For more than 60 years wild fish have gathered to Doctors Gully, attracted by an easy meal. Darwin Harbour’s large tidal movements, which can reach up to 8 metres (26 feet), bring large numbers of fish close to shore for a few hours at a time. Doctors Gully is an official marine sanctuary and these fish are protected. The wild fish are now accustomed to people, and many will feed right from your hand.
Aquascene facilitates the feeding of these inquisitive creatures. The centre provides visitors with bread and has established some shallow platforms out of the way of stingrays, where you can stand with the fish swimming around your feet.
Several species are regulars at the feedings. Spot the toothless milkfish, which can grow over a metre (3 feet) long, and see the impressive whiskers of the catfish. Feed the diamond-scaled mullet, who are usually not afraid to nibble on the bread in your outstretched hand. Rays, rock cod, and colourful parrotfish are shyer, but you can sometimes see those species lurking behind the more inquisitive visitors of the bay.
Aquascene’s guides are on hand to help identify the fish species, so you’ll be able to name the fish you met afterwards.
When the tide runs out, the fish follow the water back out to the Timor Sea. Before you leave, browse the Aquascene kiosk for keepsakes such as children’s colouring-in books, magnets and T-shirts. The gardens around Aquascene are also worth a stroll: you can see orchids there, within a tropical rainforest setting.
Doctors Gully is located just off Darwin’s esplanade, an easy walk from the city centre. The fish feeding usually lasts for about an hour. Morning sessions between December and August are best if you want to see very large numbers of fish. Bring sunscreen and a hat, because there is not much shade available. It’s also a good idea to wear waterproof sandals if you want to wade in amongst the fish.
Aquascene Tours and Activities
Visit Aquascene
Plan a trip to see Aquascene
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Reviewed on 20 May 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 71 activitiesOpens in new tabDarwin City Explorer Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu-2 Day Tour. The best Itinerary.
Water activities
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Shows & concerts
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabKakadu National Park, 4x4, 4-6 guests only, Day Trip w/lunch
Popular places to visit
Bicentennial Park
Take a break from the city and stroll through this calming natural space. Pass harbour views, native flora and sobering war monuments.
Crocosaurus Cove
This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.
Darwin War Memorial
You can learn about the history of Darwin with a visit to Darwin War Memorial. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
The Esplanade
During your trip to Darwin, you can do some window-shopping at The Esplanade. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Mindil Beach
Explore one of Australia’s best beaches by day or visit by evening to enjoy Asian food, a massage, live music and indigenous crafts at Darwin’s sunset markets.
Cullen Bay Marina
Explore the waterfront in Darwin with a trip to Cullen Bay Marina. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Top Aquascene Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Aquascene
- Holidays and getaways similar to Aquascene
- Are there hotels near Aquascene?
- Hotels near popular Darwin Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Darwin Waterfront
- Mindil Beach
- The Esplanade
- Cullen Bay Marina
- Darwin Convention Centre
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Casuarina Beach
- Hidden Valley Raceway
- Smith Street Mall
- SKYCITY Casino
- Fort Hill Wharf
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Stokes Hill Wharf
- Marrara Sports Complex
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Darwin Waterfront
- Hotels near Mindil Beach
- Hotels near The Esplanade
- Hotels near Cullen Bay Marina
- Hotels near Darwin Harbour
- Hotels near Darwin Convention Centre
- Hotels near Mindil Beach Sunset Market
- Hotels near Casuarina Beach
- Hotels near Hidden Valley Raceway
- Hotels near Smith Street Mall
- Hotels near SKYCITY Casino
- Hotels near Government House
- Hotels near Fort Hill Wharf
- Hotels near Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Hotels near Stokes Hill Wharf
- Hotels near Wave Lagoon
- Hotels near Marrara Sports Complex
- Hotels near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Hotels near Darwin Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near Parap Village Markets