Discover NT with Car Hire in Darwin

Explore Darwin with car hire from DriveNow

Laid-back, tropical Darwin is the perfect place to launch into the wild beauty of the Northern Territory, and that’s if you can tear yourself away from the delights of the city itself. It might seem far away, perched at the very top of Australia, but with domestic and international flights arriving in Darwin daily, there is no excuse not to see this unique part of the country.

Along with natural wonders such as Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, Darwin is a fantastic place to get in touch with some of the lesser travelled areas of Australia. The capital of the NT is your gateway to aspects of this country that help make it so storied. Darwin’s mix of amazing natural outdoor areas and rich history provides countless amazing attractions and chances to learn about this great land. Sound like something that might interest you? Luckily for you, Darwin car hire with DriveNow can help you access all of it.

Compare car hire in Darwin with DriveNow

With DriveNow’s free comparison service you can quickly and easily compare the best deals on bargain car rentals in Darwin. We partner with the biggest and most trusted suppliers in car hire, including Thrifty, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and more, to make finding cheap Darwin car rentals a breeze.

Choose from discount car hire in Darwin city, or if you’re arriving by plane, compare car rental from Darwin Airport as well. There’s a huge range of vehicles to select from depending on your needs, including family cars, 4WD car hire, and smaller vehicles for the budget traveller. With so many options at your fingertips, you’re sure to find the perfect rental car in Darwin to suit your travel needs.

At DriveNow, we’ve been helping Australians and visitors to Australia find great cars since 2003, and we don’t stuff hidden fees into our listings. All of this adds up to great car hire in Darwin that allows you to concentrate on the more important parts of your trip.

Why book with DriveNow?

• 100% Australian owned and operated
• The lowest rental car prices in the market
• We partner with brands you know and trust
• Free booking service with no fees or hidden charges
• We’ve been comparing pricing on car hire since 2003
• Immediate email confirmation and a locked in rental rate
• Our system searches, finds and displays the lowest rental rate for you
• In most instances, no deposit or credit card is required when booking. Just pay on pick-up
• Impartial and instant rate comparison allows you to easily compare rental brands and price

FAQs when hiring a car in Darwin

Driving tips for you and your car hire in Darwin

Hiring a car in Darwin is an excellent way to explore everything the city and surrounding area has to offer. Before you hit the road, take a look at these quick tips to help keep your journey as smooth as possible.

• Driving the roads surrounding Darwin during the night is strongly discouraged. There are often wild animals such as kangaroos, pigs, and wild horses on the move at night time that can cause accidents on the road. There are also lots of dark coloured cattle on the roads, which can be very hard to see at night — wildlife hazards are the number one reason suppliers restrict night driving in the Territory.
• If that isn’t enough to make you keep your road tripping to daylight hours, there are also road trains to deal with. These huge vehicles travel at upwards of 100km/h (60mph) on the highways and require extra time to slow down; meaning care has to be taken when sharing a road with them. The best idea is to leave the night driving to the trains and keep your driving for the daylight!
• Because of the unique landscape in Darwin and the added hazards of animals, you may find that your Darwin car rental operator states slightly different rules and regulations to other parts of Australia. These can include no insurance claims for driving at night, or a limit to the number of kilometres allowed in one day. For more information, check with your chosen operator. Taking regular rest stops is essential on Territory highways — fatigue is a leading cause of outback incidents, and safe driving habits can make all the difference on long stretches.

Road Tripping around Darwin in Your Hire Car

The great outdoors are where Darwin shines, and what better way is there to immerse in the beauty of the surrounding countryside than to go on a road trip. With the keys to your Darwin car rental in hand, you’re ready to hit the open road and explore the city’s untamed outdoors. Read on for some of our top day trips in Darwin.

Drive Darwin to Kakadu in Your Hire Car

Visit Kakadu National Park on a Darwin day trip Source: australia.com

If you have a couple of days to spare, and a Darwin car hire with unlimited kilometres at your disposal, why not take a trip to one of Australia’s most unique and picturesque national parks.

Kakadu National Park, the largest park of its kind in Australia, features immense beauty and amazing historical significance in the form of thousands of plant and animal species and Aboriginal art dating back hundreds of years.

A World Heritage-lister, Kakadu covers a massive 20,000 square kilometres of breathtaking greenery and open landscapes. Drive yourself and experience all the park has to offer. Once you’ve picked up your car hire from Darwin Airport or the CBD depot and arranged your accommodation, set in for the three hour trip to Kakadu via the Arnhem Highway.

The park has a lot of popular attractions that you can access by car. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track, however, consider hiring a 4WD; this will give you more freedom to explore the difficult to access places. If you’re happy with a 2WD car hire, simply follow the main road which runs right through the park. The most trafficked stops are Ubirr, a rocky lookout with Aboriginal rock arts, and Nourlangie, another sandstone formation featuring traditional paintings.

