Craving a bucket-list adventure through the iconic landscapes of Darwin? Book a seat on one of the region’s top-rated Darwin helicopter tours!
From the stunning landscapes at Crab Claw Island to the lush waterfalls and winding gorges of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the Top End than on a Darwin helicopter tour. These Darwin helicopter tours will take your next NT visit to new heights, with many featuring add-ons like heli fishing, swimming, pub crawling, and boat rides.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Darwin? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travellers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Top-Rated Helicopter Tours
Litchfield Fly & Swim
⏰: 3 hours
📍: Litchfield National Park, NT
Discover the wonders of Litchfield National Park from a new perspective on one of the park’s best helicopter tours – Litchfield Fly & Swim! Departing from Darwin, you’ll glide over iconic waterfalls before landing at Sandy Creek Falls. Then, you’ll dive into the inviting rock pools or simply soak up the serenity of this natural oasis. This is a sought-after private Top End experience and a perfect tour for proposals or anniversaries. The 3-hour adventure offers two departure times daily, and bookings must be made in advance with at least 48 hours’ notice.
Litchfield Waterfall Tour
⏰: 3 hours (approx.)
📍: Litchfield National Park, NT
Explore Darwin and Litchfield National Park from above on the Litchfield Waterfall Tour. Marvel at Darwin City, the stunning coastline, and Aboriginal lands before landing at Crab Claw Island Resort for drinks. Admire Finniss River Wetlands and iconic falls like Tolmer, Wangi, and Florence, ending with refreshments at Darwin River Tavern.
Heli Pub Crawl
⏰ 3.5-7 hours (tour dependent)
📍Darwin, NT
Experience the best of the outback on this helicopter tour. Visit iconic watering holes, encounter unique wildlife, and enjoy a cold beer at each pub stop. It’s perfect for groups, so gather your mates for a Top End adventure!
Heli Pub Crawl – 3 Pubs Options 1 & 2
- Tour Duration – 4 Hours
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Approx 40 minutes at each pub
Heli Pub Crawl – 3 Pubs Options 3 & 4
- Tour Duration – 3.5 Hours
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
- Approx 40 minutes at each pub
- Tour Duration – 7 hours
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Approx. 1 hour at each pub
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The Best Darwin Helicopter Tours
Darwin’s Big Day Out
⏰ 2-2.7 hours (tour dependent)
📍Darwin, NT
Darwin’s Big Day Out is one of the best Darwin helicopter tours. In addition to flying over Litchfield National Park, this 7-hour tour includes Heli Fishing, the Jumping Crocodiles cruise, and Goat Island. Best of all, there are four options to tailor your adventure to your preferences and budget.
Option 1 & 2
- Flight Time: 2-2.2 hours (approx.)
- Highlights: Heli Fishing or Jumping Crocs, Goat Island Lodge, and Crab Claw Island Resort.
Option 3 & 4
- Flight Time: 2.5-2.7 hours (approx.)
- Highlights: Litchfield National Park Waterfalls, Heli Fishing, Goat Island Lodge, and Crab Claw Island Resort.
Darwin Cyclone
⏰: 10-30 minutes
📍: Darwin, NT
Experience the adventure of soaring 1,000 feet above Australia’s northern capital on one of the top-rated Darwin helicopter tours. This flight highlights the tropical city and the landscapes beyond.
Above and Beyond
⏰: 10-30 minutes
📍: Darwin, NT
Experience the best of the Northern Territory with the Above and Beyond Darwin City and Harbour helicopter tour. Glide over the breathtaking Cox Peninsula coastline, spotting turtles, crocodiles, and sharks in the azure waters against white sandy beaches and red rock cliffs. See the Charles Point lighthouse and magnetic termite mounds as you fly by, then journey back to Darwin via Mandorah and the crocodile breeding grounds of Talc Head.
Top-Rated Fishing & Helicopter Tours
Heli Fishing
⏰: 8 hours (approx.)
📍: Darwin, NT
Join an epic fishing expedition with one of the best helicopter tours from Darwin. On the Heli Fishing tour, you’ll explore remote fishing spots teeming with Barramundi. It’s tailored for both beginners and seasoned anglers, with packages that include rods and tackle. Replenish your energy with provided refreshments, snacks, and for full-day trips, a satisfying lunch. Experience the thrill of reeling in iconic fish against the backdrop of Darwin’s stunning natural landscapes.
Heli Fish Pub Crawl
⏰: 7 hours (approx.)
📍: Darwin, NT
Discover the ultimate combo: a thrilling fishing expedition on the Heli Fish Pub Crawl. You’ll set off on the hunt for Barramundi, exploring secluded spots home to prized catches. After reeling in the big ones, you will unwind at three local spots: Noonamah Tavern, Goat Island Lodge, and Darwin River Tavern. Your package includes all the gear you need, plus refreshments and snacks. Don’t miss this chance to experience birds-eye views and the best of the Top End’s fishing in one tour!
Helicopter Tours in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu Day Tour
⏰: 7 hours (approx.)
📍: Darwin, NT
Skip the lengthy road trips; travel nearly 700km in comfort and style! One of the best Darwin helicopter tours, the Kakadu Day Tour soars into the heart of Kakadu National Park, uncovering ancient rock art sites inaccessible by most. Enjoy impressive views of the wildlife-rich floodplains and 600-foot escarpments with cascading waterfalls. Touch down for lunch at Gagadju Lodge Cooinda before a 1.5-hour Yellow Water Cruise.
Kakadu Waterfall Tour
⏰: 6 hours (approx.)
📍: Kakadu National Park, NT
Explore Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Waterfall Tour helicopter adventure from Darwin. You’ll have the chance to marvel at Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Koolpin Gorge, and more, all within 3.2 hours. If you want to witness the falls in their full glory – be sure to book during the wet season (November to April)! You can also add a Yellow Water Cruise to spot crocs and diverse birdlife.
Top-Rated Boating & Helicopter Tours
Wetlands Wilderness Experience
⏰: 2 hours
📍: Darwin, NT
Experience the beauty of Litchfield National Park from above on the Wetlands Wilderness Experience. Fly over Adelaide and Mary River floodplains to see diverse wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, wallabies, and more. Whether with doors on or off, the views are simply spectacular.
Flying Crocs
⏰ 3 Hours (approx.)
📍Litchfield National Park, NT
Flying Crocs is one of the region’s most thrilling helicopter tours over Litchfield National Park. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of wildlife-rich wetlands from above before landing at the famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise to experience one of the best crocodile tours in Darwin. Enjoy three hours of heart-pounding adventure, observing these powerful reptiles in their natural habitat.
So there you have it—the most thrilling helicopter tours in Darwin and in other regions in the Northern Territory. Are you ready to join a helicopter tour? Comment below with which tour you want to book!
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Darwin here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Darwin City daily fix by joining our FB group Darwin We 💙 Love You by Norther®
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
