Darwin Heli Pub Crawl

Itinerary

Your itinerary for the Darwin Heli Pub Crawl includes:

• Depart from Darwin Airport via private helicopter
• Scenic aerial views of Darwin Harbour, mangrove creeks, wetlands, and the Top End wilderness
• Stop #1: Goat Island Lodge – beers at Casey’s Bar and a chance to meet Casey the Croc
• Stop #2: Darwin River Tavern – live music, bush pub atmosphere, and local Darwin River Lager
• Stop #3: Berry Springs Tavern – classic Aussie brews, pub meals, and relaxed outback vibes
• Optional Stop #4: Crab Claw Island Resort – cold beers, seafood, and waterfront dining
• Optional Stop #5: Noonamah Tavern – tropical lagers, roadhouse steaks, and a legendary Territory finish
• Return helicopter flight back to Darwin Airport

What to Expect from the Darwin Heli Pub Crawl

Your heli pub crawl of Northern Australia starts in Darwin, where you'll board a chopper worthy of the day. The trip itself is a true highlight, although the beer is, of course, the major part of the tour. That said, the flight from Darwin to these respective pubs, as well as between the pubs, allows for some world-class sightseeing.

First, you'll lift off into the Darwin city skyline and catch views of Darwin Harbour, the zoo, and Fannie Bay, and from there, you'll see a variety of mangrove forests and tidal creeks with plenty of wildlife. Throughout the day, you'll also see beautiful seasonal wetlands, although these shrink into imposing dry plains during the dry season.

You'll also get to see the Darwin River Basin from above, complete with wallabies, buffalo, cattle, and other native wildlife. Towards the end of the pub crawl, you'll also see savannah and eucalyptus woodlands alike. If you're into seeing a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, especially considering the unique view from above, then this heli pub crawl is for you.

Of course, the main highlight of this pub crawl is the pubs themselves, which locals and visitors alike all seem to love. You can choose to go on a half-day tour, which includes stops at the Goat Island Lodge, the Darwin River Tavern, and the Berry Springs Tavern.

For those who want to go on a full-day tour, there is the option to extend the itinerary to five stops, which also include Crab Claw Island Resort and the Noonamah Tavern.

Each of these locations is well known for serving up unique and flavourful brews, all of which you'll get to try, along with some classic pub fare to bring it all together. Each stop brings a unique aspect to the tour, and at the end of it all, you'll certainly have some tall tales to tell.

What's Included with the Northern Territory Heli Pub Crawl?

Your Northern Territory pub crawl starts off in Darwin, where you'll board one of Rotor One's top-of-the-line helicopters, departing from Darwin Airport. Every helicopter features plush seating, ample legroom, noise-cancelling headsets, a noise-insulated cabin, and a pilot that provides commentary along the way - your own personal tour guide.

Stop #1: Goat Island Lodge

Aside from the magnificent helicopter flight itself, the tour is all about the pubs mentioned above, starting with a stop at Goat Island Lodge, specifically Casey's Bar, which serves good old pub fare along with about as many beers as exist in Australia - this is the place to go if variety is what you're looking for. If you're there at the right time, you'll even get to see the owners feed Casey the Crocodile, a local favourite.

Stop #2: Darwin River Tavern

The tour then takes you to the second stop, the Darwin River Tavern. This is an expansive bush pub that even has its own helipad. There's a freshwater aquarium full of crocks, live bush bands, and of course, plenty of beer to go around, with the local Darwin River Lager being highly popular, along with many of its other offerings.

Stop #3: The Berry Springs Tavern

Now, if you're taking the standard helicopter pub crawl, then here is your third and final stop, Berry Springs Tavern. Here, you'll find Australian classics such as XXX Ginger Beer, Great Northern Super Crisp, and many more, all of which are crafted to reflect the unique and harsh landscape of Australia. If you only took the half-day tour, then now is when you'd fly back to Darwin. However, there is the option to add two more stops to the list and make it a full-day tour.

Optional Add-On: Two More Stops!

