Discover NT with Car Hire in Darwin
Need help with your Rental Car?
Compare and Book the Cheapest Prices on the Best Car Rental Brands
Reviews From Our Customers
Reasons to Book With DriveNow
- Price Guarantee
- Book Direct
- Compare
- No Hidden Fees
- No Booking Fees
- Trusted Since 2003
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
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in the NT?
What type of licence do I need to hire a car in the NT?
In Australia all drivers are required to hold a current full and valid driver’s licence for at least 12 months, without any restrictions. Probationary licences are not accepted. Your valid driver’s licence must be presented when collecting your rental vehicle along with the licenses of any additional drivers.
Driver licences must be in English or supported by a certified translation or international driving permit along with your licence. For non-English language-based driving licenses we always recommend to also carry an International Driving Permit. Full driver's licence requirements apply across the Northern Territory.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Darwin?
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Darwin?
With some exceptions you need to be over 21 to hire a car in Australia. If you are between 21 and 25 the rental car supplier at the collection point may ask you:
· To pay a Young Driver's Age surcharge to complete the rental agreement
· Be required to choose a particular insurance liability option
· To select a specific vehicle category that allows drivers to be under 25 years of age (some suppliers restrict certain vehicle categories to only 25+ hirers)
· Have your rental agreement denied and your booking cancelled if the driver does not meet the requirements of that rental branch (refer to the rental car supplier’s cancellation policy)
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Is a security bond payable when renting a car?
Yes. A security bond amount will be required when you collect your vehicle and will be applied to your credit card. It is important you have sufficient credit on the card to cover this.
The amount on the security bond can vary due to a number of different factors including; the total amount of your rental cost, credit card type, age of the renter, type of vehicle, location of residency, length of the reservation, insurance options taken and if collection is from an airport, city, regional location or franchised owned branch.
The security bond is released when the vehicle is returned and without any damage. The release of the bond and the return of your funds are subject to your credit card’s terms and conditions (for example how long it takes for the bond to be credited back to your card).
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
Are there any booking fees with DriveNow?
No. DriveNow does not charge booking fees or service charges when making a booking through our website
How far is Darwin from Alice Springs?
How far is Darwin from Alice Springs?
1500kms, a 15 hour drive on the Stuart Highway. At least 3 days is recommended for the road trip to Alice Springs, this will allow you to travel safely at your leisure and enjoy the journey.
Can the prices change overnight?
Can the prices change overnight?
Yes. DriveNow is a comparison web site with live pricing fed directly from our rental partners. As such pricing can change at the discretion of the rental provider and as vehicles are booked by other customers. However once you have made your confirmed booking the rates are locked in for the booking dates you have selected.
Booking in advance is always recommended to secure the best rate, generally the earlier you book the cheaper the rate.
Do I need to book in advance?
Do I need to book in advance?
Where possible it is recommended that you book in advance. During peak periods such as long weekends, Easter, Christmas and School Holidays, vehicles sell out well in advance.
This is particularly true for specialty vehicles such as 12-seaters, People Movers, luxury & sport cars along with 4WD’s which all sell-out quickly and early. Customers should consider booking 3-4 months in advance to secure the best rate and avoid the disappointment of missing out due to supply being exhausted.
Can I request additional items on the booking page?
Can I request additional items on the booking page?
Yes. You can select additional items in Step 2 on the booking page or include them in the comments box of the booking page.
· Child, Booster & Infant Seats – Select at the time of booking
· GPS - Select at the time of booking, if doing a one-way rental you will need to request in comments box
· Excess Liability Reduction – Request at the time of pick-up with the rental branch staff
· Additional driver - Request at the time of pick-up with the rental branch staff
· Snow Cover Package - Request at the time of pick-up with rental branch staff
When is the best time to hire a campervan in Darwin?
When is the best time to hire a campervan in Darwin?
During the Dry season between May and October, June to September being the most popular. You can expect average temperatures between highs of 31° to 34° and lows 19° to 25° during April-October.
Are there any road restrictions when hiring a car in the NT?
Are there any road restrictions when hiring a car in the NT?
Yes. Check with the staff at the rental branch where you collect your vehicle before departing. Failure to adhere to restrictions will invalidate all insurance cover.
Rental companies do impose restrictions on vehicle usage and these may include driving only on maintained sealed roads with strictly no off-road use and not taking the vehicle on a ferry.
Rental companies reserve the right to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions (such as Outback Australia and the Northern Territory during the Wet Season). There may be certain exceptions to this, your chosen rental company can advise you when collecting your vehicle — road restrictions in the Territory are stricter than in most other states.
What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
What does ‘or similar’ mean when making a car hire booking?
Each vehicle is displayed with ‘or similar’. When making a reservation, you are booking a vehicle category and not a specific vehicle model. Specific makes and models within a vehicle category may vary in availability and features such as passenger seating, luggage capacity, equipment, mileage and engine size.
Car rental companies turn over their rental fleets on a regular basis and as vehicles move between branch locations and different cities. Therefore, occasionally the vehicle you pick up may not be the exact make and model you selected at the time of booking. Normally the vehicle will be within the vehicle category booked however if none are available it will be a similar size or alternatively the next category available.
Not all vehicles are available from all locations. We are unable to monitor a supplier’s fleet movements across a particular country.
As rental car companies will not guarantee that a particular make, model or colour will be available for a specific reservation, unfortunately DriveNow cannot either.
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Is excess reduction insurance with the rental car company optional?
Yes. Additional excess liability reduction is optional. DriveNow recommend you consider all options when collecting your vehicle. Some travel insurance policies & credit card company insurance cover include car hire excess option and not the car insurance itself.
Check with your travel insurer or credit card provider as to what you are covered for. In the event of an accident, you will still be required to pay the full excess amount to the car rental supplier and then submit a claim to your insurer. As a general rule travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Excess amounts, additional cover and security bond amounts will only be available at the time of vehicle collection from the rental company, as the costs of these may vary based on the customer’s and booking details. Please contact your rental location to confirm prior to pick-up if you have any questions.
For further information on insurance options with Prosura, contact DriveNow.
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
Pick-up Location | Darwin |
|---|---|
Car Types | Economy, Compact, Intermediate, SUV, Family/Full, People Mover, Luxury, Convertible, Green, Wagon, Four Wheel Drive |
Hire Locations | 9 |
Popular Agencies | AVIS, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Firefly, Eastcoast, Keddy By Europcar, Dollar, Enterprise |
Search for Car Rentals in Darwin and hire a vehicle that best meets your needs. DriveNow searches for the cheapest Darwin Car Rental rates to help you compare and book the best deal. | |