What's new in the NT - December 2021

 

The Northern Territory’s Tropical Summer has well and truly kicked off, signalling the start of awe-inspiring sunsets, spectacular lightning shows and lush greenery. It’s also the perfect time to nab some great deals on flights, accommodation and tours with the NT Summer Sale running until 31 March 2022.   As travellers currently enjoy crowd-free national parks, idyllic fishing waters and the Territory’s flourishing foodie scene, operators across the Territory are preparing for a huge 2022. Keep an eye out for new and upgraded accommodation, exciting seasonal tours, and many more events set to take place in the NT next year.   We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support over the last year and wish you and your families a very Merry and safe Christmas break.

LATEST NEWS NT OPENS QUARANTINE FREE TRAVEL In great news for those dreaming of a Tropical Summer escape, Monday 20 December will mark a milestone for the NT with quarantine-free travel set to start for all fully vaccinated Aussies -regardless of hot spot classification. Read more   WINNERS OF 2021 DARWIN INTERNATIONAL LAKSA FESTIVAL The votes are in and the winners of the third Darwin International Laksa Festival have been announced! Locals have crowned Chow restaurant’s laksa as the coveted ‘Golden Bowl’, Back-to-back Golden Bowl winner Chok’s Place was awarded ‘People’s Choice’ best Laksa. Fannie Bay Butcher’s laksa sausages took out Best ­Savoury dish inspired by laksa, while the Trailer Boat Club’s laksa cheesecake won Best Sweet Dish. The festival, which celebrates Top End’s love affair for laksa, will return in November 2022. Read more   ROADHOUSE TO RECOVERY GRANT In the second round of the Northern Territory Government’s ‘Roadhouse to Recovery’ program, 39 regional and remote wayside caravans, caravan parks and roadhouse operators have been granted funding. Kings Canyon Resort is upgrading its Wi-Fi and communal facilities, Ooraminna Station Homestead is installing a heated pool and outdoor kitchen, and Litchfield Tourist Park is adding 40 powered sites to its campground. All projects are set to be complete by April 2022. Read more   KINGS CANYON RESORT AND GLEN HELEN UNDER RENOVATION G’day Group is investing $20 million into the makeover of tourism hotspots Kings Canyon Resort in Watarrka National Park, and Glen Helen Resort in Tjoritja, West MacDonnell Ranges. As part of the renovation, Kings Canyon will temporarily close and is not taking bookings from 22 November 2021 to 15 March 2022, and Glen Helen will close from 17 January 2022 to 18 March 2022. Read more   RUNNING OUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASES LARAPINTA TRAIL New documentary Running Out follows ultra-runner Lucy Bartholomew as she tackles the 231km-long Larapinta Trail, which weaves along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Whilst the iconic trail usually takes weeks to conquer, Bartholomew finished the feat in under three days. The film showcases some of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes of the Red Centre and is now available to rent or purchase on Vimeo. Read more

