FAQ Visiting Aquascene

Last Updated 11th March 2026

 

Q: What is Aquascene?

Aquascene is a unique wildlife experience at Doctors Gully in Darwin, Northern Territory, where wild fish come to the shore to be hand-fed at every high tide. It is one of Darwin's most iconic and loved tourist attractions, welcoming over 60,000 visitors each year. The site is set within a protected marine sanctuary on Darwin Harbour.

 

Q: Where is Aquascene located?

Aquascene is located at 28 Doctors Gully Road, Larrakeyah, Darwin NT 0820 — just a short walk from the Darwin CBD, at the end of Doctors Gully Road on the harbour foreshore.

 

Q: What are the fish feeding times?

Fish feeding times at Aquascene are determined by the natural high tide cycle and change daily. Current feeding times are listed on our website at aquascene.com.au. We recommend checking before you visit as times vary each day. SEE TIDE & FEEDING TIMES

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Q: How long does a visit to Aquascene take?

You are not required to stay for the entire feeding session. Most guests stay for around one hour, but you are welcome to stay for as little or as long as you like within the feeding time slot. There is no rush — enjoy the experience at your own pace.

 

Q: Is Aquascene open year round?

Yes, Aquascene operates year round. Darwin's tropical climate means conditions vary between the Dry Season (May–October) and the Wet Season (November–April). Fish feeding happens at every high tide regardless of season, though we recommend checking the website for any weather-related updates during the Wet Season.

 

Q: Do I need to book in advance?

No booking is required for a general visit to Aquascene. Simply arrive before or at the advertised high tide feeding time. Group bookings and special visits may require advance arrangements — please contact us via the website.

 

Prices & Tickets

 

Q: How much does it cost to visit Aquascene?

Admission prices are: Adult $15.00 | Child (3–15 years) $10.00 | Senior $10.00 | Concession Card Holder $10.00 | Family (2 Adults + 2 or 3 Children aged 3–15) $43.00. Children under 3 years are free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate on arrival.

 

Q: Are there discounts available for groups or schools?

Yes. Group bookings of over 15 visitors are available — please contact us to organise. Enquiries from schools are most welcome. Concession card holders also receive discounted entry at $10.00 per person.

 

Q: What is the Fin-tastic Adventure Pass?

The Fin-tastic Adventure Pass is perfect for Territorians who love Aquascene. For just $5 extra on top of your admission ticket, you receive unlimited visits to Aquascene for an entire year. Passes can be purchased online or at the gate. If purchased online, enter your voucher code when booking to secure your free return visits. If purchased at Aquascene, simply show your pass on arrival — no need to book online.

 

Q: Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online at aquascene.com.au or at the gate of Aquascene when you arrive for your fish feeding experience. No advance booking is required for individual or family visits.

 

Q: Is fish food provided or do I need to bring my own?

food  is provided to feed the fish at Aquascene as part of your entry. You do not need to bring anything — just turn up and enjoy the experience.

 

The Fish

 

Q: What types of fish can you see at Aquascene?

Aquascene is home to a wide variety of Darwin Harbour fish species including mullet, catfish, milkfish, batfish and bream. The species and numbers vary with the tides and seasons, making every visit a little different.

 

Q: Why do the fish come to shore at Aquascene?

The tradition of hand-feeding fish at Doctors Gully was started by renowned diver Carl Atkinson in 1958, who began throwing bread scraps to fish he spotted in the water. Over the decades, generations of fish have learned to come to the shore at high tide to be fed. The site was declared an official marine sanctuary in 1964, protecting the fish and their habitat.

 

Q: Are the fish wild?

Yes — all the fish at Aquascene are completely wild. They are not kept in tanks or enclosures. They freely come and go with the tides and choose to visit the shore to feed. This makes the experience entirely natural and unique.

 

Q: Can you touch or hold the fish?

The fish will naturally swim around and over your feet and hands during feeding. While they are not pets, the interaction is very close and personal. Aquascene is a protected marine sanctuary so the fish and their environment must be treated with care and respect.

 

Getting There & Parking

 

Q: Is there parking at Aquascene?

Yes — there is free parking available at Aquascene with plenty of spaces for cars and coaches. Aquascene is easily accessible by car and is also within walking distance of Darwin's CBD.

 

Q: Can I get to Aquascene by bus or public transport?

Yes — the Big Red Hop On Hop Off Bus stops at 117 Mitchell Street (between the corner of Daly Street and Catalina Apartments, next to the car wash) and drops visitors at the top of Doctors Gully Road. Pick-up is available from the Darwin Visitor Centre at the Bennett Street end of the Smith Street Mall. Aquascene is also within easy walking distance of Darwin's CBD.

 

Accessibility & Families

 

Q: Is Aquascene accessible for people with disabilities?

Absolutely — we warmly welcome visitors of all abilities to Aquascene and encourage everyone to enjoy the experience. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements and we will do our best to assist.

 

Q: Is Aquascene suitable for young children?

Aquascene is one of Darwin's most family-friendly attractions and is perfect for children of all ages. Young children love the close interaction with the fish. Supervision of children near the water's edge is recommended.

 

Q: Is Aquascene suitable for elderly visitors?

Yes — Aquascene is a gentle, low-intensity experience suitable for elderly visitors. Discounted senior pricing is available. If you have mobility concerns please contact us in advance.

 

Q: Can I bring my dog?

As we are an aniaml sanctuary wtih not just our amazing fish but a laerge number of bir and other marinelife we respectfuly ask taht dogs be not brought to the property 

 

History & Environment

 

Q: What is the history of Doctors Gully?

Doctors Gully has a rich history stretching back centuries — from ancient Chinese seafarers and Darwin's first market garden to a WWII Catalina flying boat base. The area takes its name from Dr Robert Peel, surgeon on Surveyor General Goyder's 1869 survey expedition, who discovered a freshwater spring on the site. Explore the full history on our History pages at aquascene.com.au/history.

 

Q: Is Doctors Gully a protected marine sanctuary?

Yes — the waters of Doctors Gully are an officially declared marine sanctuary protected under the Commonwealth Government. This protection preserves the natural habitat that makes the fish feeding experience possible. PUblic fishing in the boundaries can carry a $10,000 fine

 

Q: Who started the fish feeding at Aquascene?

The fish feeding tradition was started by Carl Atkinson, a renowned deep-sea diver and adventurer who lived at Doctors Gully from 1945 to 1979. He began feeding fish bread scraps in 1958 and successfully had the area declared a marine reserve in 1964. He famously refused to ever eat the fish, saying 'one doesn't eat one's friends'. Read his full story at aquascene.com.au/history/carl-atkinson.

 

Q: Can I take photos at Aquascene?

Yes — photography is very welcome at Aquascene. The fish feeding provides fantastic close-up photo opportunities, and the harbour setting makes for a beautiful backdrop. We love seeing your photos — tag us on social media!