While Darwin might not obtain as a lot consideration as different Australian cities resembling Melbourne and Sydney, this underrated vacation spot is a first-rate choose for nature lovers. From tropical wetlands to forests and bushland, Darwin is really a gateway to the majestic outback. Discover its unbelievable wildlife and discover the landscapes in unparalleled luxurious at these 4 locations.
Finniss River Lodge
A riverfront retreat in a wide ranging tropical savannah
One of Australia’s latest luxurious retreats, Finniss River Lodge overlooks the breathtaking tropical savannah of the Northern Territory’s wetlands. This safari lodge is situated inside a 200km² Brahman cattle station that’s been working since 1987.
The grub: Epicurean eating is central to the Finniss expertise. At their signature occasion, referred to as Cows & Canapes, company get to savour exquisitely crafted bites and meet the locals – each the station crew and the cattle! The occasion additionally showcases craft beers, boutique spirits and wines of the area.
The draw: The savannah and wetlands surrounding the lodge help a powerful array of wildlife together with brolgas, magpie geese and Northern Territory’s most well-known fish: barramundi. If you’re fortunate, you may additionally spot the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Birdwatching is one other draw, and company can sit up for taking fabulous sundown and dawn images throughout the savannah.
Don’t miss: While there’s loads of wildlife to witness out of your doorstep, airboat excursions, 4WD adventures and ATV expeditions will let you get nearer to the motion. Scenic helicopter excursions to the close by Litchfield National Park are additionally accessible.
How to get there: A 90-minute drive from Darwin
Yellow Water Villas
A Kakadu lodge with wonderful birdwatching alternatives
Set inside the World Heritage–listed Kakadu National Park, Yellow Water Villas is a sustainability centered eco-lodge that blends performance and luxurious. Each of the villas right here is elevated on stilts to minimise the impression on the native bushland and its wildlife.
The grub: Yellow Water Villas celebrates the beloved Australian custom of barbecue by providing company a hearty cook-up not only for dinner, however breakfast as properly. Guests even have the choice to dine on the close by Mimi’s Restaurant & Barra Bar, the place the menu marries Indigenous flavours and domestically foraged elements with fashionable methods.
The draw: The villas listed below are exceptionally spacious, every providing an expensive king-sized mattress, two daybeds and an alfresco eating space. There’s additionally an outside standalone tub on the personal balcony that gives an immersive bush-bathing expertise.
Don’t miss: A 3rd of all Australian fowl species name the Top End – the northernmost area of the Northern Territory – their residence, which implies particularly good birdwatching alternatives. Guests can even study Aboriginal tradition at Kakadu’s Ubirr outside rock artwork gallery earlier than ascending to its sandstone peak for a panoramic view of Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain. Those looking for additional journey can hike to Maguk, one in every of Kakadu’s largest waterfall, and cease for a dip.
How to get there: A 3-hour drive from Darwin
Bamurru Plains
African-inspired luxurious in one in every of Australia’s most biodiverse ecosystems
Set amidst a rugged bushland setting, Bamurru Plains presents an expensive African-style safari expertise that permits you to get near nature with out lacking out on all the trimmings of civilisation. The villas are located alongside the coastal floodplains of the Mary River in Kakadu National Park, the place native wildlife abounds.
The grub: At Bammuru Plains, the lodge’s chef incorporates native and domestically sourced produce to create beautiful dishes. The spotlight here’s a absolutely hosted three-course dinner that you just’ll get pleasure from whereas being serenaded by the resident frogs. And, as an all-inclusive expertise, you’ll have entry to an open bar with a number of Australian wines, beer and spirits.
The draw: To expertise the outback in superlative luxurious, go for the Kingfisher Suite. Thrice the dimensions of the common safari bungalows, it presents a king-sized mattress and a non-public eating area. Floor-to-ceiling mesh partitions assist to actually immerse you within the lodge’s unbelievable pure environment.
Don’t miss: The lodge’s 300km² of land is residence to a spectacular number of wildlife. Each of the safari bungalows is designed in order that company can get pleasure from watching creatures emerge to feed throughout the floodplains. There’s additionally an intensive touring programme that takes company additional away from the lodge. These programmes embrace airboat excursions throughout the wetlands, river cruises looking for crocodiles basking below the solar, birdwatching expeditions, astronomy evenings, overland safari drives and guided wilderness walks. The lodge can even organize day journeys for company who want to view historical rock artwork and study Indigenous tradition in Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
How to get there: A 3-hour drive from Darwin
Cicada Lodge
Luxe villas overlooking the Katherine River within the Nitmiluk National Park
Open all 12 months spherical, Cicada Lodge is the proper base to discover Katherine and its surrounding area. The 18 luxurious villas overlook the Katherine River and permit company to expertise the sights and sounds of the bush from air-conditioned consolation.
The grub: The onsite Cicada Lodge Restaurant showcases native Australian delicacies introduced in a recent model. The menu focuses on seasonal produce with inspiration from the Jawoyn folks. For a very particular eating expertise, embark on the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Tour, which presents a mixture of sightseeing and Jawoyn storytelling. While aboard, company will get pleasure from three programs of contemporary Australian produce in opposition to the backdrop of a spectacular sundown.
The draw: Each of Cicada Lodge’s lodging provide views of the bushland and its native wildlife. Additionally, the lodge’s characteristic a spacious personal pool and deck – good for having fun with sundowners. The lodge can even assist with arranging for knowledgeable Jawoyn guides to indicate you historical rock artwork websites and educate you about Aboriginal abilities and cultural traditions.
Don’t miss: For adventures additional away from the lodge, discover the enduring Nitmiluk Gorge by the use of boat cruises or helicopter. The helicopter excursions additionally will let you take a swim in personal water holes accessible solely by air.
How to get there: A 3.5-hour drive from Darwin
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