Darwin Tours
Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise
4.5

Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise

By Darwin Harbour Cruises
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About
Travel in style during a Darwin Harbour sunset cruise in a 3-deck catamaran with air-conditioned indoor seating, an outdoor top deck, and a delicious buffet dinner. Your crew delivers commentary packed with humor and local history while you take in views traveling from Stokes Hill Wharf to Fannie Bay and back.
Lowest price guarantee

Ages 0-99, max of 200 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket

Highlights
  • See the sunset while cruising from Stokes Hill Wharf to Fannie Bay and back
  • Travel on the Charles Darwin, a deluxe 3-deck catamaran 
  • Onboard buffet dinner features local produce and fresh seafood
  • Listen to stories about Darwin from the boat’s crew while you sail

  • 2.5 hour sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour
  • Delicious dinner featuring Australian seafood and local produce
  • Onboard commentary from expert guides

Your cruise starts from the dock; boarding begins 20 minutes prior to the cruise departure time. Your 3-deck catamaran tour boat, the Charles Darwin, has air-conditioned seats inside and outdoor seating on the top deck.  Depart Stokes Hill Wharf and travel along the Esplanade past Larrakeyah Naval Barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay. Your captain may change the route according to weather and tidal conditions. While you cruise around Darwin Harbour, listen to onboard commentary from the crew about the history of Darwin, including stories about Cyclone Tracey and the bombing of the city. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, and dugongs. Purchase drinks and snacks on board or opt for a buffet dinner. See the sunset, and then Darwin’s illuminated skyline. Your sunset cruise ends with a drop-off at the original departure point.

Start:
  • 1 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
    Please arrive at Dock 3, Stokes Hill Wharf 30 minutes prior to departure. (5:30pm)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44650P1

