Big Bus Tours Big Bus Darwin (Premium)

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Two days on Darwin's open-top Big Bus, so you can take the 12 stops slowly: a morning at the museum, an afternoon at the Military Museum at East Point, and time for Mindil Beach and the Botanic Gardens.

Days

2 days

Age

All ages

Start / finish

Darwin city loop from Smith Street

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Self-guided hop-on, hop-off bus

Accommodation

Not included

Transport

Open-top double-decker bus

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Big Bus Tours Big Bus Darwin (Premium)

View map

Included experiences

Mindil Beach and Botanic Gardens — shared stop by the casino
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory — hop off on Conacher Street
Doctor's Gully — fish feeding at Aquascene
Military Museum, East Point — afternoon loops only
Waterfront Precinct — hop off by the harbour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: THE CITY, THE GULLY AND THE WATERFRONT

Start at any stop and swap your voucher with a Big Bus team member; your two days begin from then. The bus leaves Stop 1 at the Tourist Information Centre on Smith Street in the morning, and the loop takes about 70 minutes if you stay on, with the English commentary over the speakers. At Doctor's Gully, wild fish swim in with the high tide at Aquascene to be fed by hand. Crocosaurus Cove on Mitchell Street holds some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in captivity, right in the middle of town. Down at the Waterfront Precinct there is a wave lagoon and a netted swimming lagoon, so you can swim in the harbour without worrying about stingers or crocodiles. Hop off wherever looks good and catch a later bus.

DAY 1 OR 2: MUSEUM, GARDENS AND MINDIL BEACH

Out along the bay, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is worth a long morning. Its Cyclone Tracy gallery has a dark room where you hear a recording of the storm that flattened Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974, and in another hall lies Sweetheart, a stuffed saltwater crocodile about 5 metres long that used to attack fishing boats in the 1970s. One stop serves Mindil Beach, the casino and the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, which have grown on this site since the 1880s and are known for their tropical palms. Mindil is the place to be at sunset, when the sun drops straight into the Timor Sea.

AFTERNOON LOOPS: EAST POINT AND THE MILITARY MUSEUM

Only the afternoon buses run out to East Point, so save it for one of your afternoons. The longer loop takes about 90 minutes and stops at the Darwin Military Museum, which tells the story of 19 February 1942, when Japanese planes bombed Darwin in the first and largest attack ever made on the Australian mainland. The old gun emplacements still sit on the point. The grassy reserve around it is home to agile wallabies, often grazing at the edges late in the day. On the way back the bus passes Stokes Hill Wharf, where the cruise ships tie up. With buses only every hour or so, check the next departure before you hop off.

WHY TWO DAYS HELPS

Darwin's stops are spread out and the buses run less often than in bigger cities, so a second day takes the pressure off. You can give one full morning to the museum and still have time for the Waterfront, then use the next afternoon for East Point. The city sits on land of the Larrakia people, who have lived around this harbour for thousands of years, and a Larrakia cultural stop can be asked for along the route. Sit on the open top deck for the breeze, which you'll want in Darwin's heat.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Any stop; swap your voucher with a Big Bus team member. Stop 1 is the Tourist Information Centre, corner of Smith and Bennett Streets.
Departure time: First bus around 9am; about hourly in the morning and every 90 minutes in the afternoon, last buses mid-afternoon.
Duration: Two days. A full loop takes about 70 minutes in the morning and 90 minutes in the afternoon.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 4 and under ride free; child tickets are for ages 5 to 15, and children must be with an adult.
Accessibility: Every Darwin bus has a ramp. Very heavy wheelchairs or mobility scooters need arranging ahead, when you book. Prams fold and stow on the lower deck.
Please note: Big Bus Darwin runs on set days of the week, with extra days when cruise ships are in port, and not on NT public holidays; your travel day is confirmed when you book.

What is included

Unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for two days
12 stops across Darwin
English audio commentary

Not included

Entry to Crocosaurus Cove, the Military Museum and other attractions
Food and drink

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.