Cheap Flights to Darwin Australia

Important information on flights to Darwin

The city of Darwin is the crown jewel of the Northern Territory, known for its incredible outback scenery, Indigenous history and huge saltwater crocodiles. But beneath the quintessential Aussie surface, travellers booking flights to Darwin will find a multicultural city filled with world-class markets, year-round festivals and incredible food.

Start your tour of the city’s highlights by taking a stroll through the Waterfront Precinct, where you'll be pleased to discover ample water parks along the esplanade. If you’re on a family holiday, the kids will love spending time in the croc-safe wave pool. It’s also right by Smith Street Mall, where you can stop for a bite to eat in one of the alfresco cafés or visit the heritage-listed pub.

Darwin is surrounded by nearby hidden gems, with some of the best national parks in Australia just a drive away. Pack a picnic and enjoy some incredible hikes through vast bushland, where you’ll uncover impressive red rock waterfalls and clear water plunge pools. Or tour the thousands-year-old Aboriginal rock art and learn the history of the local Indigenous people. For a true outback experience, consider camping overnight to witness some incredible star-gazing. You could also use your flights to Darwin as the starting point of one of the world’s most scenic train rides.

As soon as you land at Darwin Airport (DRW), you’ll be warmly welcomed by the heat of Australia’s northernmost city, offering experiences like no other. Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to cruise along the crocodile-filled rivers or search the trees for owls at the Darwin Botanic Gardens. Whether you’re after a creepy crawly thrill or the serenity of vast landscapes, find cheap flights to Darwin and start planning your ideal trip today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights To Darwin

How long does it take to fly to Darwin?

Due to its northern location, flights to Darwin can be longer in duration compared to other domestic flights within Australia. Travelling from other northern cities, such as Cairns and Townsville, takes up to 3 hours, while flights from Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne take close to 4 hours or more. For further detail on the journey times of popular Darwin flights, see below:

3 hours 50 mins From Adelaide
4 hours 20 mins From Brisbane
2 hours 30 mins From Cairns
4 hours 25 mins From Melbourne
3 hours 30 mins From Perth
4 hours 35 mins From Sydney
2 hours 50 mins From Townsville

When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Darwin?

September to November is considered a good time to find cheap flights to Darwin. The same can be said for March to May, as travelling during the shoulder seasons typically means avoiding peak tourist periods. However, deals on flights to Darwin can be found at any time of year and booking in advance can also help to secure cheaper airfares

Which airlines offer direct flights to Darwin?

The main airlines offering direct flights to Darwin are Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas. Availability will depend on your departure location, which you can enter into our deal finder to find cheap flights to Darwin today.

What is the airport code for flights to Darwin?

The airport code for flights to Darwin Airport is DRW.

What terminal will I arrive in for domestic flights to Darwin?

Darwin Airport operates from a single terminal building. All domestic flights land at the main terminal.

What terminal will I arrive in for international flights to Darwin?

All international flights to Darwin land in the main terminal building.

What is the best time of year to book flights to Darwin?

The best time of year to book flights to Darwin is during the off-peak periods of March to May and September to November. These times fall between the heights of the wet and dry seasons, so you’re still likely to experience pleasant weather and more moderate tourist crowds. However, if you’re looking to avoid the humidity altogether, June to August is a popular time to visit. To find cheap flights to Darwin during this time, we highly recommend booking in advance to take advantage of any special deals.

What cities can I fly to Darwin from?

Darwin Airport (DRW) is the 10th busiest in Australia, servicing an abundance of Darwin flights every day. If you’re flying domestically, you can choose to depart from a number of cities, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.

How far is it from the airport in Darwin to the CBD?

Situated 12 kilometres northeast of the CBD, Darwin Airport (DRW) can be reached in just 15 minutes by car and vice versa. Taxis, rideshare and shuttle services are also available to connect travellers to their accommodation.

What Are Darwin’s Top Attractions?

Darwin Waterfront Precinct

Darwin is pretty hot and steamy year-round, so it makes sense for the city to have a wave pool and free swimming lagoon – especially when its beautiful beaches are home to saltwater crocs. As well as offering two safe places to swim, the Waterfront Precinct boasts a selection of eateries, from cute cafés to modern dining. Kids can burn their energy at the shaded playground or take on the obstacles at the Aqua Park.

Jumping Crocodile Cruise

It’s hard to fathom the size of a saltwater crocodile until you see it with your own eyes, and Darwin is the perfect place to do so. The Jumping Crocodile Cruise heads out on the Adelaide River, giving passengers an educational thrill as they cruise into territory ruled by prehistoric creatures. Run by avid wildlife experts, you’ll witness the natural behaviours of the saltwater crocodiles with plenty of facts (and jokes) thrown in for good measure.

Crocosaurus Cove

If crocodile curiosity is one of your main reasons for booking flights to Darwin, you can’t miss plunging into the “Cage of Death”. Crocosaurus Cove is home to 200 saltwater crocodiles and the only crocodile dive in Australia, allowing you to (safely) swim alongside the large, scaly species. If you don’t want to get wet, there’s plenty else to do at the park, including daily reptile presentations, croc feeding shows and a freshwater aquarium.

Litchfield National Park

Brimming with misty waterfalls, scenic walking trails and adventurous 4WD tracks, it’s no wonder this place has earned a spot among the best national parks in Australia. Located just one hour drive from Darwin, it's an ideal day trip activity, with all the best attractions found close to each other, so you can spend less time driving and more time taking it all in. One of the most popular treks in the Litchfield National Park is the Wangi Falls hike, which takes you to a huge plunge pool at the base of a red rock waterfall.

Kakadu National Park

The Kakadu National Park is a further trek from Darwin, but the three-hour drive is well worth it. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Aboriginal rock art that is more than 20,000 years old, with an Indigenous history that spans over 40,000 years. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in a sunset at Nadab Lookout or head to Gunlom Falls, where parts of ‘Crocodile Dundee’ were filmed. Canoeing through Katherine Gorge is a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes, surrounded by dramatic rock formations as you glide through the water.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Held every week from Thursday to Sunday, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a tasty way to experience Darwin’s multiculturalism. You can sample food from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Portugal, India, Greece, China, Malaysia and Brazil. With over 200 unique stalls featuring homewares, leather goods, Australian opals and skincare, it’s no wonder it’s one of Australia's best weekend markets.

Darwin Festival

If you’re looking to book flights to Darwin in August, consider lining up your dates with the Darwin Festival. Over 18 days, the city comes alive with cabaret, comedy, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Enjoy balmy evenings under the twinkling lights as you marvel at the performances and dip between the delicious food stalls and pop-up bars.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Darwin?

An important thing to know when considering flights to Darwin is that it’s typically hot year-round, with most days easily reaching 30°C. The wet season runs from November to April, while the dry season is from May to October. One of the best times to visit Darwin is during the peak of the dry season (June to August), as the days are warm, but the nights are cool. The ease in humidity at this time of year also makes the city more comfortable to explore for those not used to the heat.

However, if you’re after a balance of reasonably-priced airfares and pleasant weather, try travelling during the shoulder seasons. September to November and March to May aren’t as prone to rainfall as summer. Though, for those travelling from December to February, you’re likely to encounter some epic outback thunderstorms and some of the best sunsets. And when the heat gets too much, there are plenty of local bars and dining haunts to cool off in.