$118 Cheap Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)

Popular airlines from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

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Cheap Flights from Darwin to Melbourne (DRW-MEL)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $118 for one-way flights and $323 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Virgin Australia
Qantas Airways

Find the cheapest month to fly from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $235 - $387 per traveler.

Graph displaying average flight prices per month

Alternative airports near Melbourne

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Melbourne (MEL)
Origin airport
Darwin Intl.
Destination airport
Tullamarine
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Roundtrip price
$322
Distance
1946 mi
Average flight time
4 hours 40 mins

Darwin to Melbourne Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Darwin to Melbourne

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Darwin to Melbourne are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Darwin to Melbourne with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Darwin to Melbourne

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Darwin to Melbourne: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Darwin to Melbourne

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Darwin to Melbourne in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $118 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Darwin to Melbourne flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Darwin to Melbourne airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) cost?
Cheap round-trip fares from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) start from $439. This information is based on the cheapest price found on Expedia for this return journey departing within the next three months. This airfare is for a Virgin Australia flight leaving DRW on August 4 2025 and touching down at MEL. The price was last updated on July 13 2025 and has not changed since.
What is the cheapest month to fly from DRW to MEL?
The cheapest flights from DRW to MEL are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
Which airlines fly direct from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Skip the layovers and fly direct from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) with 3 airlines, including:

  • Qantas
  • Jetstar
  • Virgin Australia

What is the cheapest airline that flies from DRW to MEL?
Right now, the cheapest airline operating one-way flights from DRW to MEL is Virgin Australia. You can jet off on this route from $213. This fare is based on the lowest price found on Expedia departing within the next three months. The flight takes off from DRW on August 27 2025. Prices were last updated on July 13 2025 and have not changed since.
How many flights per day from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
With an average of 2 direct flights departing from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) each day, you'll be on your way in no time.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Flights between DRW and MEL are busiest at 12 AM. If you're after a more relaxed atmosphere and possibly cheaper fares, look for a departure outside the usual busy windows.
What day of the week has the most flights from DRW to MEL?
Saturday has the most flights from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Consider traveling on this day and you'll have a greater chance of finding a schedule that works for you.
What is the earliest flight from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)'s earliest flight to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) leaves at approximately 12:40AM UTC+9. With a total flight time of 4h 15m, you'll arrive at around 6:25AM UTC+11.
How long does it take to fly from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
It takes roughly 4 hours and 24 minutes to fly the 1,950 mi from DRW to MEL.
What is the best time to fly from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
To avoid possible delays on the Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) route, aim to travel before 3 PM. Departures after this hour have a 22% higher chance of cancellation.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
What airports do you fly into for Melbourne from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the only airport in Melbourne with direct flights from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW). Explore your options and find cheap fares on Expedia.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) last-minute?
Waiting until just before your departure to book a ticket from DRW to MEL often results in higher prices. While you may come across some last-minute deals, they aren't always guaranteed. Be flexible with your travel plans to boost your chances of scoring a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a DRW to MEL flight and hotel package?
Opting for a DRW to MEL flight and hotel package tends to be cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the convenience of organizing your trip in one place. Pick from our impressive range of stays and then add car rentals, activities and flights to your booking. Bundle it all together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) to Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
It's generally possible to reschedule or cancel your DRW to MEL flight. However, for bookings made more than 24 hours ago, additional charges may apply. Refer to your airline's policies in your itinerary to see what changes are possible and whether any costs are involved. You'll also find more details on our Customer Service portal.

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