Uncover Northern Territory’s unmissable adventures in nature

The ancient landscapes, stunning national parks and iconic wildlife of the Northern Territory provide some of Australia’s most exciting outdoor experiences, and there are no better guides to show you the state’s natural wonders than the locals. From the rugged ranges and wetlands of Kakadu National Park in the north, to iconic Uluṟu at the Indigenous heart of the Red Centre, the Northern Territory offers adventures which encourage visitors to forge a deep connection to “country”.  

Chase Johnson from Finniss River Lodge near Darwin and Dan Falzon from Earth Sanctuary near Alice Springs, recommend some of the region’s most epic adventures.   

Born and raised in the Northern Territory, Chase’s love for the Outback runs deep. Growing up surrounded by the state’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, she developed a passion for sharing her knowledge of this incredible region with family and friends, and her role as manager, wilderness guide and “Croc Counsellor” at Finniss River Lodge has further fuelled her desire to promote its natural wonders. Lying 55 miles from Darwin, the luxury lodge offers a range of authentic experiences for guests to immerse themselves in the Outback way of life and discover what it means to be a true modern-day Territorian.      

Wanderlust: Australia offers an endless range of incredible adventures, but what is it that makes the Northern Territory such a bucket-list destination? 

Chase: The Northern Territory is an incredibly special place, due to the uniqueness of its people, the diversity of animals and the way contemporary life connects with the traditional Outback way of living. In all my travels, I’ve never found anywhere else like it. 

Wanderlust: What advice do you have for visitors planning a trip to the Northern Territory? 

Chase: This is an extensive land, so it’s important to allow yourself the time you need to really explore, relax and enjoy the vastness of the Northern Territory and the ancient Indigenous history we hold here.  

Wanderlust: A stay at a working cattle station is one of Australia’s iconic visitor experiences. What can guests expect at Finniss River Lodge?  

Chase: Our all-inclusive luxury lodge offers visitors the chance to really connect with the land and the people, as it sits on a 50,000-acre working cattle station, privately owned by a third-generation pastoralist family. Secluded on the edge of spectacular wetlands, each of the lodge’s six rooms offers expansive views of the wilderness beyond the window and the fiery sunsets that blaze across the sky.  

Wanderlust: How do the lodge’s local guides enrich the guest experience?  

Chase: All the guides at Finniss River Lodge are chosen for their knowledge of the local history and the country, along with their experience in delivering enriched tours for our guests. They all love sharing the history of the three generations who have worked the land at Finniss River, and their deep understanding of the region. 

Wanderlust: What kind of activities are on offer for guests during their stay? 

Chase: Your stay can be tailored to be as relaxed or as adventurous as you like, and from wildlife viewing to bush walking, air boating to survival skills, and unique cattle station experiences – whether you prefer cows or canapés! – you’ll find countless memorable ways to connect to this very special part of Australia.   

Once a household name as Rick Alessi on the Australian TV show  Neighbours, Dan Falzon walked away from show business to build a revolutionary, self-sustaining ecotourism enterprise, Earth Sanctuary, in the heart of the Northern Territory. Leaving behind the ocean breezes of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in 1999, Dan embarked on an extraordinary journey with his father, Joe, and two brothers, Tom and Ben, which led them to the rugged landscapes of the Red Centre. Just 15 minutes from Alice Springs, Earth Sanctuary offers an immersive experience in environmental conservation through guided astronomy tours, Indigenous cultural experiences and off-grid living demonstrations.  

Wanderlust: What made you decide to leave a successful career in acting and move from the ocean to the Northern Territory’s Red Centre?  

Dan: I walked away from show business to embrace a calling far greater: pioneering sustainable tourism and environmental education. Despite my past on Neighbours, my present reality is far from scripted and my passion for sustainability is not just a career – it’s a way of life. While the ocean still sings to me every day, it’s under the desert sky that I’ve found a different home and destiny. 

Wanderlust: What’s the mission of Earth Sanctuary? 

Dan: Earth Sanctuary isn’t just about talking sustainability: it’s about living it. It’s a testament to the power of sustainability, welcoming more than 15,000 visitors annually, offering eco-tours that have placed my family at the forefront of Australia’s sustainable tourism industry. We want to inspire real change, to make sustainable living a core part of education and tourism for generations to come. 

Wanderlust: What experiences does Earth Sanctuary offer? 

Dan: The sanctuary offers a unique blend of astronomy, ecology and cultural experiences. Guests can discover the mesmerising southern night sky through Australia’s premier dark-sky stargazing experience, enjoy an authentic Outback dinner accompanied by engaging presentations on ecology, culture and sustainability, or learn bush survival skills which foster a deeper connection to nature. 

Wanderlust: What are your top travel tips for people visiting the Northern Territory?

Dan: Plan your visit during the dry season, typically from May to October, when it’s milder and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Be prepared for cooler evenings, especially in the Red Centre, where night-time temperatures can drop significantly.  

Wanderlust: What do you feel makes the Northern Territory so special?  

Dan: The Territory’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich Aboriginal heritage and adventurous activities makes it a destination like no other. National parks like UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Litchfield provide opportunities to witness stunning waterfalls, ancient rock art and wildlife, and observing unique species in their natural habitats, such as saltwater crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife, enhances the adventure.