On average, car rentals in Katherine cost around AUD $156.00 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from AUD $81.26 per day.
Travel in the wet season (Nov-Mar) for the best deals. If you're hitting Katherine during the peak dry season (Jun-Aug), you absolutely have to book months ahead to dodge the high prices.
Picking up your car in Katherine town is usually cheaper than getting it at the airport or train station. A short walk or taxi ride could save you a decent chunk of change.
You don't need a giant gas-guzzler. A standard 2WD car or small SUV is perfect for all the main sights like Nitmiluk Gorge and will save you cash on the rental and at the fuel pump.
Driving between Katherine and Darwin? Compare the cost of a one-way rental against booking two separate cars. Sometimes the one-way option wins, even with the drop-off fee.
Book a rental so you can see:
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) – 30 km, 30 minutes
Edith Falls (Leliyn) – 60 km, 45 minutes
Mataranka Thermal Springs – 106 km, 1 hour
Bitter Springs – 110 km, 1 hour
Cutta Cutta Caves – 30 km, 30 minutes
Kakadu National Park (south) – 150 km to entrance, 1.5 hours