Darwin is a great choice if you're looking for an adventurous campervan rental holiday destination. Situated at the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin is home to stunning scenery and is a gateway to some of Australia's most iconic attractions. A campervan rental from Darwin is the best way to explore the lush rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and pristine white beaches.
There's plenty to see and do in this tropical paradise, making it a must-see on any traveler's wishlist. What's more, thanks to its location on the Stuart Highway, Darwin is the perfect base for exploring Australia's Red Centre and Outback. You can save money and time with a one-way cheap camper to cover these long distances or take your time with a return trip in a luxury motorhome rental from Darwin.
Camper Champ is your premier destination for campervan, motorhome, and 4x4 camper rental in Darwin. Through our extensive comparison wizard, you can compare brands and dozens of features, find a pickup spot, and save massive discounts in one easy process.
We compare over a dozen Northern Territory campervan rental brands to bring you the best deals to match your needs and help you find the right vehicle for your trip. Search from cheap campervans to luxury motorhome rentals in one easy step.
It’s not just about the destination. A campervan holiday is a perfect way to really see Australia. You have the freedom to go where you want, when you want and immerse yourself in what this amazing country has to offer. Here at Camper Champ, we offer a wide range of self-drive campervan rental holidays throughout the Northern Territory. Run by travel enthusiasts, Camper Champ gives you access to the NT’s top campervan hire providers and the tools to find the right camper for your budget.
Whether your budget allows for an all-inclusive luxury motorhome, budget-friendly van or more accessible 4WD camper rental, they are one of the best ways to explore the vast wilderness of the Northern Territory. And it’s not just because they allow you to sleep in an actual bed! Motorhomes give you the support lifeline you need when out in such an isolated region. You won’t find resorts and hotels every other kilometre so having the means to cook, sleep and go to the toilet in comfort makes a huge difference in the outback.
RV’s allow you to stock up on supplies from town to town and store them in your vehicle, enabling you to go for days without worrying about running out of essentials before you come across a quirky outback town.
We've put together some valuable tips to make the most of your campervan holiday. Consider the following:
Make a rough plan: While ad-hoc adventuring is one of the great advantages of RV travel, it’s wise to draft a rough itinerary before you depart. With a basic plan, you can avoid unessential backtracking (think of the fuel savings) and ensure you don’t miss any must-visit sites. Don’t get too carried away with the planning, though. Impromptu exploring is all part of the fun.
Get re-acquainted with nature: A motorhome lets you spend extended periods in stunning natural regions while enjoying the comforts of home. Make the most of it.
Check you’ve got all the essentials: Most reputable rental companies include all the crucial camping gear so you can pack your clothes and hit the road. However, not every hire van comes well-stocked. Ensure you’ve got camping chairs, a first aid kit and cooking supplies. Don’t forget your everyday electronics (including USB charging cables). Download offline maps on your phone to navigate when the reception drops out.
Monitor your supplies: Campervan exploration requires keeping close tabs on your essentials. Monitor your freshwater, toilet, battery, fuel, and food. You don’t want to set up camp in paradise and then realise you’ve got to drive back to town to resupply.
Chat with your neighbours: Campsites are sociable places. A simple “g’day” is often all it takes to form new friendships on the road.
Check your fluids and tire pressure: Long drive times and scorching hot temperatures can lead to mechanical issues. Always check the essentials before embarking on a lengthy drive.
When embarking on a motorhome holiday, remember these essentials when driving around Darwin:
For the adventurer looking for a new and exciting road trip, Darwin is the place to go. This city, located in the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory, offers everything from beautiful beaches to rugged outback landscapes. It’s the ideal place to kick off your campervan adventure because it's a hub for some of Australia's most incredible natural attractions and a campervan rental holiday really is the best way to get a sense of how vast this part of Australia really is.
The city offers plenty of activities for visitors who want to explore beyond their campervans. There are many beautiful beaches along the coast where you can enjoy swimming or snorkelling in crystal clear waters; numerous museums showcasing local history; outdoor markets with fresh produce harvested from nearby farms; and several cultural festivals throughout the year celebrating indigenous traditions such as spear throwing competitions or corroboree dancing (which means "dance circle").
