Darwin Harbour Cruises Charles Darwin Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise

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Two hours on Darwin Harbour at sunset aboard the Charles Darwin, a three-deck catamaran, with a Top End buffet of NT barramundi, wild-caught prawns, crocodile Caesar salad and bush-spiced kangaroo. The cruise opens with a Welcome to Country and runs along the Esplanade towards Cullen Bay and Fannie Bay as the sun goes down.

Days

2 hours

Age

All ages; 3 and under travel free

Group size

Shared dinner cruise

Start / finish

Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin / Darwin Harbour / Stokes Hill Wharf
Stokes Hill Wharf, 8pm

Return

Stokes Hill Wharf, 8pm

Transport

Charles Darwin, a three-level harbour catamaran

Meals

Buffet dinner with dessert

Route

Map of Darwin Harbour Cruises Charles Darwin Buffee Dinner Cruise

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Included experiences

Stokes Hill Wharf — Welcome to Country before sailing
Darwin Harbour — sunset from the open-air Sun Deck
The Esplanade to Fannie Bay — cruise past Larrakeyah and Cullen Bay
Top End buffet — barramundi, prawns, crocodile and kangaroo

Darwin Harbour Cruises Charles Darwin Buffee Dinner Cruise

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Itinerary

Map

EVENING: BOARDING AT STOKES HILL WHARF

Find the crew under the big blue umbrellas at Dock 3, at the city end of Stokes Hill Wharf, and step aboard the Charles Darwin, a 25-metre, three-deck catamaran. Claim a spot on the open-air Sun Deck, or keep cool on the two air-conditioned decks below. The evening begins with a Welcome to Country from the Larrakia people, whose saltwater country this harbour is. The wharf has its own history: on 19 February 1942 Japanese bombers struck Darwin, and the wharf was hit and ships in the harbour sunk in the first raid.

SUNSET ON DARWIN HARBOUR

Right at six the boat pulls away, usually heading along the Esplanade, past the Larrakeyah naval barracks and on towards Cullen Bay and Fannie Bay, though the skipper may change course for the tide. Fannie Bay is where the old Fannie Bay Gaol held prisoners from 1883 to 1979. Then comes the sunset: Darwin is famous for it, the sun dropping straight into the Timor Sea and turning the water orange and gold. Grab a drink from the bar and take your place at the rail.

DINNER: A TOP END BUFFET

Dinner is a Territory-style buffet built on local produce and Australian seafood. Expect chilled wild-caught prawns with a Kakadu plum dressing, NT barramundi with lemon myrtle and laksa sauce, a Caesar salad topped with local crocodile, and bush-spiced kangaroo with watermelon, along with braised beef and plenty of sides. Leave room for dessert: mango cheesecake, apple crumble with native muntries, and tropical fruit. Want more? Oysters can be added for an extra cost.

BACK TO THE WHARF

As the lights of the city come on, the boat turns for home, and you're back at Stokes Hill Wharf at 8pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Dock 3, at the far city end of Stokes Hill Wharf, 45 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin. Look for the crew under the large blue umbrellas.
Departure time: Boarding 5:30pm to 5:45pm; the boat leaves at 6pm sharp.
Finishes: Back at Stokes Hill Wharf at 8pm.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 3 and under travel free; youth fares cover ages 4 to 17. Small strollers are fine if you mention them when you book; there are no high chairs.
Fitness: You need reasonable mobility to board. Wheelchairs and scooters can't be taken on board because of the tides and the gangway, but walking sticks and folding walkers are fine. Toilets are down a flight of 11 or 12 steps.
Dietary needs: Tell us when you book. Allergies can be catered for, but as it is a buffet, cross-contamination can't be ruled out.
Please note: No BYO food or drink. Parking at Stokes Hill Wharf is limited to 3 hours with fines; parking near the Darwin Convention Centre and walking about 400 metres is easier. The boat is non-smoking.

What to bring

Visa or Mastercard (the boat is cashless; no Amex)
Hat and camera
A light cardigan, as it can cool to about 25°C on the water
Your booking confirmation

What is included

Two-hour sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour
Welcome to Country
Territory-style buffet dinner with local produce and Australian seafood, including dessert
Background music on board

Not included

Drinks (licensed bar on board; card only)
Oyster upgrade
Parking and transfers to the wharf

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We did the sunset dinner cruise. Great service and a tasty buffet with fresh salads, crocodile and prawns, and the sunset views from the harbour were excellent. A must do.

Steve Tyrrell Verified· Travelled 9th August 2026

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(5/5)

The sunset was breathtaking, the buffet delicious and the evening well organised. Purwa gave outstanding service and the whole crew made my mum's birthday a celebration to remember.

Qiong Chen Verified· Travelled 19th July 2026

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