Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Darwin Bus Tours: Prices, Maps & FAQs
By Of course! 🇦🇺🚌 Darwin — capital of Australia’s Northern Territory — is a tropical city full of waterfronts, WWII history, markets, and nature.
Because Darwin is compact but spread across several key neighborhoods, a Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is one of the best ways to explore it, especially during the dry season (May–September).
Here’s your full guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Darwin Bus Tours, with prices, maps, and FAQs for!
🏝️ Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Darwin Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Darwin – Official Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Price:
- ~$45 AUD (24h ticket)
- ~$60 AUD (48h ticket)
- Routes:
- Red Route (City Highlights Loop)
- Map: 📍 Big Bus Darwin Route Map
- Highlights: Darwin Waterfront, Mindil Beach, Crocosaurus Cove, Botanic Gardens
- Best For: First-timers wanting the full Darwin experience
2. Big Bus + Crocosaurus Cove Entry Combo
- Price: ~$75 AUD
- Includes: HOHO bus + entry to Crocosaurus Cove (giant crocs up-close!)
- Best For: Adventure seekers 🐊
3. Big Bus + WWII Oil Storage Tunnels Entry
- Price: ~$60 AUD
- Includes: HOHO bus + entrance to the historic WWII underground oil tunnels
- Best For: History and military buffs
4. Big Bus + Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Museum Combo
- Price: ~$70 AUD
- Includes: Bus tour + RFDS attraction with VR experience
- Best For: Aviation and Aussie outback history lovers ✈️
5. Big Bus + Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise Combo
- Price: ~$99–110 AUD
- Includes: HOHO pass + a scenic 2-hour sunset boat cruise
- Best For: Romantic evening and harbor views 🌅
6. Big Bus + Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Shuttle
- Price: ~$55 AUD (includes return shuttle service)
- Best For: Travelers visiting the famous Thursday and Sunday night markets (dry season only)
7. GetYourGuide Darwin HOHO Pass
- Price: ~$45 AUD
- Route: Same as Big Bus Darwin
- Perks: Mobile voucher, easy refund policy
- Best For: Flexible booking
8. Darwin City and Surrounds Tour (Mini-HOHO, with guide)
- Price: ~$79 AUD
- Includes: Small bus tour (non-hop-off) covering East Point, Fannie Bay, and the WWII Memorials
- Best For: Guided historic overview
9. Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour (Dry Season Only)
- Price: ~$35 AUD
- Route: Illuminated Darwin sights by night, no hop-off
- Best For: Sunset photography and cooler evening weather
10. Private Darwin City Explorer Bus Hire
- Price: ~$500–700 AUD
- Includes: Private bus, driver-guide, flexible stops
- Best For: Family groups, reunions, small VIP tours
🗺️ Most Popular HOHO Stops in Darwin
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Darwin Waterfront Precinct | Lagoon, wave pool, waterfront dining |
| Stokes Hill Wharf | RFDS museum, WWII Oil Tunnels, seafood restaurants |
| Crocosaurus Cove | Saltwater crocs, reptile encounters |
| Mindil Beach & Markets | Beach, sunset markets, food stalls (dry season only) |
| Botanic Gardens | Walking trails, tropical plant collections |
| Cullen Bay Marina | Restaurants, sunset views, boat charters |
| Darwin Military Museum (East Point) | WWII exhibits, bomb shelter tunnels |
| George Brown Botanic Gardens | Butterfly gardens, rainforest walks |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Darwin
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Darwin?
Yes!
Darwin’s attractions are spread out and it gets hot and humid, so a HOHO bus is a comfortable way to explore — especially for waterfronts, museums, and markets.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- Full Red Route: ~1.5 hours if you ride without hopping off
📍 Where can I start?
- Main starting points:
- Darwin Waterfront Precinct
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- You can hop on at any official stop!
🗣️ Is there live narration or an audio guide?
- Big Bus Darwin offers recorded commentary (English) with local history and fun facts.
📱 Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes!
Most bookings (GetYourGuide, Big Bus site) accept mobile QR codes for easy boarding.
🕘 When do buses operate?
- Daily service, usually from 9:00 AM – 4:00–5:00 PM
- Buses come every 45–60 minutes during peak season
♿ Are buses accessible?
Yes — Big Bus Darwin buses are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck.
Would you like me to help you plan a perfect 1-day Darwin HOHO itinerary — including market nights, crocodile encounters, WWII history stops, and the best sunset spot? 🐊🌅
Or I can create a custom Google Map with all the Darwin stops and insider tips — just say the word! 🚍✨
