Adelaide River is a historic town with some World War II-era historical sites—it was bombed during the war—but most travelers use it as a base for exploring the Rum Jungle and Daly River areas, as well as to go on jumping croc cruises. On these cruises, travelers travel down the Adelaide River with knowledgeable guides, who dangle pieces of meat to entice large saltwater crocodiles to jump up and catch it. Other birds and wildlife can also be seen from these cruises, including buffalos, jabirus, sea eagles, kites, and snakes.
Many travelers visit the Adelaide River area independently, and tours also operate. Multi-day tours that include the Litchfield National Park, Darwin, and the Kakadu National Park often include a stop at Adelaide River.