A journey through Australia's Northern Territory
As the winner of Wanderlust's Photo of the Year 2024 competition, Ben McRae was invited by Northern Territory to visit and photograph the region.
ROTATE YOUR DEVICE FOR BEST VIEWING
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
"To see Uluru from the air was something different. To look down and see the size was immense..."
Experience: Scenic helicopter tour over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Kakadu National Park
"Stepping onto the boat, I wondered what we would experience that I had not seen before when growing up in Australia. As the motor started, our guide, Tyrone, began to share his experiences, his life story and how this passage of water has shaped his and his family's life. It was an amazing experience and after the trip I felt connected to this land and River, just as he did. It was exceptional."
"It is said that Kakadu is home to one third of all birds in Australia. Think about that and how big Australia is, how much birdlife exists along the coasts and on its islands. From what we saw, it really blew my mind."
Experience: Kakadu Cultural Tours in Kakadu National Park, operated by Djabulukgu Association representing the Traditional Owners of Northern Kakadu and parts of Western Arnhem Land
Alice Springs
"I had never been in a hot air ballon before so the silence is what sticks in my mind... what an experience to be floating silently spotting wallabies from above. They looked like ants, so the best scale I could find to photograph was the road. In the morning light I have never found a road more fascinating, as it was the only one around."
Experience: Sunrise hot air ballooning in Alice Springs and hiking through Ormiston Gorge
Finniss River Lodge
"Canapés with cows sounded strange but this experience at Finniss River Lodge turned out to be the best of the trip. The cows were friendly but it was the experience of the lodge, being on a working Australian cattle station and being part of a muster, that was truly special. To see how the dogs worked, to see wild pigs running from the cattle and how some people who call the NT home really work and live was a great experience. I look forward to heading back to Finniss River Lodge in the near future!"
Experience: Finniss River Lodge, a luxurious experiential lodge near Darwin.
