Compare & Save with Road Genius

Compare campervan rentals all around the world

No Booking Fees

Easy to use with no booking fees.

Plan your camper trip from Darwin – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan rentals across Australia and helps travelers see real-time stock and prices in one place. Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is a starting point for Kakadu, Litchfield and the long Stuart Highway south. The dry season is the most comfortable time to drive and camp.

Campervan Rental Cost

Campervan Pickup Locations

Map of campervan rental depots near 470482

When to Go for a Campervan Trip

Period Avg High °F/°C Good time?
May – Sep (Dry) 88 °F / 31 °C Yes – coolest, low humidity
Oct (Build-up) 93 °F / 34 °C Mixed – very humid, storms start
Nov – Apr (Wet) 91–94 °F / 33–34 °C Often no – heavy rain, road closures

Driving Notes

  • Urban speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph); rural sections of Stuart Highway allow 130 km/h (80 mph). Speed limit signs change frequently, so watch the signs carefully.
  • Roads in and out of Darwin are sealed (paved), but many park roads are unsealed (unpaved) and close after heavy rain. Check roadreport.nt.gov.au each morning.
  • Fuel stations south of the city can be 200 km (125 mi) apart; fill up whenever the tank drops below half.
  • There are no electronic toll roads in the Northern Territory.
  • Rest areas along main highways permit one 24-hour stay; police issue fines to drivers who stay longer.
  • Cyclones may form Nov–Apr. If a cyclone warning is issued, move inland and avoid coastal roads.

Camping Spots

Place Hook-ups Pros Cons
Hidden Valley Holiday Park (10 min from CBD) Water+Electric Shaded sites, pool, easy taxi to city Higher price, some highway noise
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort (Hwy 1, Holtze) Full Resort pool, bar, accepts vehicles up to 12 m 20 min drive to city
Lee Point Village Resort Water+Electric Near beach and walking tracks Midges at dusk, windy in storms
Florence Falls Campground (Litchfield NP) None Waterfalls, $12 per adult, big trees No bookings, max 8 m vehicles, basic toilets
Stuart Highway 24-hr Rest Areas None Free, no booking, good for overnight transit Basic or no toilets, no shade, no hook-ups

Fuel, Water, Waste

  • Free public dump point and drinking water taps at Frances Bay (Fannie Bay boat ramp, East Point Road).
  • BP Truckstop Coolalinga on Stuart Highway sells diesel, unleaded gas, LPG and has wide bays for vehicles over 9 m plus coin-operated showers.
  • Many commercial parks (e.g., FreeSpirit, Hidden Valley) allow non-guests to use dump points for a small fee; ask at reception.

Local Tips

  • Flash floods can cut park roads after 50 mm of rain; always check access with park rangers before entering Kakadu or Litchfield.
  • Mosquitoes and sandflies are common near mangroves; carry insect repellent and close flyscreens at dawn and dusk.
  • Saltwater crocodiles live in tidal rivers; stay at least 50 m (165 ft) from the water unless signs state it is safe.
  • Street camping inside Darwin city limits is prohibited between 22:00 and 06:00; rangers issue immediate fines.
  • The NT Parks Pass is required for Kakadu and Litchfield overnight stays; buy online to avoid waiting in lines.
  • Dial 000 for police, fire or ambulance. Mobile phone coverage disappears quickly outside the city, so a satellite phone or emergency beacon is recommended for remote drives.

FAQs

How old do I need to be to rent a campervan in Australia?

In Australia, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent from their full selection of vehicles.

Some companies do allow drivers aged 18 to 21, but they might offer only certain models, and extra insurance could be necessary.

Simply enter the driver's age into our search tool, and we'll show you the vehicles that are available for you.

Can I collect my camper from the airport?

While most RV rental companies aren't located directly at Australian airports, their depots are usually nearby, within 2 to 30 kilometers.

Many providers offer free shuttle services to their depots if you book ahead. Alternatively, public buses, shuttles, and taxis are also available for transport.

What kind of license do I need to rent a campervan in Australia?

To rent a campervan, each driver needs to have a valid, full driver's license. If your license is in English, you're all set. If not, make sure to have an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Are one-way campervan rentals available in Australia?

Absolutely! Most companies offer the option of one-way rentals, with pickup and drop-off locations available across Australia.

Although there is often an extra charge for one-way rentals, it will be included in the price our comparison tool displays.