Car Rental Darwin CBD

Take a drive through Darwin, the gateway to the Northern Territory, and experience culture and nature along the way. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for a Darwina adventure. 

Australia’s top end is an experience like no other, and Darwin is the perfect starting point. With your Thrifty rental car, you’ll have easy access to everything that makes Darwin so special, whether you're having lunch at local markets, or watching crocodiles have theirs. Ready to discover Darwin the Thrifty way? Jump in! 

Kakadu National Park: Nature at its Best 

A trip to the Northern Territory is simply incomplete without a roadtrip to Kakadu National Park. A three hour drive from Darwin will transport you to another world of waterfalls, wildlife and hiking trails. It’s no wonder why this place is World Heritage-listed. 

Must-See Spots at Kakadu: 

• Ubirr Rock Art: See 20,000-year-old Aboriginal paintings, depicting stories, hunting scenes and Dreamtime legends. 

• Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls:  Swim beneath towering cliffs and relax in the natural pools. 

• Yellow Water Billabong: Take a boat tour through wetlands teeming with crocodiles, birds and water lilies. 

Litchfield National Park  

For a national park that’s only 1.5 hours from Darwin (half the time it takes to get to Kakadu), Litchfield is a great option. Here, you’ll find impressive waterfalls, fresh water swimming holes and monsoon rainforests—just to name a few. Here are some highlights to think about: 

• Wangi Falls: A natural swimming pool beneath a stunning waterfall. 

• Florence Falls: Perfect for cooling off after a hike. 

• Magnetic Termite Mounds: See towering termite mounds, some over 100 years old. 

Darwin Markets: For Shopping and Snacking. 

Darwin is famous for its vibrant markets, which are great places to pick up a souvenir, a sit-down meal or a quick bite. And, they’re all just a short drive from the city centre. 

Mindil Beach Sunset Market 

Every Thursday and Sunday evening, over 300 stalls serve up an impressive showcase of international and local cuisine, plus artisan goods. Take a stroll, follow your eyes, nose and tummy, and enjoy your food as the sun sets over Mindil Beach. 

Parap Village Market 

If Southeast Asian street food is your thing (and it really should be!), put this market on your list. It’s open every Saturday from 8:00am to 2:00pm, meaning you’ll get the opportunity to have the likes of laksa and pho for brekky! Pick up a selection of tropical fruits—some of which you may have never seen before—then spend the rest of your time browsing  crafts made by local artisans. 

Get Up Close With Crocodiles 

The Northern Territory is home to a healthy population of crocodiles. But before you decide to steer clear of the whole area, you may take comfort in knowing that it’s easy to avoid these magnificent creatures , and just as easy to see them face to face under the guidance of some local croc-whisperers! Here are a couple of places to find them. 

Jumping Crocodile Cruise  

Adelaide River (1-hour drive) 

This guided tour will take you into the belly of the beast—from the comfort of a large boat! Watch in awe as your guide dangles food over the water, and the mighty saltwater crocodile leaps up to catch it. This infamous river is home to approximately four crocs per square kilometer, so you know you (and the crocs) are in for a treat. 

Crocosaurus Cove 

Darwin CBD 

If simply watching the crocs from the boat doesn’t float your boat, how about swimming right next to them? Enter the ‘Cage of Death’, a glass tank that is actually a lot safer than it sounds, and say g’day to your prehistoric friends. 

Your Northern Territory Adventure Starts With Thrifty 

So there you have it: Darwin, and its glorious surrounding area, in one guide. It’s a place that’s best enjoyed by car, and a Thrifty rental car will give you a great range of options at a great price.