UPDATES FROM OUTBACK WRANGLER MATT WRIGHT NT croc wrangler and TV personality Matt Wright is no stranger to the wilderness of the Top End. His unique outback lifestyle, knowledge of wildlife and passion for adventure has led him to develop some of the most unique outback experiences in the Territory. He is set to return to Aussie screens once again and has recently launched several brand-new experiences for travellers heading to the Territory.   SEASON TWO OF MATT WRIGHT’S WILD TERRITORY SERIES The Northern Territory’s breathtaking outdoors will soon be seen by more than 200 million viewers around the world as the second season of Matt Wright’s Wild Territory series is confirmed to air on Nine Network and Netflix. The action-packed show will shed light on Matt Wright’s world as a part-time conservationist and successful tourism entrepreneur. Together with his wife Kaia and young son Banjo, viewers will watch the family wrestle crocs, reel in barras and tackle a tourism business in the wilderness of the Top End. Read more   MATT WRIGHT’S LUXE AIRBNB ‘FRESHWATER RETREAT’ Darwin In addition to his adventurous new Netflix series, Matt Wright has also unveiled brand-new luxury accommodation, a tropical oasis nestled in Darwin CBD. A short walk from the local markets and Nightcliff Foreshore, the stylish property ‘Freshwater Retreat includes a four-bedroom house; ‘The Wright Residence’, four stylish safari-styled villas equipped with their own outdoor bathroom and kitchenette, as well as a shared gym, large saltwater pool, turtle pond and billabong, with wildlife soon to be added. Freshwater Retreat caters for up to 18 guests. The Wright Residence and four villas can be booked separately for smaller groups and couples. Read more   MATT WRIGHT’S ‘CROCS IN THE WILD’ TOUR Darwin surrounds, departing from Top End Safari Camp Available only during Tropical Summer, Matt Wright’s new tour offers wildlife lovers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Territory’s famous crocodiles. The tour includes an exhilarating 45-minute airboat ride, wild croc encounters in the lagoon and floodplains, and a feeding session with Matt Wright’s Monster Rescue Crocs. The tour runs daily but is dependent on weather conditions. Not open to children under four years old. Tickets start from $220 for adults, with children’s rates available. Read more   MATT WRIGHT’S ‘DARWIN ADVENTURE BOATS’ Darwin Harbour Matt Wright’s new Darwin Adventure Boats tour combines his popular Darwin Harbour sightseeing tours with an action-packed Jetboat experience. Guests will first board the Jetboat at Stokes Hill Wharf and be transported across Darwin Harbour at high speed, experiencing a few spins along the way. Upon reaching the city’s scenic mangroves, passengers will jump aboard the custom-built V8 Airboat, where they’ll cruise along and discover marine wildlife, before skimming across the mudflats. Guests will then enjoy a thrilling Jetboat ride back home. The tour is open all year-round and minimum age to ride is four years old. Tickets are priced $190 for adults, $140 for kids, with family discounts available. Read more

NEW PRODUCTS   ACCOMMODATION LAKE BENNETT RENAMED AS DE LAGO RESORT Darwin Under new management, Lake Bennett Resort has recently finished renovations and is now known as De Lago Resort. Located an hour’s drive south from Darwin, De Lago Resort overlooks the tranquil shores of Lake Bennett and is perfect for a relaxed getaway. Guests staying at the Lakeview Rooms can enjoy an incredible sunset overlooking their private decks, or opt for experiences including canoe and kayak hire, mountain biking and trail walking. Read more

EXPERIENCES   ETHICAL ADVENTURES’ ‘BEST IN THE WET’ TOUR Top End, departing from Darwin This new Ethical Adventures tour highlights the Top End’s Tropical Summer, characterised by its incredible lightening shows, wild waterfalls and moody escarpment country. Guests will first explore the tumbling waterfalls and secluded swim spots of Litchfield National Park, before heading to an outback hideaway on Mt Bundy Station. The last two days will be based in the wilderness of Kakadu National Park, featuring wildlife and cultural cruises, guided rock art tours and galleries, as well as a one-night stay at Cooinda Lodge. The tour is open to 10 guests, and runs weekly from 7 February 2022. Read more   WILDMAN FISHING TOURS Top End, departing from Darwin Wildman Fishing Tours has introduced premium fishing tours and charters across Darwin. On the brand-new Fishing and Foodies tour, anglers will enjoy a day of wild fishing or mud-crabbing and bring their hard-earned catch to the iconic Hanuman Restaurant, where Jimmy Shu’s team will cook up a seafood banquet. Wildman also offers all-inclusive packages, such as the five-star Fishing Staycation, which includes accommodation and helicopter transfers to some of the Top End’s hottest fishing spots. Read more   00SEVEN’S ‘OFF ROAD ADVENTURES’ Darwin surrounds, departing from Charles Darwin National Park Alongside its jet ski offering, 00SEVEN has launched Off-Road Adventures where adventure junkies can channel their inner James Bond in an off-road buggy and see some of the city’s beautiful terrain. Departing from Charles Darwin National Park, thrill-seekers can choose one of four Bond-themed adventure tracks to tour: ‘Moonraker’, ‘Licence to Thrill,’ ‘Skyfall’ or ‘Octopussy’. Tours are available daily and prices start from $169 per person. Read more

