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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.