Are direct flights from Darwin to Mackay always the best option?

Direct flights offer convenience by reducing travel time and avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the most budget-friendly choice. Flights with connections can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you are willing to spend more time traveling.

Can flexible travel dates help on Darwin to Mackay flights?

Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact the price of your flight. Shifting your departure or return by a few days may reveal more affordable options. Weekday travel or flying during less popular times often results in lower fares.

What extra costs should I check before booking Darwin to Mackay flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport. Factor these into your total travel budget.

Flights From Darwin

To Mackay

Cheap Flights from Darwin to Mackay

Browse current best options from Darwin. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Darwin

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Mackay

Prices updated 2 days ago

405 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Darwin to Mackay

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Darwin to Mackay

2027-01-11 – 2027-01-17
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$722
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-06 – 2027-01-11
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$732
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-14 – 2027-01-23
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$716
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-07 – 2027-01-11
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$720
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-22 – 2027-01-26
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$728
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-17
DRW - Mackay
68% AI deal score
A$680
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-11 – 2027-01-20
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$712
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-14 – 2027-01-21
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$726
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-10 – 2027-01-25
DRW - Mackay
68% AI deal score
A$677
A$578
Round trip
2027-01-11 – 2027-01-13
DRW - Mackay
74% AI deal score
A$710
A$578
Round trip

Darwin to Mackay: Overview

Insights for flights from Darwin to Mackay

For flights from Darwin to Mackay, fares typically range from $570 to $995, with a median of $722. Right now, current fares are below the typical level, and 1% of recent fares were classified as a good price. New deals appear almost daily, suggesting frequent opportunities to find competitive pricing for this route.

When considering cheap flights from Darwin to Mackay, the cheapest time to fly is often in January or March, both with a median fare of $256. February also offers competitive pricing, with a median fare of $273.

A typical journey from Darwin to Mackay takes about 9h 5m, including connections. This is because most itineraries connect at least once, with the median number of stopovers being 2 for connecting flights.

The distance between Darwin and Mackay is 2175 kilometers, classifying this as a medium-haul route. This distance typically involves a longer travel time due to the need for connecting flights.

How much is a round trip from Darwin to Mackay

Regular price: A$625 - A$903

Prices for flights from Darwin to Mackay are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Darwin to Mackay is AUD 625 to AUD 903. The current lowest deal is AUD 578 with Virgin Australia Regional Airlines for travel from Jan 11-Jan 17.

now A$578

Low A$625

High A$903

The cheapest time to fly from Darwin to Mackay

The cheapest month to fly from Darwin to Mackay is March, with a median price of $236. The most expensive month is July, with a median price of $937. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

March

Cheapest

Flights from A$236

July

Most Expensive

Flights from A$937

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Darwin to Mackay

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

Jetstar

Last-minute flights going from Darwin to Mackay

Sat, Aug 1

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$1,283

A$874

One-way

Tue, Aug 25

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$885

A$690

One-way

Tue, Aug 25

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$886

A$691

One-way

Wed, Aug 26

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$884

A$687

One-way

Wed, Aug 26

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$886

A$690

One-way

Thu, Aug 27

⌛ Last-Minute

DRW - Mackay

Darwin (DRW) - Mackay (MKY)

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines

A$887

A$690

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Darwin to Mackay

1 night

Aug 1 - Aug 2

A$1,283 → A$874

32%

3 nights

Sep 4 - Sep 7

A$1,003 → A$598

40%

6 nights

Sep 1 - Sep 7

A$963 → A$598

38%

3 nights

Sep 17 - Sep 20

A$990 → A$734

26%

Popular Airports to fly from Darwin to Mackay

Darwin - Mackay route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Darwin to Mackay are below the typical level at $578.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in March for the best prices

Historically, March is the cheapest month to fly from Darwin to Mackay, with a median price of $236.

⏱️ Flight duration

Connecting flights take 9h 5m

Connecting flights from Darwin to Mackay typically take 9h 5m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Most flights from Darwin to Mackay include 2 stopovers, with no direct flights available.

🏆 Airline highlight

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines offers deals

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines has offered 97 deals on this route recently.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals on flights from Darwin to Mackay are frequent, appearing often over 30 days.

Darwin main airports to depart from

Darwin International (DRW)

Cheapest

Darwin International Airport is a convenient departure point for flights from Darwin to Mackay.

📍 ~6 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~A$615

Mackay main airports to arrive at

Mackay (MKY)

Cheapest

Mackay Airport is a convenient arrival choice for flights from Darwin to Mackay.

📍 ~3 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~A$615

Airports nearby Mackay used as alternative

Whitsunday Coast (PPP)

Cheapest

Whitsunday Coast is a practical alternative due to its mainland proximity and frequent commercial service.

📍 ~135 km from Mackay (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive)

💸 Flights from ~A$603

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Mackay

69% AI deal score

$1,977

$1,349

Save $628

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Mackay

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices from various airlines and booking sites can also help you identify better deals. Sometimes, flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons may result in lower fares.

Booking flights in advance, often several weeks or months before your intended departure, may help you secure better prices. However, prices can fluctuate, so monitoring fare trends is usually beneficial. Last-minute deals are less common but can occasionally appear.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes reveal alternative flight options or potentially lower fares. While not always applicable, expanding your search radius may offer more choices. Always consider the additional travel time and cost to reach a different airport.

Darwin to Mackay: Overview

Insights for flights from Darwin to Mackay

The distance between Darwin and Mackay is 2175 kilometers, classifying this as a medium-haul route. This distance typically involves a longer travel time due to the need for connecting flights.

How much is a round trip from Darwin to Mackay

Regular price: A$625 - A$903

Prices for flights from Darwin to Mackay are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Darwin to Mackay is AUD 625 to AUD 903. The current lowest deal is AUD 578 with Virgin Australia Regional Airlines for travel from Jan 11-Jan 17.

now A$578

Low A$625

High A$903

The cheapest time to fly from Darwin to Mackay

March

Cheapest

Flights from A$236

July

Most Expensive

Flights from A$937

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec