Safety Instructions
Welcome aboard Autopia Tours!Before you set off on your adventure in the Top End, I'd like to share some important safety information with you so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.Safety and seat belts:In Australia, it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion. This is all the more important as our wildlife is unpredictable and animals can sometimes appear on the roads unexpectedly. Wearing a seatbelt is also an essential safety measure in the unlikely event of an accident, as it protects you and those around you.Emergency exits:In the event of an emergency, if I am unable to help you directly, please note the following emergency exits: The door you entered through The roof exit (which can be freed by pushing it upwards) Either of the emergency windows, which can be broken with the red glass hammer on board.First aid:This vehicle is equipped with two first aid kits: A large kit, which remains on board A smaller kit, which your guide will take with him on hikes or excursions outside the bus. Your guide is fully trained in first aid, so if you need help, please let him know immediately, and he will help you if necessary.Communication in remote areas:Some of the areas we visit can be very remote and the telephone service is not always available. To ensure your safety, we have satellite phones on board, stored in an box at the front of the vehicle. In an emergency, your guide will usually use the satellite phone, but if he or she is unavailable or unable to do so, you can use the phone by following the instructions inside the box. Simply dial 000 (Australian emergency number) or use one of the pre-recorded numbers to reach Autopia management.The satellite phone will also be carried on hikes and carried in your guide's backpack, alongside the first aid kit.Dehydration and heat stroke:The most common conditions we treat on tour are dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Heat and physical activity can sometimes take you by surprise, so stay alert.Be sure to follow your guide's instructions on how much water to take on tour, and if you start to feel unwell, let them know immediately.We recommend drinking 2 to 3 litres of water per person, per day, to stay hydrated in the Top End. It's also recommended to wear light clothing that covers the body, wear a hat when outdoors, and take breaks in the shade whenever possible.If you do feel unwell, please don’t hesitate to tell your guide. They will carry electrolytes for all activities, which are designed to help you.Crocodile Safety & Water Awareness:As we are in the Northern Territory, home to more saltwater crocodiles than anywhere else in Australia, your safety is our top priority.To ensure you stay safe, please follow these guidelines: Always stay with your guide and group during activities. Keep at least 5 meters back from any water we encounter today. Do not stray from the designated tracks. We’ll always guide you along the safest routes, but remember — this is the outback, and wildlife encounters are inevitable if you venture off the beaten path.Comfort onboard:The air conditioning and music are there to keep you comfortable during your journey. If you wish to change the temperature or the music, don't hesitate to let the driver know.With that, sit back, relax and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on our journey today. We're delighted to have you on board and look forward to showing you the beauty of the Top End!
Acknowledgement to Country
I will begin today with acknowledging the local Larrakia people (the saltwater people) past present & future, who are the traditional owners/custodians of the land we are on today in Darwin and pay respects to them both Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islanders.In their language, Gulumirrgin, we say “Marrtjiya.”This artwork is by Desmond ‘Kootji’ Raymond . It depicts three Larrakia totems: boetdoemba (sea eagle), danggalaba (crocodile), and malama guligi (king brown snake) surrounding the delirra (setting sun). Each of these totems represents wisdom, guidance, and respect for Larrakia country.
Darwin’s History
On September 9, 1839, the HMS Beagle sailed into the natural harbour on Australia’s northern coast, marking a key moment in the region’s European exploration.The ship’s commander, John Clements Wickham, named the area “Port Darwin” in honour of his former shipmate, the renowned British naturalist Charles Darwin, who famously never set foot in northern Australia.Following this, the area gradually developed, and in 1869, the settlement was officially established and named Palmerston, after the British Prime Minister of the time. Over the next decades, Palmerston grew slowly but steadily, serving as an important port and centre for trade and communication in the remote north.In 1911, the town was renamed Darwin, reviving the original name that reflects its historic connection to exploration and discovery.Today, Darwin stands as a vibrant city shaped by its early history, multicultural communities, and unique position as a gateway to the vast Northern Territory.
Bombing of Darwin
Darwin holds a significant place in Australian wartime history.On February 19, 1942, just 10 weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Darwin was bombed by Japanese forces in the first and largest foreign assault ever on Australian soil. Over the course of 11 months, more than 60 air raids targeted Darwin and nearby areas, stretching as far south as Adelaide River and Katherine.These attacks aimed to disrupt Allied supply and communication lines, as the Top End was the closest part of Australia to the warfront in Southeast Asia. More than 240 people lost their lives, both civilians and military personnel. Ships in the harbour were sunk, buildings were destroyed, and the city was left in chaos.Many Australians were unaware of the scale of the destruction at the time, as information was heavily censored to maintain morale. Today, Darwin honours its wartime past with several museums and memorials — a reminder of the city’s strength, sacrifice, and resilience.
