Darwin is a powerhouse of fun and exciting attractions, and an incredible base to explore the best of the Northern Territory. With a car hire in Darwin from Bargain Car Rentals, you can be in charge of your itinerary without relying on expensive, organized tours. Go on, it’s easy! Simply hop in your car, grab the map, and off you go!
Just a short drive from Darwin is the entry point to Kakadu National Park, arguably Australia’s most revered nature reserve and one of the most breathtaking places on earth. In Darwin, that’s just the start. Fantastic coastal reserves and enticing Outback adventures, with a car rental deal in Darwin you could experience an unforgettable vacation in the most outstanding corner of Australia.
Car rental Darwin range of options and services
Whether you’re a couple on an adventurous honeymoon, or family searching for some R&R in superb nature, we’ve got just the bargain rental car for you. Our fleet of modern and perfectly maintained vehicles includes 5-seat sedans, 8-seater vans and 12-seater mini buses. We pride ourselves in providing the most competitive rates in the Northern Territory and are happy to provide a free quote to prove it!
We offer weekly specials, can add an extra driver at no further cost and don’t penalize the under 25s. So let us know what kind of adventure you have in mind for your next Darwin vacation…and Bargain car Rentals in Darwin will make it happen.
About Darwin
The capital of the Northern Territory is unlike any of the country’s other capitals. Inherently tropical and laid-back, Darwin feels as if it has more in common with Indonesia than it does with the rest of Australia. Renowned for the magnificent beachside sunsets, Darwin offers a brilliant base from which to explore the Northern Territory, and boasts plenty of her own city attractions to boost, including world-class museums, art galleries, fantastic restaurants and plenty of seaside fun.
With two branches at your service, Bargain Car Rentals can take care of all your independent transport needs so you can be in the car, and out of the city, in no time at all.
Drop-off at Darwin City: Please return to our office located at 99 Mitchell Street Darwin.
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.
Economy manual cars are the cheapest in our range followed by the ever-popular compact automatics. You need to book early to secure one of these beauties however as they book out fast in Darwin.
Our compact SUVs are proving to be our most popular car’s rented at our Darwin branch. You can check out our full range of vehicles for hire here.
The NT’s easy-going capital has a slew of fun things to do. Swing by these ten highlights on your Darwin hire car adventure.
1. Mindil Beach Sunset Market
From April to October, this bustling Thursday & Sunday market sees Darwin’s finest street food vendors and artisanal bric-a-brac sellers converge. Grab a tasty snack and watch the fiery red sunset light up the horizon at Mindil Beach. Other Darwin markets occur at Parap Village, Nightcliff, Coolalinga, Palmerston, and Rapid Creek.
2. Waterfront District
Straddling the southern tip of town, the sparkling Waterfront District hosts many worthwhile sites. Learn about Darwin’s WWII efforts in the Oil Storage Tunnels, fish from the historic Stokes Hill Wharf, or cool off with a croc-free swim at the Darwin Wave Pool and Lagoon.
3. Crocosaurus Cove
If swimming with crocodiles is on your to-do list, book a Cage of Death experience at Crocosaurus Cove. Despite the name, nobody actually dies, and the “cage” is a purpose-built glass enclosure that can withstand a salty’s three-tonne bite force. If that still sounds too terrifying, the site offers less death-defying activities like koala cuddling.
4. Stroll the CBD
Darwin’s CBD is the city’s pulsating heart, a lively district stewing in a melting pot of multicultural influences. If a spot of shopping tickles your fancy, take a stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Smith Street Mall. Diners and drinkers will prefer the lively scenes on Mitchell Street.
5. Bicentennial Park
Straddling the CBD, this long, leafy park affords some of the city’s prettiest sea views. Mosey over to Aquascene at high tide to participate in a fish-feeding frenzy with bream, mullet, and wild rays.
6. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
This well-appointed waterfront museum has an impressive collection of fossils, taxidermy animals, and seafaring exhibits. You’ll also find a range of beautiful indigenous artworks.
7. East Point Reserve
Darwinites love spending time outdoors. And who can blame them for all this perpetually warm weather? Located northwest of the CBD, this oddly named reserve is a local favourite for hiking, cycling, and picnics with a view. Nearby Lake Alexander is a lovely, safe spot to cool off with a swim.
8. Charles Darwin National Park
Just outside the city centre sits this small but nice national park. While it doesn’t compare to the likes of Lichfield or Kakadu, this lofty hilltop is a pleasant place to hike or downhill mountain bike—cover up because the midges here are fierce.
9. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Darwin’s other great outdoor playground is the George Brown Botanic Gardens. Sprawling over 42 hectares, this lush expanse hosts an eclectic collection of native and exotic tropical flora. Kids will love the dinosaur garden, while everyone can appreciate its Kimberly-style baobab trees.
10. Deckchair Cinema
Framed by the Timor Sea, this breezy open-air cinema is a Darwin dry season institution. Locals flock to the relaxed outdoor space to watch nightly flicks spanning old-school classics to the latest blockbuster hits.
While Darwin has no shortage of impressive sites, there’s even more to explore outside the city.
1. Humpty Doo
Hit Humpty Doo to admire a giant boxing crocodile statue and chuckle at the town’s comical name.
2. Berry Springs
Just 40 minutes from the city, Berry Springs is Darwin’s favourite swimming hole. Rock up on a weekday to savour these turquoise-tinged waters in relative solitude.
3. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Birdwatchers and everyday nature lovers alike will adore this far-flung, seldom-visited site.
4. Mary River National Park
Home to buffalo, billabongs, floodplains, and monstrously large crocs, Mary River encapsulates the magic of the Top End sans the maddening crowds.
5. Kakadu National Park
The sparkling jewel in the Top End’s tourism crown, this massive national park spans cascading falls, millennia-old rock art, formidable granite ridges, and birdlife-rich billabongs.
6. Litchfield National Park
Smaller and closer to Darwin, Litchfield offers a more accessible alternative to the better-known Kakadu. Stunning falls and refreshing, safe swimming holes await.
7. Edith Falls
Travellers heading towards Katherine should detour via this striking waterfall and swimming spot.
8. Katherine Gorge
As the Northern Territory’s most gorgeous gorge, kayaking adventures make for an unforgettable day out. If you can’t be bothered paddling, hop on a river cruise instead.
The best time to visit Darwin is during the dry season (May to October), when pleasant warm days and minimal rain make travel a breeze.
The wet season (November to April) sees regular rainfall, sizzling temps, and humidity over 80%. Some visitors love how the landscapes come alive and watching lightning storms electrify the sky.
What’s the cheapest time to visit Darwin?
The wet season brings lower hotel rates and cheaper car hire in Darwin due to decreased demand.