A Cheap Car Hire in Darwin Can Make Your Holiday More Fun

Car Rental

Travel Guide

If you are looking for an adventure in Australia's Top End, hire a car with VroomVroomVroom and travel in comfort. We compare car rental deals from Budget, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty to bring you the lowest rates.

Darwin is located in Australia's top end, with a tropical climate and a distinctive wet and dry season. Having grown from a pioneer outpost and small port into one of Australia's modern and multicultural state capitals, there is plenty of fascinating history to discover in Darwin. Darwin has a population of approximately 124,800, making it the largest city in the Northern Territory.

Why rent a car in Darwin with VroomVroomVroom?

Find yourself a set of wheels and get ready for an unforgettable drive. Find a car rental with VroomVroomVroom to suit your style and budget and set out on your road trip adventure. Here are some reasons to book with us:

Lowest prices guaranteed: When you book with VroomVroomVroom you are guaranteed of getting the lowest rates. Check out our price promise for more information about our prices.
Customer care: If you need assistance in booking a car hire in Darwin, feel free to contact us via phone, email or live chat. Our friendly customer care team will be happy to help you.
Locations: We offer car rental in a number of locations across Darwin, including Darwin Airport. If you're arriving by plane, our suppliers offer convenient depots at the airport.
Campervan rental: We can also help you book a campervan hire in Darwin. Compare motorhomes and campervan rentals in Darwin so you can explore the Northern Territory in comfort.

Best time to visit Darwin

Darwin is located in the tropical region of Australia, meaning that it has two distinct seasons. The dry season (April to October) is considered to be the best time to visit the city since the temperatures a milder, the days are sunny and there is minimal rainfall.

During the wet season rainfall and humidity increase, and the area is at risk of tropical cyclones. Some regions in the Northern Territory are difficult to access at this time of year. The wet season runs from November to March, with most of the rain falling from January to March.

Driving tips in Darwin

If you have never travelled to the Northern Territory before, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the traffic regulations in the area. Click here for more information. It is also advisable to check the weather in Darwin here so you can plan your trip better.

Because of the landscape of the area surrounding Darwin, you may find that your rental car has restrictions as to where you can drive it. In most cases you will have a limit on the amount of kilometres you can travel per day, and you may not be allowed to travel on certain roads. Check the terms and conditions of your rental before you sign your contract.

Explore exciting activities in Darwin

Not short at all of attractions, the coastal city of Darwin has plenty of both spectacular

views to see and a bounty of activities to have you coming back for more. Here's a list of super fun things to do in Darwin that we recommend.

Attractions | Accommodation | Restaurants & Bars

Attractions

Darwin Convention Centre

Address: 10 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800

darwin convention center

Set within the lush tropical setting of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the Darwin Convention Centre is a stunning destination for local, national and international delegates to experience conventions and events. Since opening in 2008, the Darwin Convention Centre has established a reputation as a modern, multi-award winning Centre that consistently delivers outstanding customised event experiences, first class food and excellent personalised customer service. With a range of multi-purpose and adaptable event spaces, the Centre is large enough to cater for conventions of 1,200 delegates, yet small enough to offer bespoke and unique event experiences. The Centre attracts organisations, associations and corporate businesses that are focussed on thought leadership, sharing innovative ideas, showcasing new and innovative products and services, while taking advantage of the more relaxed atmosphere to get the best out of their delegates. It is also ideal for local and regional businesses, concert promoters, event organiser and individuals who want to host a special event in Darwin's premier venue. Choosing a special world-class venue like the Darwin Convention Centre adds a level of anticipation and excitement to a business event and gives people a unique taste of Australia's Top End culture and experiences that they can't get in other destinations.

Aquascene

Address: 28 Doctors Gully Rd, Larrakeyah NT 0820

aquascene fish feeding

Darwin would be complete without experiencing the famous fish feeding at Aquascene where hundreds of fish come to shore at high tide to be fed by hand. Milkfish, mullet, catfish, barramundi, rays and others can be seen close enough to touch as they compete with each other for food. From its beginnings over 40 years ago this daily feeding ritual has grown to the amazing spectacle it is today, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Access is easy and you can choose to participate in the hand feeding or just sit and watch the spectacle - either way it is a unique and memorable experience! Aquascene is within walking distance of major hotels and the city centre. As feeding times change daily with the tides please check their website for opening times, or call the fish feeding hotline. Bookings are not necessary, but group discounts do apply for 10+ people.

The Mindil Sunset Beach Markets

Address: Raffles Plaza, 2/1 Buffalo Ct, Darwin City NT 0800

mindil sunset beach

The Mindil Sunset Beach Markets is where you can get up, close and personal with the locals. Because Darwin is very humid, the markets are open in the winter months - April to October each year. There is ample parking spots to park your hire car, so you can shop all night without worrying about how to get it home.

The Berry Springs Nature Park

Address: Cox Peninsula Rd, Berry Springs NT 0837

Turn west off the Stuart Highway about 47 km south of Darwin. Our destination is about 10 km along Cox Peninsula Road. The first stop: Berry Springs Nature Park. During World War II, Berry Springs was part of a camp set up by the armed forces for the 100,000 personnel based in the area. And you can still see the remains of the huts and weirs that were built there.

Berry Springs Nature Park protects a large part of the Berry Creek catchment. Berry Creek starts from a number of springs, forms a small creek then reaches Darwin Harbour through a mangrove lined estuary. The park is an ideal area for recreational activities and is also a nice swimming spot. If you swim with goggles, you can see many small native fishes. If you're not into swimming, then you can enjoy food in shady picnic areas.

