Australia: Northern luxury

Make sure you're with a loved one onboard the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise. Photo / Tourism NT

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are rife, with stunning views - from both ground and air.

It's rugged, wild, and known for its lush rainforests, breathtaking landscapes, ancient cultures and dangerous wildlife. But that doesn't mean you can't combine a trip to the Northern Territory with a luxury experience. Here are six options:

Glide past five-star views

Take in the big screen-worthy sight of Mt Borradaile as the sun sets over the flood plain while drifting down one of Arnhem Land's idyllic billabongs. This experience is unique and exclusive, as visitors need a permit to visit Arnhem Land from the Northern Land Council.

Toast the sunrise on a mountain

Often mistaken for Uluru, Mt Conner is a beautiful icon all of its own. The difference is travellers can traverse this natural wonder by jumping on a heli-tour to the mountain top, where they will be treated to a full breakfast with bubbles. Fewer than 50 people have enjoyed this eye-opening experience to date.

Visit a swimming hole by chopper

Bask in the age-old natural beauty of Litchfield National Park, where an exclusive swimming spot only reached by chopper awaits you. While you take a dip, just bear in mind that you are in an eroded gorge millions of years old. The Litchfield Park heli-tour will also take you to various falls in the park, as well as the famous magnetic termite mounds.

Airboat across the flood plains

A taste of luxury in the heart of wild bush, Bamurru Plains luxury lodge offers airboat safaris across the picturesque flood plain wetlands of the Mary River catchment. A morning trip on the flood plains is the perfect way to take in the region's wildlife, including thousands of beautiful magpie geese, plumed whistling ducks and egrets.

Float away on a dinner cruise

Enjoy an extravagant three-course meal of fresh Australian produce on board the Nabilil Dreaming sunset dinner cruise. The cruise will take you past the Nitmiluk Gorge, as the sun meets the horizon. You will want your significant other with you for this romantic dinner on the water by starlight and candlelight, especially when you have the clearest sky in Australia above you.

Ride a hot air balloon over a national icon

Surely, the best way to see the MacDonnell Ranges is from the air, with Champagne to complement the experience. Soak up the enigmatic landscape of Alice Springs bathed in the morning light, and spot the kangaroos as they roam around below you.

Checklist

GETTING THERE

Qantas flies from Auckland to Darwin via Sydney. Return Economy fares start from $1029, all inclusive. qantas.co.nz

ONLINE
tourismtopend.com.au

- AAP