Getting Around Darwin

Your super-easy guide to getting around Darwin 

Darwin is the smallest of Australia’s capital cities so we’ve put together a no-frills guide to getting around. Here’s a few tips to make your Darwin holiday, super-easy.

Getting around Darwin is easy.  Everything is accessible as there are no major hills within the city.  There are plenty of options for travellers depending on your travel style.

Darwin has a good network of buses, hire-cars, bicycles and scooters which make it easy to get to most of the Northern Territory capital’s attractions.

Taxis and Uber operate throughout Darwin – telephone numbers are nationwide.

Bus – The public bus network in Darwin is easy to use.

• Catch a bus from the central bus interchanges will get you everywhere you wish to go. Tickets can be purchased with a Tap and Ride cardor buy single-trip tickets as you get on-board.
  At a cost of $20, the card will allow you to take 10 bus trips or use your card to access 7 consecutive days of unlimited travel. Single ticket fares are $3 per ride and valid for 3 hours from purchase. Daily tickets are also available for $7, giving you one full day of unlimited bus travel.
• Take the free Shuttle Bus at the Waterfront to explore the sights from Jervois Park to Stokes Hill Wharf and other stops along the way.  The shuttle operates at peak times such as lunch and dinner so hop aboard for an easy way to get around.

Tip:  The most useful bus for visitors is the route 4 bus which travels from Darwin Bus Interchange to Casuarina Bus Interchange via the waterfront.  Stopping at popular attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove, Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Museum and Art Gallery, and the Fannie Bay Gaol.   This bus service runs every 10-35 minutes throughout the day.

Big Bus Tours– The hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to see Darwin’s attractions.

Purchase a 1-day ticket for less than $49.5 or upsize to a 2-day ticket for $42. Tickets are available for purchase on the day, though a 10% discount is available if you pre-book your tickets online.

Explore the Northern Territory’s ‘Top End’.  Hop on to discover the best of Darwin, including lush jungle in the George Brown Botanical Gardens, exotic street food at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove and fascinating local history at the Darwin Military Museum, the Royal Flying Doctors Centreand the amazing 3D Experience of the Bombing of Darwin in the Waterfront Precinct.

Getting to and from the airport

Public buses are available between Darwin Airport and the city.

• Route 3A buses collect passengers from Charles Eaton Drive at the airport and travel to Casuarina Bus Interchange, with 5-7 services per day.
• Route 3C/3D buses do this same journey in the opposite direction.

You can use the Tap and Ride card or buy a single ticket to pay for this airport service.

In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. Darwin Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane.

Locals Tip:  Take normal precautions when walking around Darwin.  it’s quite safe during the day, albeit a bit hotter than you may be used to.  Make sure you take a hat!  Use transport to get around at night as you would in any other city.