Hire & transport: car rental, motorhomes, coaches & transfers in the NT

Whether planning an off-road adventure, a relaxing campervan holiday or a weekend fishing trip, it’s easy to hire a vehicle suited to the NT’s terrain.

There are plenty of hire options available across the Territory, including cars, 4WDs, bicycles, motorhomes, boats, and even canoes.

Vehicle hire: cars, 4WDs, campervans, motorhomes

Locally run car-hire businesses with expert regional knowledge operate out of Darwin, Alice Springs and other regional centres, as do major national vehicle hire companies such as Apollo, Britz, Europcar, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise. Hire companies offer a broad range of vehicles to suit your holiday needs, including automatic and manual cars, 4WDs, campervans, motorhomes and minibuses – some even include camping equipment.

Vehicles can be booked in advance or on arrival, and pick-up from airports, train stations and accommodation can be arranged. A credit card is usually required for vehicle hire.

Before hiring a vehicle, check licensing requirements and read the insurance fine print closely, as restrictions can apply to off-road travel, driving after dark, and to younger drivers.

Planning a trip in an electric vehicle (EV):

Exploring the Northern Territory in an EV is becoming easier, with a growing network of charging infrastructure across key touring routes and regional centres.

To help plan your journey, a range of charging apps, public websites and in-vehicle navigation tools can provide information on charger locations, availability, charging speeds and nearby services.

Commonly used tools include:

Travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly during busy travel periods. Visitors should also check directly with accommodation providers and attractions, as some locations may offer on-site charging facilities.

Bicycle hire

Road and mountain bikes are available for hire at outlets in Alice Springs, Uluru and Darwin, and at selected attractions and accommodation. Hire usually includes helmets and maps.

Boat & canoe hire

If you’re looking to take a rod and reel out on the water, fishing boats – including the Territory classic, the ‘tinny’ – are available for hire in Darwin for Top End fishing trips. In Katherine, swap the outboard for paddle power and hire a canoe to explore the splendour of Nitmiluk Gorge. For the truly intrepid (and fit), overnight canoe hire is available for multi-day canoeing and camping trips.