In Reply to: re darwin flight posted by alleylou on Saturday, 17. July 2010 at 20:19 Bali Time:
Hi there,
We had to fly via Darwin as they were the only flights left for when we wanted to fly....and they weren't cheap so at least you have that consolation!!
When we got off the plane from Melbourne there was a long queue into the international area. You do not have to join this straight away...we did 'cos we didn't know any better. They have one scanning machine and then you walk through the Dutyfree store and into a departure lounge which only has a small coffee shop. You cannot leave this area once you have gone through. The other part of the airport although only small has at least more variety so IF I were to do it again we'd wait a little longer in the domestic area...although it doesn't really matter; you still have to wait.
We bought our duty free and also chose our alcohol to pick up on the way home. You come back in the same way. Even though it's 3 in the morning they are there ready and waiting for you! We cleared customs in Darwin.
I think the worst bit is that you can't check in for the Melbourne flight until two hours prior so we had to sit around downstairs with our luggage for 2 hours before we could check in and then go upstairs where they had more comfortable seating. There's no problem bringing your dutyfree back on the domestic flight.
Hope this helps!