The Power of Nature in Darwin
Darwin’s history has been shaped not only by its people, but by the raw power of nature.The Top End is no stranger to cyclones. One of the earliest recorded disasters was the cyclone of January 1897, which struck with devastating force. It claimed 15 lives and caused widespread destruction. A powerful storm surge sank 18 of 29 pearl luggers, the government steam lugger, and several sampans — small Asian fishing boats — all essential to the region’s economy at the time.But the most catastrophic storm in Australia’s modern history came decades later.In the early hours of Christmas Day, 1974, Cyclone Tracy tore through Darwin. With wind gusts reaching over 240 kilometres per hour, it destroyed 90% of the city, including homes, infrastructure, and public services. 71 people were killed, and over 30,000 residents were evacuated, many never returning. To this day, Cyclone Tracy remains the most devastating tropical cyclone in Australian history since colonisation.Combined with earlier disasters — including multiple cyclones and wartime bombings — Darwin has been destroyed and rebuilt four times. Each time, its people have shown extraordinary resilience, adapting and rebuilding stronger than before. Today’s Darwin stands as a modern city — shaped by its storms, its history, and the strength of its community.
Stuart Highway History
We’re now travelling along a section of the Stuart Highway, the legendary road that stretches over 2,700 kilometres from Darwin in the north all the way to Port Augusta in South Australia.In Darwin’s early history, there were multiple attempts to establish settlements in this region — most of which failed due to the unforgiving tropical climate, flooding rains, intense cyclones, and remote isolation. The region’s extreme weather made life incredibly difficult for early settlers. Roads would wash out, crops struggled in the soil, and communication with the rest of Australia was slow or non-existent.But persistence paid off. The Stuart Highway, named after explorer John McDouall Stuart, became the vital inland route connecting north to south — linking Darwin with the rest of the country.Today, it remains one of Australia’s most important highways — and a symbol of the resilience and determination that shaped the Northern Territory.
Mango Farms on the Arnhem Highway
As you travel along the Arnhem Highway, you’ll notice rows of leafy green trees stretching across the landscape — these are mango farms, and they’re a vital part of life in the Top End. The Northern Territory is Australia’s largest producer of mangoes, and most of them come from farms right here, between Darwin and the Adelaide River region.Thanks to the tropical climate, mango season begins earlier here than anywhere else in the country, usually from September to November, making the Territory the first to deliver fresh mangoes each year. At the peak of harvest, thousands of tonnes of mangoes are picked, packed, and sent across Australia and even overseas. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the season, you might spot roadside stalls selling fresh mangoes, mango ice cream, and locally made mango products.The mango isn’t just a fruit here — it’s a part of the Territory’s identity, even celebrated each year with events like the Mango Festival in nearby communities. So, as you pass these farms, take a moment to enjoy the sight — and if it’s the right time of year, make sure to taste one before you leave, as it’s a true Top End treasure.
Window on the Wetlands
As we pass by the Window on the Wetlands, the views look out over the Adelaide River floodplains — one of the most important ecosystems in the Top End.This elevated area, known as Beatrice Hill, offers sweeping views of the wetlands below. These floodplains support a rich variety of life, including bird species, reptiles, fish, and the well-known saltwater crocodile. The landscape changes dramatically with each season. During the wet season, it floods and becomes a vast, lush water world. In the dry season, the water retreats, drawing animals to the remaining billabongs and waterholes.The Window on the Wetlands is a landmark that showcases the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural significance of this unique region from a bird's eye view — a true window into the dynamic heart of the Northern Territory.
Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise
Welcome to the Jumping Crocodile Cruise, a thrilling one-hour adventure on the Adelaide River.You’ll get up close and personal with some of the Northern Territory’s legendary saltwater crocodiles — including giants that grow over five meters long. This is the only place in Australia where you can witness this incredible display in the wild. These crocodiles are not trained — this is natural behaviour. They leap from the water using their powerful tails to propel themselves vertically. It's how they hunt, and what you're seeing is pure instinct in action.The Adelaide River is home to four tour operators, collectively attracting more than 2 million visitors each year. It's a true Territory experience — and definitely one for your bucket list. Please pay close attention to the safety briefing provided by your crew. It’s important for your safety and theirs. Throughout the cruise, your guides will reposition the boat to give everyone a chance to capture amazing photo opportunities.Enjoy this unforgettable encounter with one of Australia’s most iconic and powerful apex predators. Saltwater crocodiles are often called the most dinosaur-like animals still roaming the Earth today — fierce, ancient creatures that have ruled these waters for millions of years!
Visit to the Humpty Doo Hotel
Before we head back to Darwin, we’ll make a stop at the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel — one of the most famous and longest continually licensed pubs in the Northern Territory.Established in 1971, this classic Australian outback pub has become a legendary watering hole, known for its laid-back atmosphere, cold drinks, country-style hospitality, and wild history.It’s also been immortalised in Australian country music and has become a popular stop for both locals and travellers alike. The Humpty Doo Hotel captures the spirit of the Territory — raw, rugged, and unpretentious. Here, you can grab a drink, take a photo in front of the famous corrugated iron bar, and soak in a bit of true Territory culture. Enjoy your stop — and don’t forget to check out the quirky signs, outback memorabilia, and maybe hear a tale or two from the locals!Let us know if you wish to be dropped off at any tourism attraction in Darwin city or the Darwin Waterfront.
Tour Conclusion
Welcome back to Darwin. Thank you for choosing to tour with us at Autopia Tours, and we hope you’ve enjoyed your adventure today. We have a vast and beautiful backyard here in Australia, offering many other tours in the region. Ask your guide about these, and we hope to see you on one of them.If you’ve enjoyed your adventure with us, please leave us an online review on Google Reviews, Trip Advisor, or your travel booking platform. Enjoy the rest of your visit to The Top End!
