Top End: Northern Australia
Sunset at Mindil beach
Many visits to the Northern Territory (NT) start with a flight into capital city Darwin, lauded for its neon sunsets and market scene. Combine both at Mindil Beach Sunset Market, which buzzes with live music, crafts and food – all locally made. For the ultimate Mindil evening, Flight Centre’s Amber Farley recommends the market’s “Asian-inspired snacks and sorbets, then picnic at a film screening”. Feeling still more daring? Order a “roadkill burger”, made with kangaroo, buffalo or crocodile, before heading to the beach for a piña colada-coloured sunset.
Ubirr
An Indigenous Australian art site with sweeping views over Arnhem Land, Ubirr is one of the most untouched and spiritually significant swathes of land in Australia. Visit the Rainbow Serpent – an Indigenous Australian creation story character believed to have painted her own image here as she snaked through the region – then climb to the site’s highest spot for a seductive sunrise and sunset views of Kakadu’s “stone country”. “The rolling plains look like they are glowing and the birdsong is hypnotic,” says Farley.
Yellow Water billabong
Farther south, Kakadu’s dry land becomes a water-filled oasis, and Yellow Water billabong is a wildlife photographer’s dream. Lily pads float on its surface and paperbark trees rise up through its waters, as saltwater crocodiles bask on its banks and giant sea eagles and colourful kingfishers flit above it. Take a cruise with an Indigenous Australian guide in the early morning or evening to seek out the best snaps.
Katherine Gorge
Nitmiluk national park’s network of 13 gorges features soaring red and craggy cliffs rising above teal-toned waters. The freshwater crocodiles that lurk beneath are far less deadly than their salty cousins, making this a glorious canoeing spot. One tucked-away treasure you shouldn’t skip is the Southern Rockhole, an emerald-coloured waterfall-fed swimming hole. “Whether you are a first time traveller or a returning fan, this nature spot is one that keeps on giving,” says Flight Centre’s Farley.
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls, in Litchfield national park, robs many visitors of their breath. An arcing stretch of foliage-infused rock hosts two water streams that tumble from up to 85 metres into a glistening swimming hole. To reach the top, follow the walking trail, looping past trees loaded with flying foxes. “Take some meat, bread and utensils with you, and make use of the area’s BBQ facilities to extend your stay in this beautiful environment,” says Flight Centre’s Farley.
Red Centre
Uluru
A traditional Anangu dreaming site, this behemoth redheaded rock is taller than the Eiffel Tower and takes a cool three and a half hours to walk around. As the sun rises and falls over “The Rock”, the surfaces shift colours – from red and orange, through to maroon and purple – making Uluru a clear contender for Best Australian Backdrop, full stop.
Mount Conner
Ninety miles east of Uluru lies imposter rock “Fool-uru”. Travellers driving from Alice Springs often mistake this monolith – almost equal in size to Uluru – for the real deal. In fact, flat-topped Mount Conner is private property – so you’ll have to book a tour to visit – but those who do so will be rewarded with a lot more than a poor man’s Uluru. Conner’s striking horseshoe inselberg overlooks seven salt lakes and 1,500-head of cattle. “It’s a chance to step away from the crowds and learn about what this vast part of Australia can offer,” says Farley, who recommends rounding the visit off with a three-course home-cooked meal and a glass of fizz at the cattle station.
Kings Canyon
Travellers with time for desert hopping would be mad to miss Kings Canyon, a sprawling wonderland of dome-like rocks, pink cliffs, abundant bird life and bursts of flora. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was filmed here, and the area was once entirely underwater, so keep your eyes peeled for stone paths imprinted with marine fossils. “The Garden of Eden”, a cycad-filled gully, is another highlight.
Standley Chasm
A sacred site for the Indigenous Australian Arrernte women, this dramatic red corridor owes its existence to a tributary that once flowed through sandstone to meet the Finke River. Visit at midday for the best light – and venture beyond the chasm for views of the mountain ranges and a pretty walking path, lined with lush bushland.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Picture-perfect swimming spot Ellery Creek Big Hole, 50 miles from Alice Springs, cuts through a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The scenery en route from Alice recalls the paintings of mid-century Indigenous Australian artist Albert Namatjira: expanses of ochre soil, soft green eucalyptus and skies ribbed in royal blue.
With so many things to see, do and capture on camera, you might need a little help squeezing everything into your Aus adventure. That’s where Flight Centre’s travel consultants come in – designing a tailor-made trip to suit you, your travel style and your wallet.
To find out more, visit Flight Centre or call 0800 082 5922