ADVENTURE TOURS’ ‘TOP END WATERFALLS AND WETLANDS’ Top End, departing from Darwin in October 2022 Debuting in next season’s Tropical Summer, Adventure Tours will offer a two-day getaway, showcasing lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife. Guests will have the chance to get up close to saltwater crocodiles, witness stunning floodplains, learn about Aboriginal culture, go swimming at pristine waterholes and relax at local pubs. The trip also includes overnight accommodation at Litchfield National Park, 4WD vehicle and a local guide. The tour hosts 8-15 guests at a time. Selected departure dates from October 2022 to March 2023, and prices start from $545 per person. Read more

DEBUTING IN THE DRY SEASON   AUSTRALIAN WALKING HOLIDAY ‘KAKADU CHALLENGER’ TOUR Kakadu, departing Darwin Australian Walking Holidays has announced a new six-day hiking tour, traversing through the gorges, sparkling waterfalls, rock art galleries and stone country of dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. The tour includes a sunset cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, professional wilderness guides, meals and safari-style camping. It is designed to be moderate to challenging in difficulty. Selected departure dates from June to September 2022, with prices starting $2,795 per person. Read more   ETHICAL ADVENTURES ‘COWBOY COUNTRY’ TOUR Katherine, departing from Darwin Ethical Adventures has launched a three-day tour, taking travellers into the heartland of the Katherine region. The tour includes two nights at Nitmiluk Chalets and iconic Katherine nature experiences, such as a sunset dinner cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge, thermal springs, and Cutta Cutta Caves. Guests can also experience Aboriginal culture at Top Didj, enjoy a glimpse of authentic farm life with Katherine Outback Experience and feast on a traditional 1920s stockman’s camp oven meal. The public tour is available weekly from May to September 2022, and is open to 6-10 guests at a time. Read more   ETHICAL ADVENTURES ‘FLOOD COUNTRY’ TOUR  Kakadu, departing from Darwin Ethical Adventures has launched a new immersive cultural and wilderness day tour of Kakadu, exploring the Alligators Rivers region and land of the Bininj people. The tour includes a ride on the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, a guided Aboriginal rock art walk at Ubirr, visit to Murrawaddi Art Centre and plenty of crocodile sightings. The public tour will run on Wednesday and Sunday, May to September, and is open to 6-10 guests. Tickets cost $395 per adult (single), and $295 for children aged 8-17 years old. Read more

FOOD & DRINK   FAT TUNA Darwin Fat Tuna is a new salad bar located on Mitchell Street in Darwin CBD, offering healthy poke bowls. Using the freshest ingredients, Fat Tuna is a lively new offering to Darwin’s booming foodie scene. Read more   PEAKABREW Katherine Situated on First Street in downtown Katherine, Peakabrew is an upmarket café offering the best barista coffee inside an industrial-styled interior. With plenty of street parking, Wi-Fi, charging stations and air-conditioned comfort, the café is a great place to work from remotely or grab a quick bite to eat. Read more   THE MEETING PLACE Katherine Katherine Town Square’s latest cafe and juice bar has officially opened. The Meeting Place sells fresh juices, daily made scones, salads, donuts, smoothies and ice cream. The café is a great addition to Katherine’s budding coffee scene, complementing popular roasters The Black Russian Caravan and Pop Rocket Café. Read more   THE LOCALS Alice Springs Located in Todd Mall, The Locals is a new boutique café, restaurant, tapas and gin bar. Formerly known as Piccolo’s café, The Locals is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and occasionally hosts live music sessions. Read more

