Flying from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW): what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport is 4 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Darwin is UTC+9:30, which is one hour 30 minutes behind Melbourne.
Flights from MEL to DRW start from 09:15 — the first with Qantas. The last service of the day is at 21:30 with Jetstar. In total, you can choose from 82 weekly Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport flights.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your MEL to DRW flight.
Traveling during a peak month such as January? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
A variety of airlines offer direct flights from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport, so jetting to Darwin (and then visiting more of Australia!) is easy. Top carriers that fly nonstop include:
The airline most travelers prefer to fly with on this route is Jetstar.
The most punctual carrier operating MEL to DRW flights is Virgin Australia Regional. Its services arrive as planned 76.92% of the time.
We make it simple to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers between MEL and DRW include:
Alice Springs Airport
Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport
Brisbane Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
$101 is currently the best price for a one-way Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport flight. Return flights start from $201. These fares may change based on availability.
Book six months before flying. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from MEL to DRW.
May is the cheapest month for flights from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest airfares for each month.
Getting your hands on cheap flights from MEL to DRW is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals on flights from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport.
Handy information about Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Of the flights that depart from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, 67.71% land on time at their destination.
Central Melbourne to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is approximately 15 miles. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 30 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Expect a trip time of about 40 minutes when using public transport.
Get your vacation off to a hassle-free start by staying near MEL. Whether you've booked an early flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Arriving at Darwin International Airport (DRW)
The last thing you want is a lengthy trip to your hotel if you're arriving on a late Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport flight. Book one of these accommodation options near DRW instead:
Pick up a Darwin International Airport rental car and discover Darwin and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, Thrifty and East Coast are top providers you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from Darwin International Airport about four weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Getting from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to central Darwin
Darwin International Airport is roughly 8 miles from central Darwin. The drive time takes around 15 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
When to fly to Darwin International Airport (DRW)
It's time to choose your dates for your flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport. July is the busiest month to visit Darwin. If you want a more laid-back vibe, go in January.
When booking your flight from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to Darwin International Airport, think about the kind of weather you like. November is the warmest month in Darwin, with the temperature ranging from 79ºF to 93ºF.
Search for cheap tickets from MEL to DRW in July if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 64ºF and 88ºF on average.
Explore more of Australia
Darwin has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of Australia waiting to be explored. Around 270 miles south-west of Darwin, a trip to Kununurra will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Mirima National Park, El Questro Wilderness Park and Ord River.
Around 2 miles north-east of Darwin, Leanyer is another essential stop in Australia. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Parkside Park, Savannah Park and The Rat Den.