The Northern Territory is home to some of the most famous national parks in the world. Darwin is skirted by two of the Northern Territory's stunning national parks: Mary River National Park and Litchfield National Park.
The Mary River National Park is a protected national park located in the Northern Territory of Australia, about 100 kilometres east of Darwin. The park covers an area of approximately 70,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species found nowhere else in the world like the exotic Brolga - our version of the pink flamingo! The Brolga is one of Australia’s most iconic birds and the only species of crane worldwide that is native to Australia. Several walking trails and picnic areas are located within the park providing visitors with opportunities to explore the region's natural beauty. The park is popular for birdwatching, bushwalking, and nature photography.
Litchfield National Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, such as the Twin Falls and the Wangi Falls, which provide a welcome respite from the heat of the summer sun. The park also has a number of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the captivating landscape and see the park's many hidden wonders.
There are plenty of other nearby places to visit in this part of the world. Explore Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes, rugged sandstone escarpments, verdant wetlands, and tranquil floodplains; take a hike through Bicentennial National Trail; or explore Alligator River National Park on horseback. The options are endless. If time is not an issue, take it slow and soak it up with a luxury motorhome. Another option is to rent a one-way campervan to cover further distances through Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs and Uluru and avoid the 15 hr journey back to Darwin.
Darwin is the place to be if you're looking for the best in the Northern Territory. Darwin has something for everyone with its stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Here are our top 10 picks for Darwin's best sites to visit!
This 7-day loop around Darwin and the Top End takes in all the region's natural wonders. Visit Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu in this tropical adventure.
MORE: 7-Day Darwin ItineraryThis 14-day exploration sees you explore the tropical North-West at your leisure. Go interstate and cross the Kimberley along Gibb River Road and see famous outcrops and small towns before reaching the tropical resort of Broome.
MORE: Darwin to Broome ItinerarySnake along the Stuart Highway as you traverse between the NT’s two main towns. See Katherine, Kings Canyon and even Uluru before reaching the quirky town of Alice Springs in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.
MORE: Darwin to Alice Springs ItineraryA marathon adventure across two of the most isolated areas in the world. Cross the vast Kimberley region before reaching the mining mecca of Australia. Work your way along the World-Heritage Ningaloo coast before reaching Perth – the most isolated city in the world.
MORE: Darwin to Perth ItineraryTake the famous trip across Explorer’s Way as you cross the very heart of Australia. See the Red Centre come to life at Uluru and Alice Springs before discovering the alien-like nature of Coober Pedy. Everything comes full circle as you arrive in Adelaide and experience its cosmopolitan city vibe.
MORE: Darwin to Adelaide ItineraryThere are no special licencing requirements that you need to undertake if hiring or driving a motorhome in the Northern Territory. Your licence will need to be:
Yes, unlimited kilometres are generally included for standard vehicle rentals in Australia. However, limits are placed on some vehicles, e.g. 4x4 campers. The comparison tool will show whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.
When renting a vehicle, a security deposit is pre-authorised, equivalent to the amount the renter is liable to cover (excess) in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle.
The bond amount fluctuates based on the insurance package selected at the time of rental and is charged and debited on the renters’ credit or debit card.
Yes, most campervan rental companies do allow an additional driver. However, this driver and any others must be named on the rental agreement, and there may be a nominal fee.
Additional drivers must also hold an appropriate driver’s licence and meet driver age requirements.
Most rental companies offer roadside assistance 24/7 by ringing a local or free number. In addition, mechanical breakdowns are covered by the rental company (for example, engine and electrical faults).
Repairs under $100 (Australian dollars) do not require authorisation with some suppliers and will be reimbursed upon rental return (with a GST receipt). However, it’s still recommended to ring roadside assistance for any troubles.
Yes, it’s standard for most RV rental companies to allow an additional driver. This driver and any others must be named on the rental agreement and there may be a nominal fee.
Additional drivers must also hold an appropriate driver’s license and must meet driver age requirements.