Is there a flight to Groote Eylandt from Darwin?

You can take a flight to Groote Eylandt from Darwin in the Northern Territory. But you need a permit to visit, and the Darwin to Groote Eylandt flights with Airnorth are very expensive.

Even the most completist explorers of Australia don’t tend to make it as far as Groote Eylandt. In the Northern Territory’s Top End, this is the fourth largest island in Australia. But it’s in the little-visited Gulf of Carpentaria, off the eastern edge of the Arnhem Land.

It is possible to get to Groote Eylandt without flying. Sealink runs a ferry service from the tiny settlement of Numbulwar. But it’s probably a good job that the 2,800 residents of Groote Eylandt don’t have to rely on getting a ferry than driving across the Arnhem Land.

7 great Darwin experiences to book before arriving

Swim face to face with an enormous crocodile in the Cage of Death.
Enjoy the romance of Darwin Harbour on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch.
Explore Darwin’s food and art scenes on a 3.5 hour walking tour – with lunch or dinner included.
Flit between Darwin’s top attractions with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Combine a wildlife tour with the famous jumping crocodiles cruise.
Get a history fix on a Bombing of Darwin WWII tour and harbour cruise.
Get the adrenalin pumping on a high speed airboat or jetski tour.

Direct flights from Darwin to Groote Eylandt

The easier way to get to this remote island is on a direct flight to Groote Eylandt from Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and northernmost city in Australia. Airnorth operates flights from Darwin to Groote Eylandt on a somewhat erratic schedule. Some days there are three domestic flights, some days there are none.

Ticket prices for the flight to Groote Eylandt from Darwin start at $272, one way. That’s quite expensive.

You’ll work out why when you’re surrounded by miners on board. Groote Eylandt is remote, and considerable percentage of the people flying there are working on the island’s manganese mine. If the company’s paying for the tickets, the airline can afford to ramp up the prices.

The flight to Groote Eylandt from Darwin takes around one hour and 35 minutes.

Six amazing day trips from Darwin that will improve your visit

Litchfield National Park day tour – including jumping crocodile cruise. (💲 Great value 💲)
Tiwi Islands Indigenous cultural experience including ferry.
One day or four day Kakadu National Park tour.
Kakadu scenic flight – with gorges, waterfalls and epic floodplains. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full day Katherine day tour – including Katherine Gorge cruise.
Arnhem Land full day tour – with ancient rock art.

BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

David Warren and the black box

On the plane will be something we have a Groote Eylandter to thank for. David Warren, the inventor of the black box flight data recorder, was born on Groote Eylandt in 1925. He was born to missionary parents, and was the first non-Aboriginal child born on the island.

Groote Eylandt is part of the East Arnhem Land, private land under the control of the traditional Aboriginal owners. Permits are required to enter. In Groote Eylandt’s case, you need a recreation permit from the Anindilyakwa Land Council.

There isn’t much tourism on the island, but Groote Eylandt fishing tours are something of a dream for cashed-up angling obsessives.

The best places to stay in Darwin

You can check out deals on a wide range of Darwin accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.

For luxury on a special occasion: The superior suites with direct lagoon pool access at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
For the buzziest location at the Waterfront: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
The one with the best guest ratings: Hudson Parap.
For affordable city centre apartments with a pool: City Gardens Apartments.
For the magic combo of quality, price and location: Travelodge Resort Darwin.