Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Darwin? A heli pub crawl combines the thrill of a scenic helicopter adventure with visits to some of the Northern Territory’s most famous watering holes. Instead of spending hours driving between venues, you’ll travel by chopper across the Top End, landing at remote pubs, beachfront resorts, and iconic local establishments along the way.
From the famous Darwin River Tavern and Noonamah Tavern to destinations such as Crab Claw Island Resort and Goat Island Lodge, these heli pub crawls offer a fun and memorable way to explore Darwin and surrounds. Whether you’re planning a half-day adventure, a full-day experience, or a pub crawl combo that includes fishing or sightseeing, there’s a heli pub crawl to suit every traveller.
Many operators, including Airborne Solutions and Nautilus Aviation, offer unforgettable experiences that showcase the region’s spectacular landscapes. Expect aerial views of Darwin, sweeping floodplain country, winding river wetlands, billabongs, estuaries, and the rugged coastline that make the Top End one of Australia’s most remarkable destinations. With easy online booking available, these Darwin helicopter tours continue to grow in popularity among visitors looking for an epic day out.
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Best Heli-Pub Tours in Darwin
Heli Pub Crawl- 3 Pubs- Option 1
⏰ 4 hours
📍 Darwin, NT
💰 From $1,065
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!
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Stops at: The Lodge of Dundee, Crab Claw Island Resort and Darwin River Tavern
Heli Pub Crawl- 3 Pubs- Option 2
⏰ 4 hours
📍Darwin, NT
💰 From $1,065
Take to the skies and discover three of the Top End’s most iconic outback pubs on this unforgettable helicopter adventure. Meet local characters, spot unique wildlife, and enjoy a refreshing drink at each stop while soaking up the region’s laid-back atmosphere.
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Stops at: Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern and Goat Island Lodge
Heli Pub Crawl- 3 Pubs- Option 3
⏰ 4 hours
📍Darwin, NT
💰 From $995
See more of the Top End with this extended heli-pub adventure. Fly between five iconic pubs, meet colourful publicans, encounter native wildlife, and enjoy a drink at each destination while taking in spectacular outback scenery from above.
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Stops at: Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern, The Noonamah Tavern
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Heli Pub Crawl- 3 Pubs- Option 4
⏰ 4 hours
📍Darwin, NT
💰 From $995
Combine breathtaking aerial views with a classic Aussie pub experience on this helicopter tour. Land at four legendary outback watering holes, swap stories with locals, and enjoy a cold beer at every stop as you explore the best of the Top End.
- Schedule: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm OR 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Stops at: Darwin River Tavern, Goat Island Lodge, The Noonamah Tavern
Heli Pub Crawl- 5 Pubs
⏰ 6 hours
📍Darwin, NT
💰 From $1,260
If you’re looking for the ultimate heli-pub crawl experience, this is the most inclusive option available. Visiting up to five iconic Top End pubs in a single day, you’ll soar between outback watering holes by helicopter, meet colourful locals, hear plenty of tall tales, and enjoy a cold drink at some of the region’s most unique venues.
- Schedule: 9.30am and returning at 4.00pm
- Stops at: Lodge of Dundee, Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern, Goat Island Lodge and the Noonamah Tavern or Barramundi Adventures Darwin** availability dependent.
Heli Fish Pub Crawl
⏰ 7 hours
📍Darwin, NT
💰 From $1,860
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!
What is a Heli-Pub Crawl?
A heli pub crawl is exactly what it sounds like — a pub-hopping adventure completed by helicopter rather than by road. These unique tours Darwin visitors love typically include flights between multiple venues, allowing guests to experience several iconic pubs in a single day while enjoying spectacular scenery from above.
A typical heli pub crawl may visit a set number of pubs, including favourites like the Darwin River Tavern, Noonamah Tavern, Goat Island, and Crab Claw Island. Along the way, passengers enjoy a scenic flight over the Top End’s diverse landscapes, from wetlands and creek systems to beaches, river crossings, and vast outback floodplains.
Unlike traditional pub crawls, the journey itself becomes part of the attraction. Your flight path may take you over Adelaide River, Sandy Creek, remote billabongs, and even areas known for crocodile habitat. Some operators also offer a Helifish Pub Crawl experience, combining barramundi fishing with visits to local pubs for the ultimate Top End adventure. For many visitors, a heli pub crawl is one of Darwin’s most exciting and great value experiences.
What to Expect on a Heli-Pub Crawl
A heli-pub crawl combines scenic helicopter flights with visits to some of the Top End’s most iconic outback pubs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-flight safety briefing with your experienced pilot.
- Spectacular aerial views of Darwin, wetlands, rivers, coastline, and remote Top End landscapes.
- Multiple pub landings at unique outback watering holes only accessible by road or air.
- Time to relax at each stop, enjoy a drink, grab a meal, and soak up the local atmosphere.
- Wildlife spotting opportunities, including buffalo, crocodiles, birdlife, and other native animals.
- Photo opportunities both in the air and on the ground.
- Small-group experience perfect for friends, couples, and special celebrations.
A heli pub crawl delivers far more than just a day at the pub. Combining aviation, sightseeing, and visits to some of the Top End’s most iconic pubs, these experiences offer a completely different way to discover Darwin and surrounds.
From scenic flights over wetlands, creeks, beaches, and billabongs to relaxing stops at destinations like Crab Claw Island Resort, Goat Island, and the Darwin River Tavern, every tour offers something unique. Whether you’re travelling with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, a Darwin helicopter pub crawl is guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.
With operators such as Airborne Solutions and Nautilus Aviation offering a range of booking options, it’s easy to find a tour that suits your schedule. If you’re searching for one of the most memorable things to do in Darwin, these pub crawls deliver an incredible day packed with scenic views, local hospitality, and the iconic Top End spirit.
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. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers 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.
