Compare Rates to Find a Cheap Car Rental in Darwin 

Darwin is one of Australia's most modern and multicultural cities and its proximity to Asia makes it an important gateway to countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. Do your research when travelling here as there are very distinct wet and dry seasons and this could influence your choice of rental vehicle and booking time. You don't want to make a mistake and hire a car inappropriate to the climate.

On Christmas Eve in 1974 Cyclone Tracy destroyed many homes and businesses. So, after being almost entirely rebuilt (twice) Darwin is now one of Australia's most modern, but not often visited, capitals. The 19 February 2010 marks the Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin and is a day to remember the people who helped defend this city during the World War II. Each year veterans and locals come to commemorate the fallen with the sounding of the WWII air raid siren at 9.58am at the Cenotaph in Bicentennial Park. 9.58am was the exact time that the siren sounded on February 19 in 1942 shortly before 243 armed forces and civilians were killed in the bombings. 

A trip to Darwin is guaranteed to be a uniquely Australian experience for any traveller.The city is unique compared to other Australian capitals. One way to appreciate the history of Darwin while you're touring in your rental car is to book a Bombing of Darwin tour. In the early 1940s at the outset of World War II around ten thousand Allied troops arrived in Darwin. Their mission was to defend Australia's northern coastline. But on February 19 in 1942 Japanese warplanes attacked Darwin in two waves. There were 188 of them and it was the same fleet that bombed Pearl Harbour - although a lot more bombs were dropped on Darwin. The historic incident was shown in the epic film "Australia" by Baz Luhrmann.

These days Darwin is by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern territory. Yet it's still the least populous of all Australia's capital cities. But don't let that fool you. Although the smallest and most northerly of Australian cities it acts as the Top End's regional centre and is an absolutely fantastic destination if you want to see the real outback. The best way to explore the region is in a sturdy, outback-proof rental vehicle. 

Still unsure on what you can do in a rental car in Darwin? Then here's some clues!

Day trips are a popular way to explore the region especially for travellers who have booked a rental vehicle. Some of the most popular day trips from Darwin include the much loved Litchfield Park. Here you'll find weathered, sandstone escarpments coupled with patches of rainforest and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for interesting sights such as 'magnetic' termite mounds and breathtaking crystal-clear water holes.

Visit Kakadu, Yellow Water and, for something different, the Aboriginal-owned Bathurst and Melville islands (these are a thirty minute flight from the town).
There are also plenty of organised tours you can book, taking the hassle out of co-ordinating them yourself. Sometimes a group tour is the easiest and most time-effective option.

Remember though - you can't spend all your time in Darwin behind the wheel of a carhire.com.au rental car...no matter how cheap or luxurious it is!

If some intense relaxation is what you're after then why not consider a trip to one of the day spas. The Tropical Spa is a stunning retreat in Darwin catering for beauty treatments and simple relaxation. Whether you need your eyebrows reshaped or a whole half day package you'll find what you're looking for. With plenty of parking space, just park your rental car up and sink into the relaxing treatments on offer.

For a local experience, Howard Springs and the Parap Village Tavern both offer trivia nights with great prizes. Or you could watch a vintage outdoor movie at the Deckchair Cinema. Some of the most popular items on travellers' itineraries include dinner and drinks at the Darwin Wharf Precinct or sunset cocktails at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. A visit to the Mindil Beach markets for a spot of shopping and poking around is an absolute must for the shopaholics amongst us. A cheap and fun way to entertain the family is a picnic in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.