Sydney to Darwin flight time
The Sydney to Darwin flight time is from four hours and 25 minutes, although exact duration depends on which airline you pick.
The Sydney to Darwin flight time is one of the longest for an Australian domestic flight. Connecting the New South Wales and Northern Territory capitals pretty much crosses the whole continent.
Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.
Darwin is much closer to Indonesia than it is to Sydney, and you should bear that in mind when booking a Sydney to Darwin flight.
Three airlines run direct flights from Sydney to Darwin – Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. The duration of the flights varies by airline.
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.
Sydney to Darwin flight time by airline
The Sydney to Darwin flight time is 4h25m, as long as you fly with Jetstar. With Qantas, the Sydney to Darwin flight time is 4h30m. With Virgin Australia, it’s four hours and 50 minutes.
The deciding factor when booking one of these flights to Darwin, however, is likely to be either cost or arrival time.
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.
Sydney to Darwin flight arrival times
Most direct Sydney to Darwin flights land shortly before midnight, but Qantas offers a morning option.
If you want to make the most of your first day in Darwin, then paying more for the Qantas flight is arguably worth it. Let’s face it, getting to your hotel after midnight is rarely much fun – although the overnight red eye journey in the opposite direction on the way back is worse.
Darwin flight prices
Prices for flights to Darwin from Sydney tend to start at around $250 one way with Jetstar. One way fares with Qantas are often nearer the $350 mark, with Virgin Australia somewhere in between.
Visitors travelling from overseas should try to build the Sydney to Darwin flight into their international ticket. This can lead to significant discounts compared to buying all legs of the itinerary separately.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
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.