Darwin road trips: Distances and driving times

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, and getting there by land from anywhere else in Australia requires a hefty drive. Usually, this is a great excuse for an epic outback road trip to Australia’s northernmost city.

Once in Darwin, there are several experiences worth checking out. For the daredevils, there are jet ski tours and swimming with massive crocodiles in the Cage of Death. More sedate options include a sunset dinner cruise and a food and art walking tour.

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.

Distances and driving times for road trips starting or ending in Darwin are listed below. Times are estimates created using Google Maps. Click through for full road trip guides.

Darwin road trips: Interstate distances and driving times

Adelaide to Darwin: Distance 3,030km, driving time 31 hours. (More road trips from Adelaide).

Brisbane to Darwin: Distance 3,426km, driving time 36 hours. (More Brisbane road trips).

Cairns to Darwin: Distance 2,356km, driving time 25 hours. (More Cairns road trips).

Camooweal to Darwin: Distance 1,410km, driving time 14h36m.

Cloncurry to Darwin: Distance 1,721km, driving time 18h8m.

Darwin to Kununurra: Distance 828km, driving time 8h37m.

Longreach to Darwin: Distance 2,247km, driving time 23h15m. (More driving times from Longreach).

Mackay to Darwin: Distance 2,830km, driving time 30h. (More Mackay road trips).

Melbourne to Darwin: Distance 3,740km, driving time 39 hours. (More road trips from Melbourne).

Mount Isa to Darwin: Distance 1,600km, driving time 16h31m. (More driving times to Mount Isa).

Sydney to Darwin: Distance 3,942km, driving time 42 hours. (More road trips from Sydney).

Townsville to Darwin: Distance 2,504km, driving time 26h. (More Townsville road trips).

Winton to Darwin: Distance 2,068km, driving time 21h43m. (More driving times to Winton).

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

Darwin distances and driving times within the Northern Territory

Darwin to Alice Springs: Distance 1,497km, driving time 15h9m.

Darwin to Daly Waters: Distance 590km, driving time 6h3m.

Darwin to Jabiru: Distance 254km, driving time 2h40m.

Darwin to Katherine: Distance 317km, driving time 3h12m. (More Katherine driving times).

Mataranka to Darwin: Distance 422km, driving time 4h22m.

Pine Creek to Darwin: Distance 225km, driving time 2h13m.

Tennant Creek to Darwin: Distance 989km, driving time 10h20m. (More Tennant Creek driving times).

Darwin to Uluru: Distance 1,964km, driving time 20h4m. (More Uluru driving times).

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.