Hello Seabreeze Brains Trust!

Mrs and I are doing a 12 day Darwin / NT holiday in June. Accommodation booked - now I just need to book a 4WD for 8 days... We are not doing anything hardcore - just Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks... but we do want to get to those places where a 4WD is needed. I have a few years experience with an old GQ Patrol, so I am a reasonably confident and competent 4WD'er

Just started searching on-line for a hire company and of course there are a gazillion hire joints... just looking to short cut the process by seeing if anyone on SB can recommend a company that will allow some red dirt driving, but not have crazy conditions and costs. I have seen one that says it's $100/hr + $90 admin fee for cleaning the car upon return! Others where the 4WD cannot be taken off road?!

Any advice or recommendations?

Not suggesting you lie, but if hypothetically;

you had a friend who didn't tell 'em they were a tourist going to Kakadu, but phoned the big guys and told them they wanted a full mine spec 4wd, saying they were a contractor looking at some exploration work or upcoming jobs. Maybe if your friend (hypothetically) googled / made up a few random companies they could claim they were going to, just in case the hire people asked.

...then maybe you'd not be stung with all the extras they always hit tourists for.

Hypothetically.

Thanks - are there any 'must see' places that require a 4WD? Or are these better done via an organised tour?

Thanks for replying.

Heaps to do & see without 4WD.
Jim Jim falls will need 4wd - but most rentals there most likely not covered. But you can arrange a short helicopter ride there.
Don't miss Gunlom falls bottom end of Kakadu. Also Berry Springs just out of Darwin.
Heaps to see in Litchfield - only really need 4Wd for Sandy Creek & Surprise creek (but possibly day tours there).

Also Oyster Bar on waterfront for delicious Coffin Bay oysters & a cold bevvy

Haha - oysters are flown up almost daily - Waterfront Darwin, Esplanade near the waterpark. Called Oyster bar.

Thanks for the replies guys - much appreciated. Still putting the itinerary together, but always good to hear that the places you jot down whilst researching are recommended. Cheers!