These 16 Incredible Photos From The Northern Territory Will Help You Escape Lockdown For A Few Minutes

Hands down, the best state in the country. Change my mind.

To stop the spread of the coronavirus, right now it’s important to avoid nonessential travel and practice social distancing, as recommended by health authorities around the world. We hope you’ll find our content a joyful distraction that’s entertaining, inspiring, or worth bookmarking for a future trip.

1. Mataranka Hot Springs

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Yes, this lush oasis exists outside of your dreams — and now it exists in front of your screen. Mataranka Hot Springs, located in the small town of Mataranka, south of Katherine, is renowned for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool and is so dreamy you can almost feel the warm bath consuming you.

2. East Arnhem Land

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Paradise is everywhere in the Top End, but don't get too excited about stripping off all your clothes and diving into the sea at this spot. East Arnhem Land is infested with crocodiles, making the beaches unable to be swum in. But, with photos like this, you don't need to worry about crocodiles — you can dream easy behind the safety of your screen.

3. King's Canyon

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Easter has just passed, which is usually a time for loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors — especially camping. But alas, not this year. Get your glamping-fix virtually by checking out the King's Canyon Resort, located in the jaw-dropping Watarrka National Park, and maybe you can get a head-start on planning next year's trip?

4. Kakadu National Park

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Did you know the NT is home to some of the most powerful raging waterfalls in Australia? What better way to experience them (without, you know, your own eyes) than through the lens of epic photographers?!

5. Florence Falls

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C'mon, that's just like kid goals right there! If only homeschooling was this scenic, right? Not to worry, Florence Falls isn't going anywhere — and you can add this spot to your 2021 bucket list.

6. Uluru

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Can't forget the iconic sandstone rock at Australia's centre! What better way to experience Uluru than with a glass of bubbly to pair — you can do this from isolation too, mind you. Not only is it a spectacular natural formation, Uluru is also a deeply spiritual place. You can feel a powerful presence the moment you set eyes on it — even via your screen.

7. Ormiston Gorge

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It might be cooling down in your area, with winter well on its way. But in the NT, it's jussst about getting pleasant enough to be outside without melting (although house-bound locals can't exactly enjoy the great outdoors right now). The state is full of pristine swimming holes amidst the rugged desert plains, including this incredible spot at Ormiston Gorge.

8. Litchfield

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The days may be scorching, but nights in the NT at this time of year can get quite chilly — so it's a perfect time to rug up within a warm blanket. This Hideaway Cabin in Litchfield is the perfect spot to dream of visiting with your BFF, partner or just to get some much-needed solo time.

9. Croc-on-a-plate in Darwin

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Ever wanted to try a mouthful of croc? Well, in Darwin, you can. Locals say it's a mixed texture and tastes somewhere between chicken and fish. The rest can be left up to your imagination — while salivating over this crocodile parmigiana from Darwin.

10. The wide open road

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Thorny Devils are the rarest of species in the Australian outback. They can be found amongst the spinifex, on the wide open road, or simply from your phone screen. No post-Easter hunt required!

11. Lake Amadeus

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This sprawl of salt lakes from above is nothing short of breathtaking! A perfect contrast of colours, it might very well inspire your next iso-inspired art attack. C'mon, it can't just be me breaking out the watercolours in lockdown.

12. Valley of the Winds

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If you're craving days exploring the mountains and peaks of the ever-serene wilderness, you're in luck. You have Instagram now instead and there's also a bundle of virtual tours you can jump on that offer scenic live cams, like through the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. We're all in this together.

13. Bitter Springs

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This hidden desert oasis, tucked away in Mataranka, has springs so clear that you can snorkel in 'em. Hop in your tub and day dream.

14. Bremer Island

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To sunsets like no other! Looks a bit like that pink gin you bought the other day, doesn't it?

15. Tiwi Islands

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The NT will still be here when all of this over — in all its remote beauty — waiting to be explored. I don't know about you, but the Tiwi Islands is right at the top of the list for me.

16. And finally, Alice Springs

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Yes, Alice Springs is crazy beautiful, but right now is the time to STAY HOME, look after yourselves and dream of that next trip you'll take. And maybe, if you're lucky, it'll be the Northern Territory. See you there?