Restaurant AustraliaNorthern Territory
From the tropics of Darwin to the outback landscapes around Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s food and wine experiences are a world away from the everyday.
Dine under the canopy of a million stars
Visitors to Uluru in Central Australia can choose from some magical dining experiences, such as the Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru.
SOUNDS OF SILENCE DINNER
Spotlight:
- Sip champagne as the sun sets over Uluru, then enjoy a gourmet buffet featuring barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile, complemented by Australian wines
- Entertainment includes a didgeridoo performance, a traditional Indigenous dance and a guided tour of the sky by a resident ‘sky talker’
- Departs daily, one hour before sunset
Expert tip: Have your customers taken on a scenic camel ride to the Sounds of Silence dinner
TALI WIRU
Spotlight:
- Sunset champagne and canapés followed by an intimate dinner at Uluru (max 20 people) and indigenous storytelling
- The four-course dune-top dinner features native ingredients such as macadamia, native thyme, and lemon myrtle, as well as matched wines
- Available 1 April to 15 October each year, weather permitting
Expert tip: Bookings are essential
Darwin Markets
Darwin’s colourful outdoor markets provide a great opportunity to mix with locals and travellers and gain an insight in to the lifestyle of this tropical city. They are also a great place to pick up local arts and crafts, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Spotlight:
- Sample international cuisine from some 60 food stalls – Sri Lankan, Turkish, Greek, Cambodian, Japanese – and eat on the beach as the sun sinks into the ocean, at Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season (April to October)
- Taste exotic tropical fruits such as rambutans, mangosteens, dragon fruit and mangoes at Parap Village Market (Saturdays), Rapid Creek Market (Sundays) or Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Barramundi Fishing
A number of tour operators offer guided fishing trips throughout the Top End, allowing visitors to pursue wild barramundi, notorious for putting up an exhilarating fight, with strong runs and enormous leaps out of the water.
Spotlight:
- Located on the Mary River floodplains, three-hours' drive from Darwin
- Considered one of the best places in Australia to catch barramundi
- Unique airboat fishing experience, plus nine exclusive safari suites
- Bamurru Plains operates as a dedicated fishing lodge between February and April, when the fishing conditions are best
- Sustainable catch-and-release fishing practices apply
5 Day Kakadu and Arnhem Land Safari
Collecting and eating seafood so fresh it is literally moments from habitat to taste buds is a highlight your clients will never forget on Venture North’s 5 day Kakadu and Arnhem Land Safari.
Spotlight:
- Explore Kakadu National Park
- Stay in a remote coastal camp on the Coburg Peninsula in Arnhem Land
- Forage for fresh seafood around camp
- Sample Black Tip oysters straight off the rocks with a squeeze of lemon
- Learn the traditional Indigenous way to hunt prized mud crabs, then enjoy their sweet soft flesh atop a cliff with a glass of wine
More Food and Wine Experiences
- Take a ‘bush tucker’ tour to learn about the wild foods that have sustained the region’s Indigenous people for generations
- Experience the spectacular beauty of Katherine Gorge on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, with a menu featuring slow-cooked crocodile and confit pepperberry Kangaroo tail
- Stay at Cicada Lodge at Nitmiluk Gorge, where guests are offered a dining experience with a difference, seared kangaroo steak and crocodile tail are just some of the delicacies on offer.
Food and Wine Festival and Events Calendar
MAY
Outback Fest – Uluru
Uluru, provides the spectacular setting for this three-day festival. Events include; the Outback Fest Markets featuring local arts and crafts and bush-inspired food and the Outback BBQ Bash with live music.
JUNE
Greek Glenti – Darwin, Northern Territory
The Territory’s biggest food festival, sees locals and visitors alike indulge in mountainous spreads of barbecued octopus, honey puffs and the best lamb yiros this side of Athens.
AUGUST
Darwin Festival
The 18-day Darwin Festival is one of the Territory’s biggest events that transforms Darwin into a hive of culture, music, art, dance and local flavour every August.
