LUXURY GETAWAYS

5 Reasons Why Northern Territory Is The Hot New Romantic Destination

Devika Khosla

Last updated: Oct 1, 2019

Author Recommends

Eat

Try some Aboriginal specialities in the Northern Territory like barramundi fish and bush tea.

Do

Go on a free ranger guided activity at Kakadu National Park

See

From up in the air in Alice Springs, spot its most famous wild resident, the red kangaroo!

Shop

Pick up some colourful Aboriginal art from the local markets in Darwin.

Trivia

The golf course in Alice Springs is ranked in the top ten desert courses in the world.

Bordered by Western and South Australia and Queensland, Australia’s Northern Territory, often called the ‘Top End’, is centrally located and perfect for those looking for a unique romantic getaway that promises plenty of adventures you can have together! The Northern Territory is where you can find tropical beaches, desert landscapes and Australia’s most popular national parks. This magical scenery is quite the lure. Here are five reasons why Northern Territory is the hot new romantic destination.

Be wowed at Kakadu National Park

The World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is picture perfect with its lush rainforest landscape dotted with gushing waterfalls, rugged cliffs, muddy wetlands and Aboriginal rock art almost 20,000 years old. While here, spend time together exploring the majestic Katherine Gorge, taking a crocodile-spotting wetlands cruise and setting off on walking trails like Bukbukluk Lookout Walk, Jim Jim Plunge Pool Walk and Nanguluwurr Art Site Wall.

Entrance Fee: Free but camping fees (AU$3.30 per person/per night) apply if staying in the park overnight
Best Time to Visit: From May to September
Distance from Darwin: 244 kilometres
Accommodation Options: There are several wilderness lodges and campgrounds around Kakadu National Park

Read More: 13 Crazy Facts About Australia That Will Make You Love This Country!

Eat, drink and be merry in Darwin

The Northern Territory’s capital city, Darwin, is a favourite with lovebirds for its varied experiences. From dining and dancing to shopping and sightseeing, make the most of being outdoors. Spend swimming at the lagoons at the Darwin Waterfront and dining at waterfront eateries, watch a movie under the night sky at Darwin Harbour (from April to November) and go sailing to the charming Tiwi Islands. Browse endless food stalls and have fun at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (every Thursday and Sunday evening from April to October) and stroll hand-in-hand amidst fountains, streams and orchards at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

Romance in a hot air balloon in Alice Springs

For the ultimate romantic adventure, take to the skies in Alice Springs. Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn or dusk over the West MacDonnell Ranges. With the surrounding scenery basking in an orange glow, the panoramic views of the bushland below are breathtaking and reason enough to make Australia’s Northern Territory a hot new romantic destination!

Approximate Cost: From AU$140 per person for a 30-minute ride
Best Time to Visit: All year

Go on a Nature's Way Road Trip

Australia is known for its legendary driving routes, which rank as some of the most scenic in the world. Go on a Nature's Way Road Trip starting from Darwin through Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park. Along the way, expect to see unsullied natural beauty along with native flora and fauna. As you spend quality time together, marvel at sights like Edith Falls, Gunlom Plunge Pool and Ubirr rock art gallery along the way!

Total Distance: 735 kilometres
Suggested Duration: 7 nights/8 days

Picnic at Litchfield National Park

Natural plunge pools, towering termite hills, cascading waterfalls and scenic natural trails welcome you to Litchfield National Park. Frequented by nature lovers from near and far, the park houses many ruins that are integral to Aboriginal history and culture. Pack a picnic basket and make your way towards Florence and Wangi Falls or go on a 4x4 adventure ride to the Lost City, a collection of eroded sandstone formations. You can also take a bush walk and spot abundant birdlife like kingfishers and fairy wrens along with plant species like orchids and lilies.  

Entrance Fee: Free but camping fees (AU$8 per person/per night) apply if staying in the park overnight
Best Time to Visit: From May to October
Distance from Darwin: 115 kilometres from Darwin
Accommodation Options: There are several campgrounds, caravan parks and jungle retreats around Litchfield National Park

Book Your Flight to Northern Territory

Book Your Flight to Northern Territory

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