How to Get Around Darwin During Your Next Holiday

Darwin is the smallest amongst Australia’s major cities. But its transport options are very impressive. Thus, getting around Darwin is a breeze. And you’ve got plenty of options if the great city is on your list of places to explore next. This article will teach you to travel like a local and how to get around Darwin during your next holiday!

Purchasing the ‘Tap and Ride Card’ for bus rides in Darwin

If you plan to explore the city like a local, public transport is the most convenient option. Buses offer easy access to all parts of the city. A Tap and Ride card makes paying fares easy and you don’t need to have change ready at hand. The cards can be purchased when boarding the bus for cash payments. You can even buy your Tap and Ride card from any bus interchange hub.

The card, once purchased, is valid for 10 bus rides. Or it can be used for unlimited bus travel for 7 days consecutively. It's easy to use the card since all you do is tap your card on the card reader once you board the bus.

A cash option for paying fares is also available. You can purchase a single bus ticket, which will be valid for 3 hours starting from the time of purchase. The ‘daily ticket’, if purchased, allows you a full day of unlimited travel via bus. These ticket types can be purchased from the bus you board for cash.

When seeking accommodation in Darwin, with plans to use public transport, make sure your hotel is well-located. Some like Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel not only promise easy access to bus, train, and ferry terminals but are close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment in Darwin. Also, to make the most of your stay, consider choosing accommodation from the serviced apartments Darwin has to offer. They are both cost-effective and perfect for an at-home type of stay.

The Bus Network in Darwin

Buses in Darwin have routes marked out between interchanges. And the best route for tourists is route 4 since it covers the waterfront stretch between the Darwin Bus Interchange and the Casuarina Bus Interchange. Along the way, the bus will stop at iconic attractions. Thus, you get to get off at;

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Crocosaurus Cove

Fannie Bay Gaol

Museum Art Gallery Northern Territory

These route 4 buses arrive every 10 to 35 minutes throughout the day.

The Big Bus Tours is a hop-on-hop-off service, which is another good option for sightseeing in Darwin. These are easy to access from your Darwin hotel. You can purchase one day or two-day tickets online for the bus service before travel because online purchases entitle you to a discount. However, if an online purchase is not an option for you, you can purchase the ticket on the day you plan to travel. The Big Bus route starting from the Tourist Information centres covers;

Darwin Military Museum

Waterfront Precinct

Cullen Bay Marina

Travelling between Darwin Airport and the city

Public buses ply between the city and Darwin Airport. If you’re planning to head out to your hotel in Darwin via bus after your arrival at the city, head out to the Charles Eaton Drive located at the airport and hop into the route 3A bus, which will take you to Casuarina Bus Interchange. Around 5 or 7 buses ply this route daily, for easy connections. If you are heading in the opposite direction to Casuarina, get on the route 3C or 3D bus. Purchase the Tap and Go Card from the airport bus interchange and you can start using it to pay your fare instead of worrying about changing currency and having change. You could even buy a single-use ticket. Fares cost the same as those for rides within the city.

Special services provided by Australia transport

All airlines, buses, trains, and ferries in Australia offer wheelchair access as well as being equipped to assist people using other types of mobility aids. Anyone with a mobility impairment can avail themselves of the special service available at Darwin Airport, which includes help with getting on and off the aircraft, moving around the airport and help with baggage.