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.
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Platinum Beach
Euro Deluxe 6
HiTop
Trailfinder 4WD Camper
2-Berth Hitop
4-Berth Explorer
Scout 4WD Camper
Spirit 2 T/S Ultima
Hi5 Camper - (HIFI)
Safari Landcruiser 4WD
4WD Camper
Cheapa Endeavour
HiTop
2-Berth Hitop
Cheapa Endeavour
2-Berth Highball
Platinum Beach
Euro Deluxe 6
6-Berth Big Six
6-Berth Frontier
Trailfinder 4WD Camper
Scout 4WD Camper
Safari Landcruiser 4WD
4WD Camper
Cheapa Trailfinder 4x4
Outback 4WD Camper
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Most campervan rentals in Darwin cost, on average, between AUD $35 to $350 per day (most fees included).
Rental rates can vary depending on:
Most campervan rental companies offer basic budget-friendly campervans, fully-equipped 4WD campers, and big luxurious motorhomes.
Luxury-class motorhomes are your home away from home with all the creature comforts you’d expect and are the most expensive vehicle class to hire.
If you can do without an onboard shower and toilet, then a budget-friendly campervan will be much kinder to your pocket.
However, if you are adventurous and enjoy a “living amongst nature” experience, getting to places that a campervan and motorhome can’t, then a 4WD camper is for you.
The prices for renting a campervan in Darwin are steady throughout the year. However, May and June usually have slightly cheaper rates compared to the rest of the year.
A 4WD is not required to explore the wonders of the great outback. In fact, 95% of the Northern Territory's attractions are accessible by 2WD vehicles, such as motorhomes and campervans, because of the extensive network of sealed highways. Motorhomes and campervans must strictly adhere to driving only on sealed roads.
If you are new to campervanning, visiting Darwin for the first time or travelling with family, we recommend using a motorhome or campervan. Getting around this way provides more flexibility.
Generally, 4WD campers can only be driven on recognised sealed tracks. However, it is possible to request exceptions be made for some areas. Permission must be granted in advance, especially for any off-road areas.
In addition to unsealed roads, companies may restrict certain roads or trails with a reputation for being rough or rugged. If you take your vehicle into a restricted area, you will be liable for all damages and, in some cases, will also have to pay a fine.
If unsure about a particular area, it’s best to contact the rental company in advance.
For 4WD vehicles, a daily mileage allowance usually applies (around 300 km). After that, additional fees will apply.
The comparison tool will show which vehicles have unlimited kilometres and limited free mileage. Consult the rental agreement of the supplier for further details.
Some 4WD campers are equipped with a roof tent and self-inflating sleeping mats. This means that the vehicle doesn't have sleeping space inside. Instead, a tent is mounted on top of the campervan, which then can be set up for overnight camping.
For example the Britz Safari 4WD Camper (based on a Toyota Landcruiser) is mounted with a double-bed rooftop tent. The tent also has an annex with space for up to three more persons.
Other 4x4 campervan rental models have a pop up roof (pop-top campers) allowing for beds to located within the motorhome itself.
While there are no campervan rentals directly at the terminal at Darwin Airport, there are several depots within a few kilometres. Some suppliers offer a complimentary shuttle with your rental, and the other depots are easily accessible by taxi or Uber.
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:
The best things you can do to lower the price of your motorhome rental holiday are:
Book early. Prices go up as availability goes down.
Be flexible regarding the vehicle type and timing of your rental. Moving your travel dates by a few days or weeks can make a significant price difference.
Compare and save. Camper Champ is a tool to compare multiple brands and find deals, specials and discounts to help you save. And better yet, there is no booking fee for your RV rental.
Skip the school holidays: Peak periods entail high prices. Instead, try the shoulder seasons to stay within budget.
The best time to visit Darwin and the Top End is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This time of year brings some cooler nights and the need to book ahead as this is peak season.
The climate in Darwin is hot and humid year-round. Temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees Celsius, but this is when it won’t be too sticky, and you won’t get caught in the heavy monsoon rains that fall during the wet season from November to April.
With the many highlights around Darwin and the Top End, a minimum of a week is recommended to explore the region. With all the stunning natural and cultural sights, it will take at least a week to see the top attractions and do them justice.
