Fireworks, Falls & the Red Centre

THE TOP END

Rural, rugged and ridiculously beautiful. The country just keeps on giving.

With my family coming in to visit, it was up to us to plan the most EPIC road trip. I mean, we’re the ones living on the road, so it’s kind of expected we’d show them nothing but a good time. And honestly, I think we delivered!

There is NO better way to say welcome to the NT than Territory Day and wow do they know how to celebrate. Almost $1,000 later we had our canopy full of fireworks and headed to the Mindil Markets before finding a spot on the beach. We’d done Territory Day before, but my family hadn’t, and it absolutely blew their minds. Fireworks flying in every direction… it’s something you have to experience for yourself. Did we all walk away unscathed? No. My sister wanted memories of Territory Day, not a target on her forehead. Totally worth it though.

We based ourselves at BIG4 Hidden Valley while exploring Darwin. We ticked off Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole before taking the family to Barramundi Adventures. Thankfully everyone caught one… but yours truly caught the biggest at 63cm. I’ll happily remind them of that forever.

You can’t visit Darwin without doing the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. God they’re terrifyingly ugly animals… but seeing one launch out of the water is incredible. We also visited Crocosaurus Cove. I was hoping to chuck Dad in with one of the big crocs, but unfortunately it was booked out.

Leaving Darwin, we floated through Bitter Springs, visited Mataranka Thermal Pool, watched Nathan “Whippy” Griggs crack his famous whips, and stayed at Little Roper Camp, the boys loved the reptile experience.

We also stopped at Larrimah Pub for a pie… if you know, you know. If not, watch Last Stop Larrimah on Netflix. Eerie place.

Then came the iconic Daly Waters Pub. Donkeys, horses, cows, cold beers, good food and live music. It had all the vibes before making our way to Kings Canyon.

THE RED CENTRE

Now, who starts a hike with 500 steps? Apparently Kings Canyon does. Heartbreak Hill definitely earns its name, and after that you’ve still got a 6km walk ahead. Three hours later… we actually did it.

I knew Uluru was going to be special, but seeing it in person is something else entirely.

Then you think it can’t possibly get any more beautiful… and sunset happens.

She glows the most incredible burnt orange.

It also happened to be Dad’s 60th birthday, so I surprised him and the boys with a helicopter flight over Uluru. Honestly… no words.

We stayed at Ayers Rock Resort, spent our days learning about the history of Uluru, and treated ourselves to dinner at Ilkari Restaurant and the buffet at Sails in the Desert.

THE OPAL CAPITAL

After saying goodbye to the family, we continued on to Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World. People live underground, in ROCK houses. We tried our luck finding opals, the boys had a ball… and my claustrophobia absolutely did not.

Now we’re making our way east to Coffs Harbour before heading into Queensland. I’ve heard there are camel races at the end of the month… hopefully we make it in time.

– Tiarna