Litchfield: Top End Safari Camp Day Tour with Helicopter & Croc Pool

Summary

Helicopter views, airboat thrills & croc pool swims near darwin

You’ll ride a helicopter over Litchfield’s vast floodplains, skim across channels by airboat spotting crocodiles, cruise Sweets Lagoon for birdwatching and BBQ lunch, then swim face-to-face (but safe) with a saltwater croc before watching an expert feeding demo. It’s wild, unpredictable fun—the kind that leaves you smiling at mud on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

My hat nearly flew off before we even left Darwin—turns out “pickup included” means a real early start, and I definitely underestimated the wind. Our driver, Pete, was already cracking jokes about city folks like me. By the time we reached the Top End Safari Camp in Litchfield, I’d spilled half my coffee but somehow felt wide awake. The air smelled thick and green—sort of sweet but also muddy, if that makes sense. I didn’t expect to feel nervous about the helicopter part until it was actually happening. Ten minutes up there and you see how big those floodplains really are—tiny buffalo moving below, and our guide Li pointed out crocodile trails winding through the water. She said you get used to spotting them after a while. I’m not sure I would.

The airboat ride was loud—like, “hold your hat again” loud—and honestly kind of wild. Water sprayed everywhere and at one point I got a mouthful of river (not recommended). But then we slowed down in this channel where everything went quiet except for birds calling from somewhere deep in the trees. There’s this moment where you just float and watch the light shift on the water—felt almost private, even though there were six of us plus Li. Lunch was a BBQ by Sweets Lagoon; someone handed me grilled barramundi that tasted smokier than anything I’ve had back home. There was a faint whiff of eucalyptus every time the breeze picked up.

I still laugh thinking about the croc-safe pool—I mean, who thinks of swimming right next to a saltwater crocodile? But there’s glass between you and him (thankfully). Kids squealed when he glided past; adults pretended not to flinch but everyone did at least once. The last bit was watching Matt Wright’s team feed one of their rescue crocs—a monster named Tripod who’s missing a leg but not his appetite. There’s something about seeing those jaws snap shut that sticks with you longer than you’d think. We drove back to Darwin with muddy shoes and sunburned noses, all trading stories about what we’d do if we saw another croc on the way home—but nobody fell asleep this time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Top End Safari Camp full day tour

• Depart from Darwin
• Scenic helicopter flight over floodplains
• Airboat ride through channels and rainforest
• Cruise boat on Sweets Lagoon billabong
• Enjoy gourmet BBQ meal
• Swim in croc safe nature pool
• Crocodile feeding and exhibition
• Return to Darwin

Top questions

Is hotel pickup from Darwin included in the Top End Safari Camp day tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Darwin city are included in your booking.

How long is the scenic helicopter flight during this day trip?

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 10 minutes over Litchfield floodplains.

Can you swim safely near crocodiles on this tour?

Yes, there is a nature-based croc-safe pool where guests can swim safely beside crocodiles separated by glass.

What meals are provided on the Top End Safari Camp tour?

A gourmet BBQ meal is included during your billabong cruise at Sweets Lagoon.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

Who leads the crocodile feeding demonstration?

The feeding is done by experienced guides handling Matt Wright’s rescue crocodiles.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Darwin city or self-drive option if you prefer, a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over Litchfield floodplains, an airboat cruise through rainforest channels spotting wildlife, a slower-paced billabong cruise with brunch served onboard, time to swim in Australia’s only nature-based croc-safe pool face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles (behind glass), plus an expert-led feeding session featuring one of Matt Wright's rescued monster crocs before heading back home.