If you're visiting Darwin city by campervan, you'll find plenty of parking options. In Darwin city, several paid parking options are available, including metered street parking and off-street car parks.
Daily rates for street parking start at around $2 per hour, while off-street parking is approximately $10-20 per day. There are several commercial and private parking areas in Darwin city where you can leave your campervan. The two main areas are the Darwin Waterfront and Mitchell Street.
The Darwin Waterfront has a number of commercial parking lots, as well as a large area for recreational vehicles. Rates start at around $2 per hour, with a maximum stay of 24 hours.
Mitchell Street is home to several car parks, including the Darwin Central Car Park and the Mitchell Street Car Park. Rates vary depending on the location but typically start at around $10 per day.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, several public car parks are outside the city centre. These typically charge around $5 per day.
When parking your campervan in Darwin, it's essential to follow the local regulations. Parking on footpaths, nature strips and in front of driveways is not permitted.
Renting a home on wheels doesn’t mean you can just camp out anywhere. Camping in public places, including sleeping in a motorhome, campervan, caravan or 4WD camper overnight, is restricted in some areas, especially around Darwin and Palmerston council areas, and is regulated with on-the-spot fines being issued.
Some free designated campsites are located about an hour’s drive from Darwin. To the east of Darwin and by the ocean is Gunn Point, and south of Darwin is Robin Creek Falls. These free camping sites are geared toward seasoned campers stopping to explore the area. There are no facilities at these free campgrounds requiring you to be self-sufficient.
Alternatively, if it’s your first time travelling in a motorhome or you have a family, we recommend the use of designated campsites within the National Parks that feature some valuable facilities like toilets and showers.
There is also the option of staying overnight in one of the privately managed holiday parks, which comes with the perks of additional facilities like playgrounds and swimming pools that are a fantastic option for families. There are over 20 holiday parks located across the Northern Territory.
Darwin is well-connected to the surrounding national parks with a network of good roads, making it easy to travel from the city. The Darwin area is home to several stunning national parks perfect for campervan exploration.
Some of the best parks to visit include:
There are over 80 national parks, nature reserves, conservation areas and marine parks in the Northern Territory. Most national parks in and around Darwin are free to enter and have designated camping areas charging nominal fees starting at $6 per adult to stay overnight in a campervan without needing a permit. However, you do need to book online in advance to secure your spot, as you can’t pay at the park. If you plan to stay overnight outside a designated camping area, you will need to apply for a permit. These permits only cost $10 for a family or $4 per adult, so it’s an inexpensive way to enjoy some of the best beauty spots around Darwin. Being self-sufficient will be required.
The three exceptions requiring a Parks Pass to visit are Booderee, Kakadu and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Parks, the latter two being world heritage sites.
Park pass fees are:
If you are travelling long distances and just require somewhere to take a break and rest up, there are designated road rest stops that allow sleeping overnight. These service areas are located on the region’s three major highways:
To Avoid driver fatigue, take 15-minute breaks every 2 hours.
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!
If you're looking for something fun to do with kids (or adults), check out Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Sundays from November through March. This is one of Australia's most popular beaches! With food from all over the world, live music and a relaxed atmosphere, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are your go-to place to soak up the tropical atmosphere of the city.
The Darwin Waterfront is a great place to relax and soak up the tropical vibes of the city. With its swimming lagoon, restaurants and bars, the Darwin Waterfront is a delightful place to spend a lazy afternoon and watch the colourful sunset.
Just an hour's drive from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a must-visit for any nature lover. With its cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests and stunning swimming holes, you can escape the city and connect with nature.
Kakadu is one of Australia's most iconic national parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes, including its rugged sandstone escarpments, verdant wetlands, and tranquil floodplains. Ubirr is home to some of the best Aboriginal rock art in the Northern Territory. Yellow Water is one of the best places in the park to spot wildlife. The park is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, wallabies, and over 280 species of birds fill the skies with their songs, making it a paradise for birdwatchers
Jim Jim Falls is a waterfall in Kakadu National Park. The falls are located in a remote, isolated area of the park and are accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The falls themselves are a series of cascades that drop over a series of rocky cliffs into a large pool at the base.
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.
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