How to Get There

By Air:

Darwin has an international airport (www.darwinairport.com.au), which services direct flights from Asia. The domestic airport is linked by various local airlines to all the major cities in Australia (although often with a stop on the way). Check www.travelonline.com for flights to and within Australia. Darwin airport is situated 6km from the town centre and is easily reached by shuttle bus (1800 358 945) and taxi. Car hire facilities are also available at the airport.

By Train:

Perhaps the most exciting way to get to Darwin (or to leave it) is by the Ghan (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/), the fabled transcontinental railway recently extended to dissect Australia from north to south and connect Adelaide to Darwin. The southbound route leaves Darwin on Wednesday mornings, and goes via Katherine and Alice Springs in the centre of the continent, is of two nights’ duration and covers 2,979km. The Ghan leaves Adelaide twice a week for Alice, and once a week for the full journey to Darwin. If you’re wondering about the name, legend has it that it is in honour of the Afghan cameleers who pioneered this land in the nineteenth century.

By Bus/Coach:

Darwin is also served by interstate coachlines, from Western Australia via Broome and Kununurra, from Queensland via Mt Isa, or from the south via Alice Springs. Be aware, however, that these are very long coach trips, requiring at least overnight or all day to reach interstate destinations. The transit centre, where all buses arrive and depart, is in the centre of the city.