From Darwin: Top End Helicopter Ride & BBQ Cruise Day Trip

This full-day trip from Darwin or Bynoe offers a fantastic blend of scenic aerial views, wildlife encounters, and authentic local flavors. For about $327 per person, we’re talking roughly 4 to 7 hours of adventure that includes a helicopter flight, an airboat ride, a BBQ lunch, and a close-up crocodile interaction with rescue crocs cared for by Matt Wright, a well-known Outback Wrangler.

What makes this experience stand out for us is the stunning aerial vistas of the floodplains that will have you marveling at the landscape from above, and the genuine opportunity to get close to crocodiles in a safe, controlled environment. The guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm come through strongly in reviews — they’re knowledgeable and friendly, making every part of the day engaging.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency of some activities like the helicopter ride, which might lead to cancellations or adjustments. So, it’s best suited for travelers with flexible plans and a love for wildlife and outdoor adventures. If you’re after a full-on day of exploration, wildlife spotting, and scenic beauty in the Northern Territory, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Diverse activities: Combines helicopter, airboat, river cruise, and crocodile interaction for a well-rounded adventure.
• Stunning views: Provides aerial and on-water perspectives of floodplains, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
• Authentic encounters: Close-up opportunities with crocodiles, including feeding rescue crocs with a knowledgeable guide.
• Good value for money: Multiple activities packed into a single day at a reasonable price.
• Expert guides: Highly praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and professionalism.
• Weather-sensitive: Some activities depend on weather conditions and may be canceled or shortened.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Top End Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

You can choose between pickup options in Darwin or meet your guide in Bynoe, which gives some flexibility depending on where you’re staying or exploring. The tour generally starts in the morning, and the total duration varies from 4 to 7 hours, depending on the pace and weather conditions. Keep in mind that hotel pickups are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation or meet at the designated spot.

The Scenic Helicopter Flight

The highlight for many is the scenic helicopter ride over the floodplains. This part gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of the expansive wetlands, home to crocodiles, buffalo, and countless bird species. The reviews mention that the helicopter flight is short but excellent, with some guides, like Josh, making the experience lively and informative. Expect to feel the wind in your hair and have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the vast, rugged landscape.

The helicopter’s safety and weight considerations mean you’ll be asked to provide accurate individual weights during booking. This is a key point because if weights are off, your flight could be canceled, and no refunds are provided if you cannot complete the tour.

Airboat Adventure

Next, you’ll hop onto an airboat to traverse the rainforests and wetlands along the Finnis River. The exhilaration of skimming through grass channels and shallow waters offers a different perspective on the local environment. Reviewers like Leanne appreciated this part, describing it as “exhilarating” and a favorite. You’ll spot wildlife such as birds and even buffalo, with guides providing insightful commentary.

This part of the tour is a great chance to see the wetlands in action and appreciate the diversity of habitats in Top End. The airboat’s size and speed add an element of thrill that appeals to adventure lovers.

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The River Cruise and BBQ Brunch

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll relax on a pontoon boat cruise, enjoying authentic local flavors with a gourmet BBQ brunch. The relaxing pace allows for birdwatching and soaking in the scenery while indulging in delicious food. Facilities include water, cordial, tea, and coffee, so you can stay refreshed.

Reviews from Richard and Julia mention the delicious breakfast and the informative commentary during the cruise, making this part both enjoyable and educational. The slow cruise provides excellent opportunities for photos and wildlife sightings, rounding out the scenic experience.

Crocodile Encounter and Rescue Crocs

The finale of the trip is the crocodile feeding session with Matt Wright’s rescue crocs. This interaction offers an up-close look at these majestic creatures in a safe environment, with guides explaining their behavior and conservation status.

Reviews from Rodney Peter and Glenn highlight how interactive and exciting this part is, with the opportunity to feed and photograph large crocodiles, making it a memorable highlight. Watching Matt Wright handle the crocs with confidence adds an extra layer of authenticity and education to the experience.

Overall Value and Experience

This tour combines adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty into a well-organized package. The multiple activities ensure you get a comprehensive taste of the Top End’s rich landscapes and creatures, all led by guides who are praised for their friendliness and expertise. The inclusion of refreshments and close wildlife interactions adds to the sense of value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a scenic lover, or simply eager for an adventure-packed day, this trip offers plenty of highlights. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate authentic wildlife experiences and don’t mind a bit of physical activity.

The tour is best for adults and older children—not suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues—especially considering the weighing process and the activity nature. If you’re after a relaxing, slow-paced experience, this might be too intense, but if you’re craving adventure and wildlife close-ups, it’s ideal.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Darwin offers a unique glimpse of the Top End’s natural splendor, combining aerial views, wetland adventures, and wildlife encounters into one memorable day. The knowledgeable guides and variety of activities keep the experience engaging, while the crocodile feeding provides a real thrill.

We found that the value for money is high, given the number of different experiences packed into the itinerary. Stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and engaging guides make this tour a solid choice for travelers eager to see the Northern Territory in a dynamic way.

If you’re someone who loves adventure, nature, and authentic wildlife encounters, this trip will suit you perfectly. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, hat, camera, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation or meet at the designated location, as pickup is only available depending on the option you select.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, your camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable during the activities.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or anyone weighing over 287 lbs (130 kg).

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Weather or minimum guest requirements can lead to cancellations, so check the forecast and plan accordingly.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour typically lasts between 4 to 7 hours, generally scheduled in the morning, but this can vary due to weather or operational factors.

How safe are the activities?
Activities are conducted under strict safety standards. The crocodile encounters are supervised by experienced guides, and the helicopter flights are subject to weight and safety regulations.

What kind of wildlife might I see?
Expect to see crocodiles, birds, buffalo, and other wetland animals. The guides are knowledgeable about local species and habitats.

Is the helicopter flight short?
Yes, reviews mention the helicopter ride is succinct but of high quality, offering great views without taking too much time.

This adventure offers a fine balance of thrills and chills, scenic beauty, and wildlife interaction. Perfect for those looking to make the most of their time in the Top End with a mix of education and excitement.

You can check availability for your dates here: