Darwin Harbour sunset cruise with grazing platter

Sundeck views of Darwin's sunset with a platter in hand

A 2-hour sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour aboard the Charles Darwin, with access to the top-deck sundeck where the best views of the sunset happen. You order a gourmet or vegetarian grazing platter (barramundi dip, prawns, cheeses, kangaroo, dried fruit) and mango ice cream, both included. Beverages are available to order. Boarding starts at 5:30pm from Dock 3, Stokes Hill Wharf, with strict departure at 6pm.

The experience

You board at Stokes Hill Wharf in central Darwin and climb to the sundeck, where the best sightlines to the harbour open up. The Charles Darwin is fully air-conditioned, so you stay comfortable even as the light changes. A reserved table waits if you pre-order your platter, which means you can eat and watch without juggling a plate while the sun drops over the water.

The grazing platter arrives stacked with barramundi dip, prawns, ham, salami, prosciutto-wrapped melon, kangaroo, smoked cheddar, brie, gorgonzola, dried fruit and olives stuffed with capsicum, served with lavosh and sourdough crackers. A vegetarian version swaps the meat for beetroot dip, bush tomato dip, fritters, watermelon salad and steamed vegetables. Both come with locally made mango ice cream. Beverages (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks) can be ordered throughout the cruise at bar prices.

The cruise runs two hours. Boarding opens at 5:30pm and gates close at 5:50pm. The boat leaves at 6pm sharp, so arrive early enough to settle in before the light starts to shift. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Children need an adult with them. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Grazing platter (gourmet or vegetarian option).
• locally made mango ice cream.
• access to the sundeck.
• full air-conditioning throughout the vessel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Thursday and SundayDeparts at 18:00Last departure this season: 12 Dec

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 200

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Darwin Harbour Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Darwin without a car. The wharf is in the city centre with public transport access, so you can reach the departure point independently.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the gourmet and garden platters?

The gourmet platter includes barramundi dip, seafood sauce, prawns, ham, salami, prosciutto-wrapped melon and kangaroo alongside the cheeses and vegetables. The garden platter is vegetarian and vegan, built around beetroot dip, bush tomato dip, fritters, watermelon salad and steamed vegetables. Both come with mango ice cream.

Can I order drinks on the cruise, or does everything come included?

The grazing platter and mango ice cream are included. Beverages (beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks) are available to order at bar prices throughout the cruise.

What time does the boat leave and where do I board?

The Charles Darwin departs at 6pm sharp from Dock 3, 3 Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin. Boarding starts at 5:30pm and gates close at 5:50pm, so you'll want to arrive with time to spare and find your reserved table on the sundeck.

Is the sundeck the only place to sit, or can I stay inside?

The sundeck is the top deck where the best views of Darwin's sunset are experienced, and it's where reserved tables go if you pre-order a platter. The vessel is fully air-conditioned throughout, so you can move between the sundeck and the interior as you like.