{"id":2375,"date":"2023-05-26T01:28:08","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T15:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-northern-territory\/"},"modified":"2024-06-18T04:56:01","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:56:01","slug":"five-things-you-didnt-know-about-northern-territory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-northern-territory\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things to Know About Australia\u2019s Top End with Georgia Love, Diana Chan & Mitchell Burns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Luxury accommodation, incredible sunsets, foodie delights and more \u2013 three Luxury Escapes insiders share their favourite things about the Northern Territory.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside the tropical, cosmopolitan vibes of Darwin, from the legendary Uluru to the wilderness of Nitmiluk and Kakadu National Park, the Northern Territory is home to some of Australia\u2019s most jaw-dropping natural wonders. From eating in high-end restaurants or dining on street market laksa to croc-spotting river cruises and air-boating across flood plains, there\u2019s something new for every type of traveller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We sent three Luxury Escapes insiders on the trip of a lifetime to this enigmatic state, unveiling the secrets hidden under waterfalls, behind sunsets and quite literally written into the awe-inspiring landscapes. Former star of The Bachelorette <\/em>Georgia Love<\/a>, TV host, podcaster and MasterChef Australia winner Diana Chan<\/a> and photographer Mitchell Burns<\/a> went in search of \u2018different\u2019 on their adventures \u2013 and certainly found it! Here, they reveal why the Northern Territory should be the next stop on your travel itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to embark on your Northern Territory adventure?<\/strong> Discover our collection of Northern Territory deals here<\/a>.

Want to experience Mitchell, Diana and Georgia’s NT adventure for yourself?<\/strong> Save this unmissable Curated Trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can stay on a working cattle station  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"-\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no better way to get under the skin of the Northern Territory than with a stay on a working cattle station. But this doesn\u2019t mean roughing it: Finniss River Lodge<\/a> is just 90 minutes from Darwin but a million miles from everyday life, with just six luxury suites, twice-daily guided excursions and a breathtaking horizon pool. \u201cIt\u2019s up there amongst my favourite accommodation I\u2019ve ever stayed in,\u201d says Georgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe staff went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable, while the rooms and amenities are gorgeous, homely and comfortable, and the number of unique experiences and activities kept blowing us away!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immerse yourself in the essence of the state while enjoying little luxuries like meals inspired by local produce and sunset drinks overlooking the plunge pool. \u201cIt was an unforgettable experience enjoying a glass of sparkling and canap\u00e9s amongst the cows and having breakfast in the paddock surrounded by termite mounds,\u201d shares Diana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sunsets are out of this world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"-\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"-\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’ll never forget the sunset down at Dundee Beach,\u201d says Diana\u2026and there\u2019s a reason why! The Northern Territory is known for its stunning show every evening, as the sky turns shades of blue, pink, orange and purple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching the sunset at Ubirr in Kakadu was an unmissable moment for Mitchell, while for Diana, the best sunset was on Darwin Harbour: \u201cThe slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange hue to the sky, set against the turquoise-coloured waters, it was breathtaking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hot tip from Mitchell for first-time NT visitors: \u201c[The Northern Territory] sunsets get better after the sun has set, so stick around longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can swim in waterfalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u201890s supergroup TLC may have advised against chasing waterfalls, but in the Northern Territory, this is allowed \u2013 in fact, it\u2019s encouraged! Litchfield National Park, just an hour\u2019s drive south of Darwin, is dotted with misty waterfalls, all nestled amongst dramatic landscapes. Find one to call your own, or head for a tried-and-tested option: Buley Rockhole was a favourite for Georgia thanks to the beautiful cascades that form natural pools you can swim in (read: no crocs!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one of the best places to discover Aboriginal culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"-\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Home to Uluru, Kakadu and countless other wonderfully preserved sites of significance, the Northern Territory can\u2019t be beat when it comes to learning about Indigenous culture. Join a local Aboriginal guide in Kakadu National Park as they share stories about the creation ancestors who lived and passed through thousands of years ago. Pick up a bush survival skill or two, learn how local tribes use plants and animals and admire ancient rock art that has become famous world-wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a boat cruise, a guided walk or even a flight over the expansive land, you\u2019ll be able to soak up every second, while enhancing your knowledge of our First Peoples. \u201cNT has so much to offer,\u201d Diana proclaims. \u201cAnd if you\u2019re willing to explore, you will learn a lot and gain plenty of new experiences with unforgettable memories to take away with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s foodie heaven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"-\"
Tourism NT | Ashley Dobson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"-\"
Tourism NT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From fresh-off-the-boat to crocodile betel leaf, there\u2019s always something to ignite the senses. At Finniss River Lodge, Diana discovered one of her new favourite dishes: \u201cThe local grilled Tiger Island prawns from Barramundi Adventures, paired with a cauliflower puree and roasted macadamias, were delightful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe prawns were so fresh and I loved the charred cauliflower leaves that gave a nice smokiness to the dish,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Northern Territory is all about expecting the unexpected and nowhere did this strike Georgia more than at Pee Wee\u2019s<\/a> in Darwin, where crocodile betel leaf topped her list of her favourite food: \u201cI never thought that would be something I’d even say but it was so delicious and it was very cool eating crocodile after having seen them in the wild that day!\u201d Not to mention the incredible guac, tacos, cocktails and tequila at Hot Tamale<\/a> in Darwin. Diana and Georgia’s top picks: the elote con crema of charred corn dip with spicy jalapenos and hot tamale with house-fried corn chips and a Tommy’s margarita. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not just remarkable restaurants turning out unique culinary experiences \u2013 join local guides at Bowali Visitor Centre<\/a> in Kakadu National Park to discover more about the area\u2019s edible plants and animals, including how to cook them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"-\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n