    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44650P1

    From
    AU$147.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 1 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
      Please arrive at Dock 3, Stokes Hill Wharf 30 minutes prior to departure. (5:30pm)
    • 1
      Your cruise will depart from DOCK 3, located at the very end of Stokes Hill Wharf, city side. Crew members will meet you under the large blue umbrellas and will commence boarding 20-minutes prior to the cruise departure time. Generally you will leave Stokes Hill Wharf, travel along the Esplanade cruising along at 4 knots past the Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay and Fannie Bay. Your experienced skipper reserve the right to change the route subject to tidal conditions, guest’s safety and comfort. Tidal conditions determine how close to the coast the 'Charles Darwin' can operate. Hear knowledgeable commentary from the crew on Darwin History, Cyclone Tracey and the bombing of Darwin. In the past there have been sightings of crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, however there is no guarantee you will see wildlife on your cruise. You will experience a Sunset on Darwin Harbour followed by Darwin’s skyline lit up at night.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Darwin Harbour Cruises
      1,857
      Australia
      Joined in August 2011
    • krafteeakw
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very good
      Didn't like being crammed in the corner, staff were exceptional 👏 food buffet was amazing, would definitely come again
      Written 19 September 2024
    • docxmlc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous food, sights and comfort
      This is a great way to see Darwin from the water - sans risk of crocodiles! Embarkation was very well organised - seating was quite comfortable - service was excellent and the food was fabulous - so much seafood that some ate just that - all in a buffet style. Drinks at the bar (good variety) and lots of staff to ensure every need was met. Great vista of Darwin and of the sunset - well worth it!
      Written 13 September 2024
    • smwoodall
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Special Occasion.
      I highly recommend a Darwin dinner cruise. The scenery, sunset, weather, seating, food and service were all amazing. This was our second time and will book again next time we visit.
      Written 11 September 2024
    • J1872JLmichaelc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour
      Thoroughly enjoyed our cruise which was extremely well organised and the food was delicious. It was a beautiful night for a cruise and the sunset was amazing. Can thoroughly recommend.
      Written 10 September 2024
    • Vicki O
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unable to cruise due to wheelchair
      Our agent booked us on this cruise and then we were told we couldn't go as one of our party had a wheelchair to sit in.
      Written 10 September 2024
    • Molesburrow
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Darwin Harbour Cruises
      What a top night, great food , drinks and at the the staff where great , the sunset was great too , highly recommend
      Written 10 September 2024
    • jonbev2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      SUNSET & DINNER
      Great way to experience a Darwin sunset. Food was fantastic and there was plenty of it. Would recommend
      Written 6 September 2024
    • Carl S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great to see Darwin's sunset from the sea
      Huge comfortable boat - the seating was not too crammed up. A great place to see the colourful sunset. Food was very nice - a lovely way to spend an evening
      Written 5 September 2024
    • glynisbaxter
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Evening Meal and recitation of local landmarks and salient points
      Most friendly and gave assistance to clients where necessary. Food satisfactory and well presented. Service by staff prompt.
      Written 5 September 2024
    • NancyGnu
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Full Moon Rising
      once the confusion of where we were boarding was resolved, the evening was delightful. We were lucky enough to be seated on the bow, out in the open, which was fine as it was a wonderful night. We watched the sun set and then lo and behold, a huge golden moon arose over Darwin. Quite spectacular.
      Written 5 September 2024
    • B4526PNbrian
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      a MUST DO FOR THE VIEW
      A relaxing way to close the day . gentle movement and special views of Darwin . Well worth doing AND not overcrowded. Do not however go for the food element .You can only eat so much "block cheese and olives " GAZE AND GRAZE was misrepresented
      Written 4 September 2024
    • Cairnsd57
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bit hohum
      Unfortunately food tasted had been frozen and not very inviting. Sat inside and couldm't really see a lot of harbour, I wouldn't advise. Staff were very pleasant however not somethimg I'd highly recommend
      Written 4 September 2024
    • carmelhoffmann
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Gorgeous sunset, amazing food, beautiful experience
      Everything was wonderful. I highly recommend you do this. Was a highlight of our visit to Darwin. Staff were very friendly, amazing food and drinks. Very safe and affordable.
      Written 4 September 2024
    • Heidi V
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Darwin sunset cruise Gaze & Graze
      I’ve done a sunset cruise a couple of years ago, but this was much more relaxing, and not as ‘boozy’ oriented. I chose the Gaze & Graze option, where I was able to sit up the top of the boat. Our host, Ali, was fantastic. Very attentive and friendly. My grazing plate was lovely, and more than I could eat. You could buy drinks on board which were reasonably priced. The sunset was amazing. There was a nice mix of ages too. A really relaxed atmosphere. I didn’t venture down to check out the buffet section, so I can’t comment on that but for me, the gaze & graze option on the top deck suited me for a very relaxed couple of hours. Note, they only take eftpos, no cash. Well done and highly recommend.
      Written 20 May 2024
    • lorrainelawrie
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      A pleasant little cruise
      This is the second time on this cruise, it is very pleasant just floating around the harbour. Points of interest are described as we pass them by and it is good to see Darwin from a different perspective.
      Written 2 May 2024
    See all 1,857 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles491 reviews
    Excellent
    340
    Very good
    77
    Average
    38
    Poor
    17
    Terrible
    19

    John L
    8 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2021
    Cruise started too close to sunset so that there was little opportunity to see coastline in daylight.

    Got sick of lining up for everything - to get from the wharf, to get on board, to be assigned a table, to be served a meal, to get a drink.

    The continued serving of an obviously heavily intoxicated guest was another disappointment
    Written 18 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ggjoni
    Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2022
    We payed $110.00 per person the food was average and ran out half way through the cruise, I asked for bread and was told there was no more and that was the theme for the rest of the cruise.
    The guy that did the commentary was an unfriendly pompous middle age man who had no time for many of us.
    The best thing about the Sunset Dinner Cruise was the Sunset which was free and not supplied by the cruise company.
    I would suggest finding another company and saving your money.
    Written 18 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Deborah D
    Cessnock, Australia1,634 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2021
    We were not given a choice as to whether we wanted to sit inside or outside. It would have been nice to sit outside as th evening was lovely and the windows were so dirty that looking out was not great. The tables were crowded together. It was so noisy inside that we could not hear any commentary. The buffet was pretty ordinary and was served mostly by the staff for Covid concerns. In order to get a photo of the sunset, we had to go outside and squeeze into a small spot with others who were seated inside. Not pleasant. If you want to see the sunset, just go on the separate cruise without the buffet. The restaurants near the pier are much better.
    Written 7 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    MissKirstsTravels
    Sydney, Australia962 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did this tour as part of our package.

