Getting Around

 - Car Hire

Four wheel drive (4WD) and two wheel drive (2WD) vehicles can be hired from Darwin, Jabiru and Katherine. Restrictions may apply to the hire of your vehicle and insurance policies may vary. Some plans do not offer roadside assistance in remote areas or cover for travel on ungazetted roads. Companies rarely insure single vehicle accidents at night, so drive cautiously as native animals and stock often wander close to roads at this time. Check the conditions of your insurance policy at the time of booking and ensure the hire car company explains how to use your vehicle, including how to enage the four wheel drive function. See the list below for car hire companies in the Top End.

 - Four Wheel Drive (4WD)

Although a two wheel drive (2WD) vehicle will get you to the majority of sites and attractions in the region, to explore some of the special locations in remote areas, a 4WD is absolutely essential. Good travel advice for those using 4WD vehicles is to make the trip fun, but keep it safe, make sure you plan ahead for your journey and always advise somebody of your travel schedule. For specific information on self-drive access to some of the more remote locations in the Top End region, and the truly unique experiences that these off-road adventures can offer, visitors are advised to visit their local library or check out their local bookstores for one of the many specialist guides available on exploring the 4WD tracks of the Top End region.

 - Taxi

Taxis are available 24 hours from anywhere within Darwin and surrounds. A taxi rank is available at Darwin International Airport, the Knuckey Street end of Smith Street Mall, outside Skycity Casino and outside the Darwin Cinemas on Mitchell Street at night on weekends. The best way to catch a taxi is to call direct to book or request at your hotel reception.

 - Private Hire

Private Hire Cars are available 24 hours from anywhere within the Darwin surrounds. Your driver can arrange simple, yet personalised pickups and returns to and from Darwin Airport or comprehensive scenic tours of Darwin and surrounding areas.

 - Public Transport

The Public Transport Division provides a safe and convenient public bus transport service for locals as well as travellers to the Top End. The network of services operate between three main interchanges located in Darwin City, Casuarina and Palmerston. A bus timetable can be collected from the Visitor Information Centre at 6 Bennett Street, Darwin City, or click here to download the latest bus route information and times.

For fare information click here.

 - Boat Hire

The Top End is renowned for its world class fishing. It might be the mighty barramundi you're chasing, or the reefs and wrecks offshore for jewfish, snapper, trevally, coral trout and more. If a fishing charter isn't your style, then see the array of boats available for hire to fish at your own pace and in your own time.

Click here to hire a boat.