BELLA ALICE Alice Springs After years of success as a food truck, Bella Alice has officially opened a permanent café and restaurant in Todd Mall. Specialising in authentic Italian cuisine, Bella Alice serves up fresh wood fired pizza and Alice Springs’ favourite tiramisu. Read more   OUTBERRY BRAZILIAN ACAI Alice Springs This new smoothie joint brings a taste of Brazil to Alice Springs with its selection of Acai bowls and drinks. A favourite among locals, Outberry Brazilian Acai offers the perfect, healthy and refreshing antidote to the desert heat. Read more   KOPIIICO Alice Springs Nestled on Todd Street in Alice Springs, this cute café brews coffee and Asian-inspired drinks, including honeycomb iced lattes, Dalgona coffee, matcha and much more. Read more

EVENTS   DARWIN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE Darwin, 31 December 2021 Ring in the New Year in the Northern Territory’s balmy capital. Set on the beautiful Darwin Waterfront, the 2021 event features two firework extravaganzas, an epic concert featuring ARIA-winning artist Amy Shark, iconic duo The Veronicas and Bluey & Bingo from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol, as well as food stalls, bars and roving entertainment. A range of casual and premium seating options are available, from the parklands to the beach, the deck, family and mobility area and exclusive deluxe zone privately catered by Adina. Read more

80th ANNIVERSARY OF BOMBING OF DARWIN Darwin, 19 February 2022 On 19 February 1942, Darwin was bombed by Japanese air raids, becoming the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power in Australia. In 2022, the City of Darwin will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin with a special service to remember the lives lost, the veterans involved and the civilians that were impacted during World War II. As part of the 80th anniversary, Sea Darwin is offering a limited-edition tour, packaging four of Darwin’s most iconic military experiences including Sea Darwin Bombing of Darwin Cruise, Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourism Facility, Darwin Military Museum and Darwin Aviation Museum. Tickets cost $60 per person and the tour runs between 17 and 21 February 2022. Read more   MILLION DOLLAR FISH SEASON 7 Top End, until 31 March 2022 Australia’s richest fishing competition is back for its seventh season, giving anglers the chance to experience the Top End’s iconic fishing waters and reel in a prized barramundi. So far, the season has already seen five lucky anglers win, and with the addition of 12 more $10,000 fish recently released there are now 107 red-tagged fish worth $10,000 and the eight elusive Million Dollar Fish still up for grabs. Every tagged fish will see an additional $1,000 donated to an official charity partner, with the Million Dollar Fish awarding $10,000 to charity. Read more   fabALICE Alice Springs, 10-13 March 2022 Celebrating the inclusivity and diversity of the Red Centre, fabALICE is packed with glitter, glamour and fun. Inspired by the original cult movie The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, the three-day pride festival is a unique showcase of drag, cabaret, comedy and family-friendly entertainment paying homage to the film and stage musical. The 2022 program and headliners are yet to be announced. Read more

TIWI ISLANDS AFL GRAND FINAL AND ART SALE Tiwi Islands, 20 March 2022 The people of Tiwi Islands are gearing up to celebrate the annual Australian Rules Football (AFL) Grand Final & Art Sale, the only day where visitor permits are waived. In what is one of the Northern Territory’s most unique cultural events, thousands are expected to make the journey by ferry or air to purchase Tiwi arts and crafts, before kicking back to watch the community’s beloved grand final. Read more   PARRTJIMA – A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT Alice Springs, 8-17 April 2022 The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world, Parrtjima is an extraordinary 10-night celebration of First Nations art and culture. The program includes interactive light installations, musical performances, workshops, talks and nightly projections against the 300-million-year-old canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges. The 2022 theme and full program will be announced shortly. Read more   BASSINTHEGRASS Darwin, 21 May 2022 The Northern Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival is set to return to Darwin’s iconic Mindil Beach, and the 2022 nationally acclaimed line-up has just been announced, with the likes of Peking Duk, G-Flip, Vera Blue, Jessica Mauboy, Boy and Bear, Hilltop Hoods and many more. Tickets are on sale now. Read more