Ace Rental Cars Blog

The great wilderness of the outback isn’t all arid temperatures and red desert roads. The Top End has many vibrant rainforest regions and parklands outside of Darwin just waiting to be explored. In fact, there are many excellent one-day trips you can make if you have a rental car and a desire to go.

So, gather your friends or family for the day, pack the car, fill the petrol tank and hit the open road. We list five national parks and reserves close to Darwin that you simply can’t miss out on.

Mary River National Park

Drive duration from Darwin: 2 hours approx.

Head west from Darwin to immerse yourself in the thriving wetlands of the Mary River National Park. The waterways are famous for their abundance of barramundi, making the area a favourite spot for fishing tours and local enthusiasts. Make sure you also keep an eye out from the many salt-water crocs that call the wetlands home.

Litchfield National Park

Drive duration from Darwin: 1 hour 20 minutes approx.

For parkland a little closer to the city centre, head south of Darwin to discover some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Checkout Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole for the best, croc-free swimming holes. Otherwise, if you feel like a hike, hit the Tolmer Falls Walk to be rewarded with views of arguably the most stunning waterfall in the park.

Butterfly Gorge

Drive duration from Darwin: 2 hours 40 minutes approx

For a more secluded slice of nature, head further south to Butterfly Gorge, accurately named due to the swarms of Common Crow Butterflies that shelter within the rock face. The park has another excellent swimming hole, which you can swim across and climb to the upper pools.

Berry Springs National Park

Drive duration from Darwin: 40 minutes approx.

Berry Springs National Park is one of the closest reserves to Darwin and promises lush, shaded pools as well as barbeque and picnic facilities that make it perfect for a family day out.

Kakadu National Park

Drive duration from Darwin: 1 hour 40 minutes approx.

Last but certainly not least, Kakadu National Park boasts 19,000kms of sprawling wilderness. From the teeming rainforest to the bushland and secluded swimming holes and waterfalls, you can lose yourself in this park for days.

Choose Darwin’s preferred car rental service

Ace Rental Cars offers a first-rate selection of rental vehicles that are ideal for your road-tripping adventures in the outback. Make your booking today and explore the bountiful wilderness waiting on Darwin’s doorstep.

Ace Rental Cars Darwin City Location

Address: Shop 41, Mitchell Centre, 55/59 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT 0800 Australia Get Directions
Phone Number: +614 2869 1087 Toll Free: 1800 620 408
Email: darwin@acerentals.com.au
Office Hours: Open 7 days a week