Whatever vehicle you choose, once you enter the park, the advantages of your decision to self-drive in your rental car will become abundantly clear. There’s nothing quite like having the ability to stop and take pictures, spend time at a local watering hole, or simply pull over and admire the sunset.

Travel from Darwin to Litchfield National Park

Wangi Waterfalls at Litchfield National Park

If you decide that Kakadu is a little out of reach, or you’re just looking for a short day trip to experience some of Top End’s natural beauty, Litchfield National Park is a quick and easy drive from Darwin. The park contains plenty of different environments. From the natural sandstone that gives the area a dramatic feel, to the mounds of termites that pop up from the earth, there’s plenty to see and do.

The park covers 1,500 square kilometres so a Darwin car hire is the best way to explore the main attractions. Litchfield is best seen over two days but if you’re time poor, one day is adequate too. Just make sure to start the day early so you have enough time to discover the swimming holes, waterfalls, and rock formations that the park is famous for. Florence falls, the great Buley Rockhole, and the spectacular Wangi Falls are must-sees.

Road Tripping Top Tips

• Take advantage of any refuelling spots on your journey to Kakadu. Make sure to fill up your Darwin car rental before you exit the city.
• Avoid driving in the dark. The park is home to a lot of native animals who can wander out onto the road, so keep your eyes peeled for any activity.
• Always check to see if your Darwin rental car is allowed to go on dirt or unsealed roads. Any resulting damage might not be covered by your insurance so check the terms and conditions of your car hire agreement prior to travel.

What to Do in Darwin

With access to your own Darwin car hire, there’s little stopping you from being able to take in the sights and sounds of NT’s capital – and there’s no shortage of activities to experience either. After all, the Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most naturally unique and beautiful locations. From the city to the rugged bush, here are the must-do attractions in Darwin:

Watch the Sunset at the Mindil Beach Markets

There’s a reason that locals and tourists flock to the beach to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon – it’s spectacular! Every Thursday and Sunday during the April to October dry season, the Mindil Beach Markets create the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner by the waves.

Selling everything from Thai to Sri Lankan, the markets are a foodie’s delight. For those with full stomachs, the market also sells handicrafts, aboriginal artefacts, and brightly coloured clothing. A cheap car hire is a perfect way to get to the Mindil Beach markets; you’ll be able to pop your purchases in the car instead of lugging them back to your room.

If you’re not in the shopping mood, you can always listen to the music, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the main attraction – the sunset.

Face Your Fears at Crocosaurus Cove

Get up close and personal with a croc at Crocosaurus Cove Source: crocosauruscove.com

Crocosaurus Cove's ominously named ‘cage of death’ affords visitors a personal encounter with Darwin’s most fearsome creatures. If you’ve ever wanted to kiss a crocodile, then this is your chance. Step into the safety of a clear plastic tube and get up close and personal with some of the biggest crocs in the world. It’s sure to be an experience you never forget!

Crocodiles aren’t the only impressive aquatic creature on display; the aquarium also houses some harmless sea life such as barramundi, turtles, and stingrays. If you’re travelling with kids, this is a great chance to teach them about Darwin’s wildlife and ecosystem. If adult crocs aren’t your go, why not introduce them to some of the baby crocodiles. Without the teeth and the scales, the baby crocs are a whole lot less intimidating.

Crocosaurus Cove is just a short distance by hire car as it’s situated in the heart of town, making it a convenient choice if you’re short on time.

See the Waterfalls of Litchfield National Park

If you can’t make it out to Kakadu, there’s no better place to experience the Australian bush than Litchfield National Park. With tropical rainforest, sweeping waterfalls, exciting 4WD tracks, termite mounds, wildlife, and rugged bushy scrub, this attraction has it all. If you’re an outdoor adventure seeker or simply an admirer of Australia’s flora and fauna, this is one stop you will not want to miss.

Caption: You’re going to love Litchfield National Park

You’re going to need a Darwin hire car for this one because Litchfield National Park is one hour's drive from the city. Hopping behind the wheel of your car rental will also mean the freedom to explore the park in depth. Unlike on a tour bus, having your own rental car in Darwin affords you the opportunity to stop momentarily and stretch your legs while you capture an interesting photo or explore an attraction that catches your fancy.

If you’re into bushwalking or would simply like to soak up the atmosphere on foot, Litchfield has numerous hikes ranging from beginner all the way to advanced. And when you’re feeling hot and sweaty, why not take a dip in one of Litchfield’s famous watering holes. Check out the Buley Rockholes for a safe place to swim with kids, the Florence Falls for a jealousy-inducing location to take an Instagram shot, and Wangi Falls for another popular swimming hole. And don't worry; the saltwater crocs don’t hang out in this area so you can swim freely.

Darwin Car Hire summary