    No sunset was visible as it was overcast.

    This cruise may have been much more enjoyable had the weather been better & there actually been a sunset.

    Commentary was minimal which was a shame as we were told we would have commentary along the way. It was impossible to hear commentary sitting at the table inside as it was very crackly and disjointed coming through the speakers. We had to venture to the top deck to hear the commentary, which was unfortunate for those with mobility issues who couldn’t make it to the top deck.

    Staff were friendly and attentive.

    There was a lot of jostling from people prior to getting on board in the queue as people thought they’d miss out. Tables appeared to be already allocated on arrival, so no need to stress if you were not first on board. If you’d booked a dinner for 2, you were given a table for 2.

    Food was fine, nothing fancy but there were options of prawns and oysters for those who enjoy seafood.
    We were the last tables to be up for dessert and unfortunately only had the dregs of food left and some people were already lining for seconds before we had our firsts.

    Overall an enjoyable evening. Would have been better to have nicer weather to also enjoy the sunset.
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kev
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2021
    Fairly enjoyable evening cruise, the buffet dinner was wonderful. Staff were very friendly although the captain? - the fellow who did the funny life jacket presentation, was great during that but then became quite brusque and solemn afterwards which spoilt the experience a bit. Fortunately, we had some very entertaing company in the form of two rascally elderly ladies on the table next to us, otherwise I feel that the trip went on far too long. Once the sun went down, there was nothing to see and the boat was just zig zagging around the harbour while the food courses came out. I noted many people just sitting looking very bored.
    Maybe have the main course ready as the boat departs.
    Written 17 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kim Seeley
    Mt Eliza, Australia14 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was very over priced! Food was terrible, air con was freezing really cold inside didn’t know you could ask to sit outside when I booked.

    Recommendation to the company, start an hour earlier so we can enjoy the view, don’t see the point looking at nothing but darkest. With the food no point putting all this food on a plate if it’s not worth eating - less is more and better quality.

    Wish we got food at the wharf and watched the sunset there, and went on the Ferris wheel, would have saved me lots of $$
    Written 4 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tracy CG
    Sydney, Australia79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2020 • Solo
    What a fabulous Sunset dinner cruise this was on the Charles Darwin boat left from Stokes hill wharf on time and seated easily with no fuss.
    Food was lovely went back for seconds. Staff were funny and friendly. As i was on my own i was seated near some lovely couples, couldn't have picked more perfect people myself. Highly recommend to do this particular cruise if you are in Darwin as a couple, family or flying solo :)
    Written 22 November 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the lovely review! We hope to see you again soon. Kind rRachel
    Written 23 November 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sally A
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2022
    Loved this cruise! We were contacted on the day of the cruise and ordered some dips and an antipasto plater. The boarding process and welcome was very smooth and well done. The man who did the safety briefing was very engaging and informative. The commentary of the landmarks and stories of the history of the harbour was also presented by the same man and was really great.

    Our food was very tasty and well portioned. All serving staff were happy and attentive but Naomi went above and beyond making a special trip back down stairs to bring lime,

    Highly recommend this experience!
    Written 20 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Amanda S
    Sunshine Coast, Australia26 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021
    My wife and I went on a sunset cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises and found the experience very enjoyable. The cruise was smooth, captain’s commentary informative, snacks and drinks of a very good standard and well - priced with the staff both at the office situated on the wharf and on board the vessel extremely busy but very helpful and cheerful. Watching the sunset and observing the Darwin coastline from the water was very rewarding.
    Written 14 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Wendy V
    4 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2021 • Couples
    We booked an air con level and paid for this but were pushed to an outside upper level. My husband has trouble with lots of stairs and being outside for long periods. No refund they created a table with other people havig meals with no apology or a free drink.
    Written 6 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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