II reached mainland Australia and the northern city of Darwin was bombed.

In the current-day multicultural city of Darwin, there are still many reminders of WWII and on this 2-hour walk through the historic quarter of the city, your knowledgeable guide will take you back to that era. Hear stories of that fateful day as you meander past historic buildings of the time that have been re-built to provide lasting memories of life in the north during the War.

No WWII tour of Darwin would be complete without a visit into Parliament House, a lasting memorial to the Post Office and staff whose lives were lost in the very first of 77 bombing raids on the town.

Walk the Botanic Gardens provides an introduction to the 42 hectares of George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens.

Guided by a Darwin local, you will walk along the same paths as many others have walked for over 130 years, and hear stories of the history and heritage and the revival of the Gardens after cyclones and WWII bombings.

See legacies left by prominent Curators, including significant trees and heritage features. Along the way you'll be introduced to many tropical plants that grow in these parkland gardens, each with their own interesting story. Keep an eye out for colourful birdlife, stunning flowers and majestic trees.

This guided walk is for those looking to truly experience Darwin's botanic garden.

Sometimes, veering off the main paths and down a laneway is daunting but with a local as your guide, you'll be surprised at the treasures you discover.

On the Hidden Secrets Walk, you will uncover history, cool arcades and the Chinese Temple (morning tours only) before taking a musical interlude at the HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime, viewing some award-winning street art and enjoying a refreshment break at a local cafe.

Immerse yourself in the World War II history of the Top End of Australia on a full day coach tour 'down-the-track'.

The highlight of the day is a guided tour of 4RSU (Repair and Service Unit) on private land at Pell Airstrip. Experience how the servicemen stationed here survived the harsh bushland conditions and enjoy a typical 1940s tea break. Take a moment to reflect on the lives lost at the Adelaide River War Cemetery and wander the civilian cemetery. The afternoon includes time at Batchelor Museum where displays honour the men stationed at the nearby Civil Aerodrome before a stop at Strauss Airstrip on the return to Darwin.