Flying from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW): What you need to know
Start your travels at one of Melbourne's main airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVV). Explore your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) jetting off from either of these.
The average duration of a direct Melbourne to Darwin International Airport flight is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Darwin International Airport is located in Darwin. The city runs on the UTC+9:30 timezone and is one hour 30 minutes behind Melbourne.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the most popular route. There are 21 direct weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Jetstar at 10:15pm. Go for the first MEL to DRW departure operated by Qantas at 9:10am if you'd rather not wait around.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Be at the airport with enough time to board your flight from Melbourne to DRW.
Heading off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
You can take a direct flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) out of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport leaving from MEL. Reserve your trip with one of these:
Qantas ranks first in bookings for flights from MEL to DRW.
The top on-time carrier on this route is Virgin Australia Regional. Its services land without delay 76.92% of the time.
Located around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 40 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport? Avoid the mad dash to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport:
Of all flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, 67.71% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
You can reach AVV from the centre of Melbourne in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport takes roughly 2 hours 5 minutes to travel the 56 kilometres or so.
Getting everyone to the airport on time before your Melbourne to DRW flight is a lot easier when you stay near Avalon Airport. If you have an early departure, Corio Bay Motel will put you just a short drive away.
Flights from Avalon Airport have a proven record for punctuality, with 80.09% of them arriving right on cue.
About Darwin International Airport (DRW)
If you have a late flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these options near DRW:
Grab a Darwin International Airport rental car and explore Darwin and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty and East Coast are leading providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle around four weeks ahead of your Melbourne to Darwin International Airport flight.
Getting from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to central Darwin
The centre of Darwin is about 3 kilometres from Darwin International Airport. Travel times by car hire or cab will vary based on traffic conditions, so do some research before your trip.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
113 € is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport. A return flight starts at 215 €. These fares can change depending on availability and demand.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Melbourne to DRW if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
Affordable Melbourne to Darwin International Airport tickets are easier to find when your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares across each month and then choose the cheapest day.
Save time looking for cheap plane tickets from Melbourne to DRW by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Nail down a great price on a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when planning the timing of your trip. February is the quietest month to go to Darwin. July is when most people book flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW), which may be perfect if you're chasing more excitement.
The warmest month in Darwin is November, with temperatures ranging between 26ºC (79ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Book your Melbourne to DRW plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
July has temperatures of between 18ºC (64ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Look for cheap tickets from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Darwin
Start your Darwin trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city, it can be hard to know where to begin. Skytour Air Safaris, Mindil Beach and Mindil Beach Park are popular attractions which should feature on any good Darwin itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Katherine East is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be discovered once you've seen Darwin. Around 274 kilometres away to the south-east, popular attractions include Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre, Cutta Cutta Caves and Skate park.
Around 274 kilometres south-east of Darwin, Katherine is another favourite stop in Australia. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Katherine, Katherine Outback Experience and Katherine River.