If you'd like to keep the party going, then you can choose to go to two more great Darwin pubs.

Stop #4: Crab Claw Island Resort

The fourth stop on the itinerary is the Crab Claw Island Resort, where seafood is what you'll find. An interesting note is that guests can catch their own fish and seafood, which the chef will then prepare. Aside from this, you can expect Crab Claw Island to have a rotating selection of icy cold beers on tap, along with boutique wines.

Stop #5: Noonamah Tavern

The fifth and final stop on the dull day heli pub crawl is Noonamah Tavern, a location known for its wide selection of cold beers on tap, and particularly, its selection of tropical lagers - it even has a drive-through bottle shop, something that you don't see too often. You'll also have access to some of the best classic Aussie pub fare here, along with signature items like Johnny's Rodeo Steak.

About the Destination

Northern Australia has the most epic backdrop for a heli pub crawl; red dirt, winding rivers, tropical wetlands, and remote outposts full of character. As you fly over the Top End’s vast wilderness, each landing brings you face to face with a different flavour of Northern Territory hospitality. From croc-infested riverside hideaways to legendary roadhouses and breezy coastal pubs, this five-stop crawl delivers cold beers and classic Aussie meals and a front row seat to the Territory’s wild spirit.

Goat Island Lodge

Located on a small island in the Adelaide River, Goat Island Lodge is like nowhere else in Australia. It’s part pub, part wildlife encounter, and part legend. Owner Kai Hansen brings a healthy dose of personality to the place, and it’s not uncommon for guests to spot Casey, the resident crocodile, slinking up to the shoreline. The floating wharf and rustic lodge offer cold beers on tap, bistro meals and river views. This is where crocs and characters meet, and the beer goes down easy in the shade of the old school deck.

Darwin River Tavern

A local institution set in 120 acres of bushland, Darwin River Tavern is famous for its Territory hospitality and outdoor spaces. The tavern has its own craft beer, the Darwin River Lager, brewed with the local climate in mind; easy drinking and full of flavour. Inside, you’ll find giant antique furniture, a freshwater croc in the atrium water feature, and live sports on big screens. Outside, it’s all about lawn games, events like rodeos, trivia nights and good old-fashioned pub grub. Pork belly burnt ends and fish tacos headline a menu made with pride and plenty of NT flair.

Berry Springs Tavern

Just off the Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs Tavern is a must-stop on the way to Litchfield National Park. With its pet-friendly beer garden, kids' playground and breezy verandahs, it’s got something for everyone. Known for fresh seafood, hand-cut beef fillets, and locally inspired laksa specials, the menu is diverse and full of flavour. The drink selection includes local and imported beers, spirits and cheeky cocktails, perfect for a Sunday session with live music. It’s a community hub with Territory charm.

Crab Claw Island Resort

Located on a mangrove-lined peninsula overlooking Bynoe Harbour, Crab Claw Island Resort is a peaceful retreat with old-school beach vibes. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the waterfront bar and restaurant, with options ranging from grilled barramundi to prawns fresh off the boat. You can even have your own catch cooked to order. The bar serves cold beers and Australian wines with stunning sunset views. Rustic, relaxed, and a bit salt-stained, it’s the perfect mid-crawl wind-down.

Noonamah Tavern

Finishing strong, Noonamah Tavern blends outback grit with party atmosphere. Famous for its live rodeos, Johnny’s Rodeo Steakhouse and classic bar games, it’s a genuine Territory roadhouse experience. The tropical beer garden and spacious lawns invite long afternoons sipping cold lagers and watching the sunset roll in. The beer selection is extensive, and the steaks are famous, drawing locals and tourists alike for a proper feed after a long day of flying.

Each pub has its own story, personality and local flavour. This pub crawl is a true NT experience from the air to the last drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can go on this heli pub crawl?

Rotor One can accommodate groups of 2 to 14 people. Please contact us for details.

How long is this Darwin pub crawl?

This helicopter pub crawl can be half day or full day, depending on the option that you choose.