The Butterfly Gorge Nature Park

Address: Douglas-Daly NT 0822

The Park is near Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs Park which is approximately 130 km from Katherine and 200 km from Darwin along the old Stuart Highway scenic route. The final 17 km into the Park is a four-wheel drive track and caravans cannot be taken into this Park. The beautiful Butterfly Gorge provides shelter for thousands of Crow Butterflies. There are also rock pools, which are shaded by paperbarks thus making the area alluring for a refreshing swim. This quiet gorge is located at the base of a low sandstone plateau and the rock faces offer beautiful shaded walks and stunning vista. Butterfly Gorge Nature Park is usually open from May to October each year.

The Casuarina Coastal Reserve

Address: Trower Road, Coastal strip between Rapid Creek mouth and Buffalo Creek, Casuarina NT 0810

If you're looking for white sandy beach, mangroves, historic heritage and wildlife, then the Casuarina Coastal Reserve should be included in your stop over. The Reserve is located in Darwin's northern suburbs and can be entered via the Rapid Creek, Trower Road (Brinkin), Lee Point or Buffalo Creek Roads. The beaches are surrounded by Casuarina trees and beautiful sandstone cliffs. Behind the beaches and dunes are the mangroves, monsoon vine thickets and paperbark forests.

Offshore is Old Man Rock or the Dariba Nunggalinya which is registered as an Aboriginal sacred site. Fishing in the area is permitted but disturbing the rock in any way or the removal of shellfish at the site is strictly prohibited. You can also see World War II artillery observation posts that provide reminders of the area's wartime involvement. The area is also a popular picnic spot because of plenty shades. There are also cycle paths throughout the reserve and along the main roads. Animals such as ospreys, brahimny kites, red-tailed black-cockatoos, cormorants and gulls can be seen along the dunes or soaring in the skies. And during low tide, a variety of marine lives in the rock pools are visible.

During the tropical summer, from October to April, swimming is not allowed due to box jellyfish being common at this time of the year. But here's an interesting detail: there is a stretch of beach, north of the Dripstone picnic area, where nudity is permitted within the signpost boundaries.

The Deckchair Cinema

Address: Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT 0800

This place is for the film buffs out there, or anyone really who loves spending some time outside under the stars. In the dry season, the Film Society put on a show so grab yourself a cushion, park up your Darwin rental car and relax under the stars with a good flick.

Darwin's Natural Springs

If you would prefer to enjoy natural springs there are a few located on the outskirts of Darwin. Due to some of the springs not being located on Gazetted roads, make sure your Darwin car hire can be driven to these roads beforehand.

Leanyer Recreational Park

Address: 215 Vanderlin Dr, Leanyer NT 0812

Enjoy an awesome fun filled day with your family or friends at the park. With both wet and dry activities, there really is something for everyone. The best news yet is that it is absolutely free!

Crocosaurus Cove

Address: 58 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800

Get ready for an adrenaline packed adventure at the Crocosaurus Cove. The kids will love this opportunity to see the Crocs up close and if you are feeling particularly brave, you can even take a dive with these magnificent beasts. Taking the drive out in your hire car to see the show is sight to remember.

Want to find out what else Darwin has to offer? Check out these awesome tours offered by Tourstogo.com.

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Accommodation

Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Address: 25 Hidden Valley Rd, Berrimah NT 0828

Hidden Valley HOliday Park

Situated just 10 minutes drive south of the Darwin CBD via rental car, this locally owned friendly boutique holiday park provide a wide range of accommodation for your stay, including modern two bedroom villas, family cabins and open plan units, which are all air conditioned, self contained and most with a private patio. It also has perfect lodge style accommodation for up to two people, best suited for workers, groups for short or long periods, or for those looking for a quick getaway or night at Hidden Valley Race Track. Book now if you want to experience Hidden Valley Holiday Park and discover everything the spectacular Top End has to offer. From unwinding to taking a sunset cruise to grabbing a bargain at the famous Mindil Beach markets to seeing a crocodile, or taking in a tour of Kakadu or Litchfield National Park - enjoy a relaxed, peaceful holiday in Australia's Top End with Hidden Valley Holiday Park.

Value Inn

Address: 50 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800

If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Darwin, then drive your car hire to Value Inn which is located along Mitchell Street. It is situated right in the city centre for easy access to numerous shops, restaurants, and pubs. You can also find a wide selection of Darwin hotels in Wotif.

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Restaurants & Bars

The Daly Waters Pub

Address: 16 Stuart St, Daly Waters NT 0852

Daly Waters Pub

The multi-award winning Daly Waters Pub offers a great outback experience. It is an iconic part of the territory's diverse and colourful history. Built in 1930, it is steeped in history and wild stories from the past. We pride ourselves in offering great service, food, and icy cold beer. The pub has a variety of accommodation styles from two bedroom deluxe cabins to budget pub rooms. There is a caravan park as well as 2 crystal clear pools to escape the heat. Free entertainment nightly throughout the dry season. During your stay make sure you try our world-famous Beef & Barra (wild caught Territory Barra & premium scotch fillet) served with fresh salads & hot damper bread. Extensive wine list available. An experience not to be missed where happy memories are made and new friendships started.

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Book At	Miles/km
Darwin Airport	4/6
Jabiru	135/218
Katherine	168/271
Kununurra	269/433
Kununurra Airport	270/435
Tennant Creek	544/876
Broome	688/1107
Broome Airport	688/1107
Alice Springs	802/1290
*Distance is calculated aerial. Actual will be different.