Passing through Barrow Island Airport? A layover in Barrow Island is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 20 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Barrow Island, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Australia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Barrow Island is roughly 20 minutes from BWB via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Barrow Island
From BWB, the local transport gets you to Barrow Island in around 20 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 40 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Barrow Island Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Barrow Island layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$9 |
| Meal | ~$17 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$36 |
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Exploring Barrow Island on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Barrow Island, two standouts are:
- Barrow Island Nature Reserve Overview — The views are worth the trip if you have time.
- Barrow Island Coastal Views — You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside BWB — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Barrow Island Airport Departure Lounge
- BWB Airside Kiosk
Food Worth Trying
In Barrow Island
If you make it into town, Barrow Island Project Canteen is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try The Remote Outpost Cafe.
Inside BWB
If you’re staying in the terminal, BWB Terminal Cafe is your main option. Airside Express Bites works too if you want something quick.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at BWB aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Barrow Island itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and BWB is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Barrow Island and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, BWB has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Barrow Island with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Barrow Island may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.