$125 Cheap Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Darwin (DRW)

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

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Cheap Flights from Melbourne to Darwin (MEL-DRW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $125 for one-way flights and $332 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Jetstar
Virgin Australia
Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Darwin (DRW)
Origin airport
Tullamarine
Destination airport
Darwin Intl.
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Roundtrip price
$332
Distance
1946 mi

Melbourne to Darwin Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Melbourne to Darwin

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 Melbourne to Darwin are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Darwin

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin: 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 Melbourne to Darwin

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 Melbourne to Darwin in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $125 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 Melbourne to Darwin 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 Melbourne to Darwin 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 Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) cost?
Book cheap return fares starting from $355 from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW). 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 Jetstar and Qantas Airways flight leaving MEL on May 9 2025 and touching down at DRW. The price was last updated on April 28 2025 and has not changed since.
What is the cheapest month to fly from MEL to DRW?
The cheapest flights from MEL to DRW 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 Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Enjoy a seamless journey to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW). 3 carriers offer direct flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL), including:

  • Qantas
  • Jetstar
  • Virgin Australia

What is the cheapest airline that flies from MEL to DRW?
Currently, the cheapest carrier offering one-way flights from MEL to DRW is Virgin Australia. You can take off on this route from $275. This fare is based on the lowest price found on Expedia departing within the next three months. The flight takes off from MEL on May 18 2025. Prices were last updated on April 28 2025 and have not changed since.
How many flights per day from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
With, on average, 2 direct flights departing from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) each day, you’ll be off on your next adventure in no time.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Flights between MEL and DRW are their busiest at 8 PM. If you’d like a quieter trip and potentially cheaper prices, look for a departure that’s outside typical rush times.
What day of the week has the most flights from MEL to DRW?
Fly on a Monday if you’re looking for the biggest selection of flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW).
What is the earliest flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Catch the earliest flight at around 2:50PM UTC+11, departing from Tullamarine Airport (MEL). You’ll be traveling for roughly 4h 35m, landing at Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) at approximately 5:55PM UTC+9.
How long does it take to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
It takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes to cover the 1,950 mi from MEL to DRW.
What airline has the least delays from MEL to DRW?
With 85% of flights usually arriving on time, Jetstar has the best on-time performance for direct flights from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW). To keep track of your flight status and receive notifications about any changes, head to the Expedia App.
What is the best time to fly from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Select a flight from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) that takes off before 3 PM to reduce the likelihood of delays. Departures after this hour are on average 22% more likely to be canceled.**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 Darwin from Tullamarine Airport (MEL)?
Compare your flight options from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW). This is the only Darwin airport you can arrive at if you’re taking a direct flight.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW) last-minute?
Booking your plane ticket from MEL to DRW right before your getaway is typically more expensive. But if there’s some wiggle room with your itinerary, you could score a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a MEL to DRW flight and hotel package?
Securing a MEL to DRW flight and hotel package is typically cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels in one place. Select from our wide range of accommodations and then add activities, car rentals 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 Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin Intl. Airport (DRW)?
Typically, it’s possible to cancel or reschedule your MEL to DRW flight. However, if the booking was made more than 24 hours ago, additional fees may apply. Refer to your airline’s policies in your itinerary to see what changes are allowed and whether any costs are involved. You’ll also find further details on our Customer Service portal.

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