Travelling from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne is 4 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is one hour 30 minutes ahead of Darwin, where Darwin International Airport is located.
Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the most popular route, with 20 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from DRW to MEL is with Virgin Australia Regional at 18:40. Choose the first departure with Virgin Australia Regional at 00:35 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your DRW to Melbourne flight.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
Start your trip at DRW and travel nonstop to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Darwin International Airport to Melbourne tickets.
You can choose from various carriers that operate direct flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, including:
Located around 3 kilometres from the centre of Darwin, DRW can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 35 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to DRW:
When it comes to Darwin International Airport's on-time performance, 75% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne
The best price we've seen for a one-way Darwin International Airport to Melbourne flight is R 2,146. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 5,226. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from DRW to Melbourne, book your journey one month ahead of your departure date.
The best month for landing cheap Darwin International Airport to Melbourne tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an extra saving on cheap flights from DRW to Melbourne.
Save money on your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're opting for a ride-share or a taxi, the drive will take roughly 25 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 35 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Lock in the best rate by booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks before your flight from DRW to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is about 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. Once you've hopped off your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Relax and unpack not long after your DRW to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is a short drive from AVV.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from AVV three weeks in advance often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Once your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne has arrived, the city centre is likely where you're off to next. Essendon Airport (MEB) is around 11 kilometres from central Melbourne.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your break by choosing a hotel near MEB after your DRW to Melbourne flight. Recharge after a day of travel or simply take a moment to find your footing in a new place at:
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne is smart. As well as better deals, you'll get a better selection of vehicle makes and models at MEB.
Best time to go to Melbourne
December is the quietest month for flights from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne, while July is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to Melbourne based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Darwin International Airport to Melbourne plane ticket with a departure in January if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 11ºC (52ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
July sees average temperatures of between 3ºC (37ºF) and 12ºC (54ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from DRW to Melbourne around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Melbourne right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Darwin International Airport to Melbourne:
Melbourne's Gardens and Flinders Street Railway Station are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Melbourne travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Melbourne Park.
Explore more of Australia
Melbourne has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of Australia just waiting to be discovered. About 467 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, a visit to Canberra will keep your itinerary busy. Start with popular sights like National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in Australia, consider Launceston, about 451 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift, Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk and Hollybank Mountain Bike Park are key highlights.