Palmerston is the Top End's second city — a growing, family-focused community about 20 minutes from Darwin. If you're moving there from interstate or from the Darwin suburbs, here's what to know.
Palmerston at a glance: Newer estates · Popular with young families and Defence households · Its own shopping centre, services and schools · About 20 minutes to Darwin city · Mostly single-level homes, which make moving day quicker.
Why people choose Palmerston
- Newer homes — many built in the last 10–20 years
- More space for the money compared with many inner-Darwin suburbs
- Parks, playgrounds and walking paths
- Close to Robertson Barracks and the highway
- Everything on hand — shopping, medical services and schools
Palmerston suburbs at a glance
| Suburb | What it's like |
|---|---|
| Zuccoli | One of the newest estates; modern homes and young families |
| Bellamack | Newer estate with parks and walking trails |
| Johnston | Newer family suburb with modern homes |
| Rosebery | Established family suburb with good-sized blocks |
| Farrar | Family suburb close to shops and services |
| Durack, Gunn, Driver | Established suburbs, often more affordable |
| Moulden, Woodroffe | Older suburbs close to the city centre of Palmerston |
Visit at different times of day, and check school zones on the NT Department of Education website.
Getting around
- Darwin city: about 20 minutes by car outside peak times
- Darwin Airport: about 20 minutes
- Public transport: buses run between Palmerston and Darwin, but most people drive
Moving day in Palmerston
Moving in Palmerston is usually straightforward:
- Single-level homes mean fewer stairs — faster moves
- Wide streets make truck parking easier in most estates
- Newer estates can have tight cul-de-sacs; tell your removalist
From Darwin to Palmerston: expect 20–40 minutes of extra travel time in an hourly move.
From interstate: your furniture may arrive after you. See How Long Does an Interstate Move to Darwin Take?
For prices, see How Much Do Removalists Cost in Darwin?
Settling in
- Register pets with the City of Palmerston
- Find a GP and enrol kids at school
- Get ready for the wet season — see Moving House in the Wet Season
New to the NT? Use our NT moving checklist.
Palmerston removalists
✎ Edit: Add a short line about your local Palmerston experience, e.g. "We move families into Zuccoli, Bellamack and Johnston every week."
Get a free quote · or see our Palmerston removalists page.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Palmerston from Darwin?
About 20 kilometres, or roughly 20 minutes' drive from Darwin city outside peak times.
Is Palmerston good for families?
Palmerston is popular with young families and Defence households because of its newer estates, parks, schools and its own shopping and services.
What are Palmerston's newest suburbs?
Zuccoli and Bellamack are among the newer estates, with modern homes, parks and walking paths.
How much does it cost to move to Palmerston from Darwin?
A local move uses the same hourly rates as other Darwin moves. Travel between Darwin and Palmerston usually adds 20–40 minutes compared with a move within one suburb.