Car Rental Darwin Airport

For those seeking a real Aussie adventure, look no further than the Northern Territory’s quirky capital. Boasting a warm tropical climate, fascinating history, stunning natural attractions, as well as a bustling nightlife, Darwin has everything you could want from a cultural escape down under. 

Pick up a hire car and explore every inch of this tropical northern paradise, where waterfalls, ancient national parks, and stunning coastal attractions await. 

Wildlife encounters aren’t for the faint of heart in Darwin 

Darwin is famous for its prolific wildlife, many species of which have influenced Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous continents. But no animal better represents this rugged capital than the saltwater crocodile. All in all, there are estimated to be around 200,000 saltwater crocs - or simple ‘salties’ as they’re referred to in ironically friendly fashion - in Australia, with a vast majority found in Darwin’s surrounding estuaries. 

Saltwater crocs are one of the world’s oldest creatures, surviving for over 240 million years from as early as the Mesozoic Era when they lived side by side with dinosaurs. Many theories have been suggested as to how they’ve managed to outlive our ancient reptilian predecessors, none of which has been proven conclusive, aiding the saltie’s reputation as a fearless apex predator. 

This fascination has led hundreds of thousands of visitors to feed, or simply observe these prehistoric beasts up close. Crocosaurus Cove, located in the city’s centre, is one such attraction offering the daring adventure seeker the chance to get personal with these prehistoric beasts. The real kicker for visitors to Crocosaurus Cove, however, is the chance to dive with a 1.5-meter croc from the safety of a 3m transparent tank. His name is Burt, and he’s no stranger to the limelight. Starring alongside Paul Hogan in the 1986 film ‘Crocodile Dundee’, Burt is often described as a “movie star with an attitude” - just don’t try and get an autograph. 

You can find Crocosaurus Cove situated in the convenience of Darwin’s city centre, 12 kilometres from Darwin International Airport. Pick up a hire car and take the 15-minute journey south before parking up at Mitchell Centre Car Park for easy access. 

Hop in a hire car and explore Darwin’s infamous Kakadu National Park

Spanning a whopping 20,000 kilometres, Kakadu is easily Australia’s most renowned national park, boasting stunning nature walks, breathtaking waterfalls, and fascinating history with close ties to Australia’s Aboriginal people. 

Due to its sheer enormity, visitors are encouraged to pick up a hire car and traverse Kakadu in their own time and comfort. Pick up a ride from Darwin Airport and journey via the Arnhem Highway for just under 2 hours before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tickets can be purchased upon entrance. 

From there, select from a number of attractions that lie within the park, from waterholes and walking tracks to Aboriginal rock art galleries and sunset cruises along the billabong. Some even choose to take to the skies by Helicopter to capture unmatched views of Kakadu in its entirety. 

Moline Falls is one of the most frequented sites for day-trippers, whose stunning clear waters at the base of a natural waterfall make for the perfect retreat from the often stifling conditions. Pack a light lunch and traverse through the gums towards this secluded haven for a tranquil swim in the crocodile-free waters. 

After a morning spent swimming and hiking, jump in your hire car and journey towards Ubirr to witness works of Aboriginal rock art painted thousands of years ago. Park rangers, many of whom are indigenous Australians, give talks at various locations, explaining the meaning behind each symbol in the context of the artist’s connection with the land itself. 

Visit Darwin to experience the Aussie culture as it’s depicted in films - from the lively locals and stunning natural conditions to thrilling wildlife encounters and quirky novelties. For a truly Aussie experience, look no further than Dollar Darwin.