Summer Done Differently

4 December, 2023 Cy Sinderson

At last, Summer is here! And not a moment too soon after the seemingly endless Big Wet we’ve suffered through this year! So, at last we’re going to have the chance to slip the shades and sunscreen on and break out the barbeque on that long-neglected deck.

It’s also the time to start planning for holidays again. One way to go would be to head out for a classic Kiwi holiday – but that’s a bit of a dice roll on current weather form; don’t forget to pack that parka, just in case! A far safer route is to bank on the Aussie weather and skip on over to go shopping in Sydney, restaurant-hopping in Melbourne or hitting the waterslides on the GC… again.

Hmm, been there, done that. How about an Aussie holiday that’s completely different this time? One which is not packed out with heaving throngs of tourists and is not like here.. at all.
How about the Northern Territory for a radical Outback change? Summer looks very, very different here; it’s warm and there’s not a lot of rain that’s for sure! There aren’t many crowds either but there’s plenty of space. Mind-blowing amounts of it tbh and, instead of people, this space is filled with massive skies; incredible landscapes – including the world-famous Uluru; wildly varied flora and fauna and, of course; rich Aboriginal culture and history.

Summer is also a heck of a lot more affordable here too with plenty of great deals on everything including travel, accommodation and even on the various experiences you can do along the way:

The Ghan

The Northern Territory is more than 5 times larger than the whole of New Zealand. So that makes it a bit of a mission to traverse, but luckily there is a mode of transport that, not only is perfect for moving about through the colossal distances in the centre of Australia, it’s also iconic and incredibly comfortable as well.
The Ghan isn’t just a train, it’s your ticket to the true heart of Australia. Named after the Afghan camel drivers who used to cross the country’s vast interior, this legendary train ride covers the 2,900km between Adelaide and Darwin. So just kick back in your luxury carriage and savour the ever-changing Outback landscapes through panoramic windows on your bucket-list adventure of a lifetime.

Darwin and the ‘Top End’

Whether you start or finish here, the ‘Top End’ or the northern part of the Northern Territory is a must-see. The Top End includes Darwinand is known for its tropical climate, stunning national parks, rich Aboriginal culture, and unique wildlife. This is the go-to region if you’re into the Big Outdoors and really want to discover the Australian Outback. Unmissable attractions here include Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and plenty of crocs! Although obviously always best viewed from a safe distance.
Darwin itself is the ultimate summer destination – at any time of year – as the climate is always warm and inviting which makes it the perfect place to wander down to the Waterfront precinct to check out the seafood, so fresh, it’s just jumped off the boat. Very multicultural, Darwin also features a thriving arts scene, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and vibrant markets that provide a taste of the region’s diverse heritage.

Champagne Sunset Sail

While you’re in Darwin, what could be better than setting sail for an enchanting three-hour sunset dinner cruise along the picturesque Darwin Harbour? Look out for the Sundancer, a luxurious 50-foot ocean catamaran at the wharf, waiting to whisk you off for a tropical sunset dinner under the gently billowing sails. Your delectable tapas/BBQ dinner will be served throughout the evening, accompanied by local sparkling wine. Sparkling wine not your thing? You can bring along your own beers – they have ample eskies on board to keep your drinks Aussie ice-cold.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Need somewhere to stay? Try the Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Despite being just out of Darwin’s CBD this gem is nestled in amongst the lush, tropical beachside gardens, overlooking nearby Fannie Bay. Featuring a private beach complete with glistening white sand, or pool if you’d prefer, and award-winning restaurants and bars right on the premises, the Mindil Beach Casino Resort is your one stop entertainment paradise.

Bamurru Plains

Meanwhile, Bamurru Plains is the place to stay if spotting Australia’s unique and varied wildlife is what you’re after. This all-inclusive safari camp located on a water buffalo station is at the heart of a wilderness region home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the world, and the annual migration of over one hundred thousand magpie geese. Here, you can go for guided walks and/or drives to discover brumbies, buffalo, dingoes, wallabies, plus some of Australia’s incredible range of native reptiles and insects all in their natural habitats.

Eco Island and Beach Retreat

While you’re at the top end of the Top End why not nip over to the Banubanu Beach Retreat for a spot of serious glamping? Situated on the northernmost tip of Bremer Island just off the coast, the Banubanu Beach Retreat offers stunning, uncompromised views of pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and the exotic Arafura Sea. Here you can choose from deluxe beachfront bungalows or elevated penthouses as your base for exploring the natural splendour of an exclusive tropical island complete with nesting sea turtles!

Alice Springs

Around halfway to Adelaide is Alice Springs; gateway to the iconic Uluru, offering a spiritual and awe-inspiring experience. The town immerses you in Aboriginal culture, and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges provide fantastic outdoor adventures, from hiking to hot air ballooning. Plus, the annual Camel Cup and stargazing make this a unique and captivating destination for any traveller.

Outback Ballooning

Australia is a massive – and picturesque – country so what better way to see it in all its glory than via hot air balloon? Outback Ballooning is one of Australia’s longest established ballooning companies and, thanks to Central Australia’s stable weather, can fly pretty much every day. They have a large fleet of balloons which can carry any number of passengers from 2 to 24 passengers each, so bring your friends!

Uluru

Of course, the Northern Territory is also home to the global icon of Uluru which is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising nearly 350 meters above the desert, this colossal sandstone monolith is a sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset when its colours transform dramatically. It also holds a special spiritual place for the Indigenous Australians, the traditional owners of the land.

Wintjiri Wiru

‘Beautiful view out to the horizon’ is what Wintjiri Wiru means in the local Pitjantjatjara language and it is an apt description of Uluru – especially in the changing light at the end of the day! Wintjiri Wiru is also an unforgettable cultural storytelling experience where the ancient ancestral Mala story is told via choreographed drones, lasers and projections that illuminate the night sky. Available as a sunset dinner, at twilight or after dark.

Summer’s here but you don’t have to settle for the same old, same old these holidays. Now’s the perfect time to be adventurous and go to a land that is different in every way to what you’re used to. They say a change is as good as a holiday – well, the Northern Territory is both! Check out their webpage here for more.