Bargain Car Rentals Address

99 Mitchell Street, Darwin NT 0800
+61 8 8911 1959
Hours
Mon – Sun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Normal trading hours for Easter & New Year holidays) – Closed Christmas Day

Navigate Darwin’s Best with Car Hire

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, organised tours. Simply hop in your car, grab the map, and get acquainted with everything that makes the Northern Territory tick.

In Darwin, breathtaking landscapes are just beginning. With a car rental, you’re free to discover the vibrant coastal reserves and venture deep into tropical terrain.

Whether you’re meandering through lush national parks, following scenic routes like Nature’s Way, or exploring cultural landmarks steeped in ancient heritage, every nook promises something remarkable.

Lock in your Darwin car hire – limited availability during dry season!

How to pick up and return your rental car in Darwin city

  • Step 1

    Rental office

    Head to our rental office at 99 Mitchell Street, Darwin or our Darwin Airport branch.

  • Step 2

    Check in

    Check in with the Darwin team to collect your rental.

  • Step 3

    Ride

    Travel at your own pace, knowing you’re close to everything.

  • Step 4

    Return

    Bring the car back to the hire location for a smooth, straightforward return.

4.6 stars from Darwin customers

Why choose us for Darwin car hire?

We believe in transparent pricing that puts you in the driver’s seat.
  • Competitive Rates

    No hidden fees or surprises. Find incredibly competitive prices here.
  • Flexible Terms

    Choose daily, weekly or long-term hire to suit your plans.
  • Diverse Fleet

    From utes and vans to family SUVs, we’ve got you covered.
  • Local Expertise

    Our team brings local insight so they can recommend Darwin’s best experiences.

What cars are available for hire in Darwin?

Whether you’re a couple on an adventurous honeymoon or a 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:

Drive into Dreamy Darwin with Cheap Car Hire

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. After all, it is closer to the archipelago than the bustle of Sydney. ​​This proximity has shaped a vibrant culture, with some of the most pronounced Asian culinary influences in Australia.

Renowned for its blazing beachside sunsets, Darwin offers a brilliant base from which to explore the Northern Territory. And while the state conjures up images of ancient indigenous art and natural wonders, the thriving cosmopolitan is complete with world-class museums, art galleries, fantastic restaurants and plenty of seaside fun. And car hire in Darwin ensures you don’t miss a thing.

Ready to discover? Lock in great savings and book your Darwin rental car online today.

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Visit our FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our compact SUVs are proving to be our most popular cars rented at our Darwin branch. You can check out our full range of vehicles for hire here.

Kakadu is approximately 3 hours from Darwin International Airport (DRW). Public transport is not available.

Option Details Cost from
Self-drive hire car Full flexibility, explore at your own pace $35/day
Guided coach or small-group tour Departing Darwin, guides handle logistics $240/person

Self-driving offers better flexibility and value for families or groups, allowing you to set your own pace. It’s even better value hiring a mini-bus if you’re with a group.

The good news, you don’t need one for a great Kakadu experience.

  • All major visitor sites, lookouts and attractions are accessible on sealed roads with a standard vehicle
  • Our hire cars in Darwin are well-suited to the main Kakadu touring routes
  • For remote off-road tracks, a specialist 4WD tour operator is recommended

Katherine Gorge, located within Nitmiluk National Park, is about a 3.5-hour drive from Darwin. While it’s possible to visit on a day trip, staying a few days offers a richer experience. Start early to catch the sunrise at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

The wet season (November–April) offers the lowest car hire rates due to reduced demand. Expect cheaper daily rates and greater vehicle availability during this period.

Driver type Requirements
Australian licence holder Valid Australian driver’s licence
International visitor Home country licence or IDP + passport

Licences are verified at pickup and all additional drivers must also present their licence.

No. There are no toll roads anywhere in the Northern Territory. Travel freely in your hire car between Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield, Dundee Beach and beyond at no additional road cost.

  • Petrol stations are widely available across Darwin and along major highways
  • Key routes to Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine are well serviced
  • Remote areas: Stations become sparse — always fuel up before departing Darwin
  • Most hire cars from our Darwin city location run on standard unleaded fuel

Yes. Long-term hire is available and suits:

  • Work contracts and seasonal stays. We also offer commercial vehicles like utes and vans if needed. 
  • Extended Top End road trips 
  • Residents needing to rent a car without ownership costs

Long-term rates offer better daily value than short-term hire. Contact our Darwin team for a quote.

Exploring Darwin

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exploring Outside Darwin with a Rental Car

While Darwin has no shortage of impressive sites, there’s even more to explore outside the city.

Humpty Doo

Hit Humpty Doo to admire a giant boxing crocodile statue and chuckle at the town’s comical name.

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.

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Birdwatchers and everyday nature lovers alike will adore this far-flung, seldom-visited site.

Mary River 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.

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.

Edith Falls

Travellers heading towards Katherine should detour via this striking waterfall and swimming spot.

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.