Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct rail link between the Northern Territory and Lismore.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 45 hours of pure driving time.

Yes, you can fly from Darwin to Gold Coast or Brisbane.

What is the best route?

The Stuart and Barkly Highways are the primary arterial roads.

A standard sedan is sufficient for the main highways, but a 4WD is safer for remote areas.

Coolalinga

Lismore

Flight Driving

Coolalinga to Lismore

Updated: 26 May 2026

The journey from Coolalinga to Lismore spans approximately 3,800 kilometers across the Australian continent. Most travelers fly from Darwin International Airport to Gold Coast or Brisbane, then drive south. Driving the entire distance requires navigating the Stuart Highway and Barkly Highway. This route crosses diverse landscapes from tropical savannah to temperate coastal regions. Expect a multi-day journey if driving, or a 7-hour transit via air and road.

Total Distance: 3,850 km driving, 2,950 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Darwin to Gold Coast followed by a 2-hour drive to Lismore.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheapest for groups of three or more, costing roughly $800 in fuel.

Compare Coolalinga to Lismore Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	7 hours	45 hours
Avg Price	$450 - $900	$800 - $1,200
Operator	Qantas or Jetstar	Personal Vehicle
Route	Darwin Airport to Gold Coast Airport, then drive via M1.	Stuart Highway to Barkly Highway, then A87 and A1.
Tip	Book your flight to Gold Coast Airport for the shortest drive to Lismore.	Carry at least 20 liters of extra water and spare fuel when crossing the Barkly Tableland.

Travel Tips

Airport Choice
Fly into Gold Coast Airport rather than Brisbane to save an hour of driving time.
Road Conditions
Check the NT Road Report website before leaving Coolalinga to ensure highways are open.
Fuel Stops
Refuel at every major roadhouse on the Barkly Highway to avoid running dry.
Accommodation
Book motels in Mount Isa or Longreach if driving to break up the long distance.
Time Zones
Remember that you will cross into Eastern Standard Time, which is 30 minutes ahead of the NT.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk to minimize the risk of hitting kangaroos or cattle.
Fatigue
Stop every two hours for a 15-minute break to manage driver fatigue on long stretches.
Communication
Carry a satellite phone or PLB as mobile coverage is non-existent on parts of the Barkly Highway.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your tires and cooling system are serviced before attempting a cross-country drive.