Vehicle Hire

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Driving your own vehicle offers freedom to explore the Northern Territory at your leisure. Most of the major attractions are accessible by standard vehicle (2WD) however to truly experience all of the attractions in the Northern Territory, you need a 4WD vehicle. There are many companies who hire cars, 4WD’s and campervans.

There are a lot of camp grounds and caravan parks scattered throughout the Northern Territory – within National Parks, towns and along the highways. They vary in standard from camp grounds with basic pit toilets only; to holiday resorts with electricity, restaurants and bars.

Email us today to find out more about hiring a vehicle in the Northern Territory. We can provide you with competitive prices.

The Northern Territory is a vast wilderness with wide open space and driving can be a wonderful experience. However you need to be aware of the substantial distances and hazards of outback driving…

Highways – the major roads are all bitumen and in good condition.

Other Roads – although some of the secondary roads are bitumen, the majority of roads are dirt/gravel of varying standards from well-maintained and rough corrugations to deep sand and bull-dust. Caution is recommended on outback roads.

4WD tracks – we have plenty of tracks to get you to some spectacular locations. However we would suggest you have had some 4WD’ing experience before. Pay particular attention and observe the signs at water crossings because we have crocodiles in the Top End. The majority of tracks are vulnerable to floods and damage during the wet season and a lot close in the Top End.

Fuel – Petrol/Diesel/LPG is available from service stations and roadhouses. However distances between service stations and roadhouses can be up to 100-300km; and as much as 500km between fuel stops in the remote areas. Fuel is substantially more expensive in the NT and the more remote you are the higher the costs – prices range from $1.40 per litre to $2.20 per litre.

Road Trains – these iconic trucks are amazing. Some trucks are up to 3 or 4 trailers and 50 metres in length. You should always show caution around these trucks particularly when passing; allow several kilometres of clear road ahead.

Wildlife – many of our roads are unfenced; including main highways. So wondering stock and wildlife can be hazardous. We would recommend travelling during daylight hours only and avoid driving at dawn and dusk; and night time.

Aboriginal Land Permits – a large area of the Northern Territory is traditional Aboriginal land and some outback tracks pass through this land. You are obligated to obtain permits to drive on some tracks and access Aboriginal land.

Top End Distances (approximate)

Darwin – Alice Springs: 1,516kms

Darwin – Jabiru (Kakadu): 231kms

Jabiru (Kakadu) – Katherine: 303kms

Katherine – Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: 30kms

Katherine – Litchfield: 277kms

Litchfield – Darwin: 125kms

Darwin – Katherine: 324kms

Notes:

  • Within Kakadu NP:
    • Very few attractions are located on the main highway. You could travel between 300 and 400kms extra within the park to visit the main attractions.
    • The track to Jim Jim and Twin Falls is 4WD only and 70kms of outback experience. It takes between 1½ to 2 hours drive each way.
  • Within Litchfield NP:
    • expect to drive around 50 to 80kms to visit each of the waterfalls. Litchfield is very well maintained and bitumen roads allow easy access to all of the waterfalls. There are some attractions only accessible by 4WD track.
  • If you would like to visit all three (3) national parks in the Top End from Darwin – Kakadu, Nitmiluk Gorge and Litchfield; you can expect to drive a minimum of 1,100kms; and up to 1,800kms if you want to see the major attractions.

Red Centre Distances (approximate)

Alice Springs – Darwin: 1,516kms

Alice Springs – Uluru (Ayers Rock): 470kms

Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas): 60kms

Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kings Canyon: 320kms

Kings Canyon – Alice Springs: 330kms

Alice Springs – Stanley Chasm: 40kms

Alice Springs – Ormiston Gorge: 130kms

Alice Springs – Palm Valley: 203kms

Notes:

  • If you would like to visit both national parks in the Red Centre from Alice Springs – Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon; you can expect to drive a minimum of 1,200kms; and up to 1,600kms if you want to see the major attractions.