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Sunshine Coast to Darwin

Top Things to Do and See

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is only an hour away from Darwin by car, and it makes for an exciting day trip when you’re travelling from the Sunshine Coast to Darwin. The park is teeming with beautiful hikes, waterfalls, and watering holes that are free from crocs and safe for swimming. Another icon to Litchfield National Park is the hundreds of magnetic termite mounds found there. Some of the mounds reach up to two metres (6.6 feet) high and date back as much as 100 years. A few of the must-visit spots in Litchfield include Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole, and the Blyth Homestead.

Crocosaurus Cove

The saltwater crocodile is one of the Top End’s most famous residents. It’s best to avoid them in the wild, but Crocosaurus Cove provides a fun and safe environment where visitors can get up close and personal with some crocs. Learn about crocodiles through different exhibits, get the chance to hold a baby croc, and watch crocodile feedings. If you’re feeling extra daring, you may consider trying the Cage of Death. Visitors enter a clear cage and get lowered into a pool alongside a five-metre (16.4-foot) crocodile.

Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach is located on the western end of Darwin. It’s a beautiful tropical beach and is one of the best places in Darwin to watch the sunset. Mindil Beach is perfect for scenic coastal walks, but it’s not for swimming – crocodiles and jellyfish can be present in the water. If you fly from Sunshine Coast to Darwin during the dry season, head over there on Thursday and Sunday evenings for the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. The market features more than 200 stalls selling a variety of food and local crafts.

The Best Time to Visit

Darwin is located in the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory and has two distinct seasons – dry and wet.

The dry season falls between May and October and is widely seen as the best time to travel from the Sunshine Coast to Darwin. Humidity levels are low, there’s little to no rain, and you can enjoy plenty of sunshine without extreme heat. Temperatures typically range from about 20° to 33°C, but the low humidity makes even the hottest days feel comfortable. Dry season is the busiest time of year to travel to Darwin, so get your hotel booked early for the best rates.

Wet season takes place between November and April. Temperatures heat up, regularly reaching 34°C with high humidity, regular rain, and some monsoonal storms. Although the weather isn’t ideal, you may consider booking flights from Sunshine Coast to Darwin during this time if you’re on a budget – it’s the low season, and most hotels lower their rates. Note that crocodiles are more abundant during the wet season, so take extra precautions. Never go swimming somewhere unless it’s clearly posted that it’s safe to do so.

The Cost of Visiting

Once you’ve locked in your Sunshine Coast to Darwin flights, you can find great deals on accommodation with Webjet as well. The average rate is about $150 AUD per night, but you can also look into budget hostels that start around $55 AUD per night.

Having a rental car is the best way to get around Darwin and the surrounding area. Hire your car with Webjet for rates starting around $75 AUD per day. A public bus is also available to visitors. Single fares cost $3 AUD, and a day pass is $7 AUD.

There are dozens of fun places to have on your radar when you’ll be travelling from the Sunshine Coast to Darwin. Entrance to Crocosaurus Cove costs $36 AUD for adults and $23 AUD for kids. Daredevils can get an extra thrill in the Cage of Death experience, which costs $175 AUD for one person or $270 AUD for two. Passes to visit Kakadu National Park cost $40 AUD during the dry season and $25 AUD during the wet, and they’re valid for seven days. The region’s other top national park, Litchfield, is free to visit. Get to know some of the Northern Territory’s furry residents at the Territory Wildlife Park where tickets cost $37 AUD for adults and $18.50 AUD for children.

FAQ

Can I fly from Sunshine Coast to Darwin?

You can’t fly direct from the Sunshine Coast to Darwin; however, you can travel between the two with a stopover on the way.

How far is Darwin from Sunshine Coast?

Darwin and the Sunshine Coast are located about 3,460 kilometres (2,150 miles) apart. Flights between the two can arrive in about 8 hours and 45 minutes including a stopover.

What airlines fly from Sunshine Coast to Darwin?

Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar each offer Sunshine Coast to Darwin flights with a stopover.