Bamurru Plains, Mary River. Image via Peter Eve/Tourism NT
Winter. Is. Here. And if you’re getting married during the frosty season or perhaps planning a wedding to be held during this time of year, there will be one thing at the forefront of your mind: the weather.
Let’s say you’ve decided to have your wedding in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or… gulp, Hobart, then you’re already aware that it’s going to be chilly.
And since it’s winter weddings month over on our Polka Dot Weddings blog, I thought I’d throw a curve ball at you and find a few ways to defrost after you’ve said your nuptials.
One destination sprang to mind immediately: the Northern Territory – a place which conjures up images of red earth and glorious sunsets.
Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss describes it as a place of “diverse landscapes and culture”.
“The Northern Territory is a place of great diversity and natural beauty – from our incredible national parks, including Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta, to our fiery sunsets and dramatic landscapes. It is also home to awe-inspiring artwork of the world’s oldest living culture.”
It’s also worth noting that the ‘top end’ of Australia has two distinct seasons, the ‘Wet’ and the ‘Dry’.
The Wet spans from November until April during which you can expect monsoonal rains and storms.
But from May to October, it’s ideal wedding conditions – sunny days and cool nights – although it may stray into the ‘too warm’ territory for some. Expect temperatures to range from from 21C (70F) to 32C (90F).
So let’s take a look at a few places you can defrost in the NT after your Winter wedding. And remember, these don’t have to be honeymoon destinations, you could always change your mind and have a destination wedding – leave your thermals at home!
Ubirr sunset Kakadu National Park. Image via Peter Eve/Tourism NT
Ubirr, Kakadu National Park Kakadu
Ubirr is an iconic destination at Kakadu National Park.
You’ll be overwhelmed by romance as you hold hands and watch the sun set over the floodplains. Expect rainbow skies and reflective blue billabongs. Side note, it’s also not a bad spot to pop the question, if you haven’t already! More information here.
Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning, Alice Springs
Anyone who has ever been hot air ballooning before, knows it’s a truly unique experience. However, throw in views of red desert sands with sunlight slowly appearing over the horizon – and you’re in a whole new world (Aladdin reference intended). You can also get your hands on a couple of glasses of champagne while you’re in the air – it’s a win-win! More information here.
Litchfield National Park, Darwin
Are you and your partner outdoor junkies? The Litchfield National Park is home to cascading rainforest canopies, diamond-hued waterholes and stunning waterfalls. You can pitch a tent and cast a line to grab dinner and so much more! More information here.
Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park. Image via Sean Scott/Tourism NT
So, there’s a few ideal honeymoon locations in the NT in order to defrost. However, if you’re still in the planning stages of your wedding – and looking for a destination a little out of the ordinary, the NT is brimming with amazing wedding locations as well! Here’s just a few to spark your interest:
Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Kakadu
Located in the Mary River National Park wetlands of the Northern Territory, Wildman Wilderness Lodge is a luxury bush camp. Picturesque and teeming with wildlife, the lodge will give your wedding that unique, remote feeling – and it’s only a domestic flight away. Expect romance, untamed wilderness and crisp white linen – a rare combination to be sure. More information here.
Weddings on the water, Darwin Harbour
Are you and your partner in love with the water (as well as each other)? Slip aboard a Darwin Harbour yacht and sail to an isolated beach for your nuptials. Sail Darwin will collect your wedding party and even take care of the shore front set-up. Win! More information here.
Darwin Harbour. Image via Peter Eve/Tourism NT
Bamurru Plains, Kakadu
Another one for the outdoorsy types, Bamurru Plains boasts a private luxury resort on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Their suites are designed to blend in with the surrounds and provide a safari like stay. More information here
Uluru Lookout, Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru
Journey to the Red Centre to exchange vows on your own private dune with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. Experience the wonder of Uluru as it blazes with colour at dusk while you sip champagne with your significant other. More information here.
So there you have it, a bunch of different ways to escape the cold, whether it be a destination Winter wedding or that post-winter wedding defrost. Now get planning!
Ms Zebra Says: Wow! The Northern Territory has been on my list for ages, but this list of amazing places & beautiful romantic spots have definitely put it back to the top of the list! Imagine defrosting in 30 degree weather by one of the Waterfalls or overlooking Uluru! I’m there!
About the author Mr Houndstooth: I am a happily married man. I enjoy a fine whisky, a new suit and swashbuckling around town with my beautiful bride. Looking back on my wedding day always makes me smile, even though it began to rain just as I said ‘I do’.
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