6 sexy stays in the Northern Territory

Champagne sunsets, secluded beaches, crocodile-watching at dusk – love has just got to be in the air at these sexy Territory stays.

1. Banubanu Beach Retreat (Arnhem Land)

Banubanu Beach Retreat, Arnhem Land

Rustic cabins and safari tents perch on white sand dunes, giving way to glorious untouched beaches at Banubanu Beach Retreat. The setting is the northern tip of far-flung Bremer Island in north-east Arnhem Land.

Seriously quiet and seriously remote, tiny Bremer Island is inhabited only by a small number of Yolngu people and is accessed via a 15-minute flight from Nhulunbuy.

The simple accommodation is built using materials found locally and jetsam washed up on the shore. Guests are invited to learn about the Yolngu people through basket weaving, spear making and catching crabs with local fishermen.

2. Bamurru Plains (Mary River)

Bamurru Plains, Northern Territory

Bamarru Plains offers all the wildness of a remote bush camping trip, with all the comforts of a luxury getaway. Located on the 300-square-kilometre Swim Creek working buffalo station on the edge of Kakadu National Park, it is a 25-minute flight or three-hour drive from Darwin.

The resort echoes an African wilderness camp; within minutes of arrival you could be viewing wild brumbies, agile wallabies and what seems like an entire field guide of Australian birds.

Guests can immerse themselves in the bush, gaze out at feeding wildlife, sip Champagne by the pool and choose from a gamut of guided activities. This is a resort that allows you to experience the landscape in its entirety; there are no telephones or TVs and no internet to distract you.

3. Cicada Lodge (Katherine)

Cicada Lodge, NT. Image: David Hancock

If you’re looking for a secluded, romantic and tranquil place in which to wind down, sleep soundly and indulge in thoughtfully prepared food, Cicada Lodge should be on the list.

Set high on the cliffs above the Katherine River, the indigenous-owned Lodge is designed to honour the ancient landscapes of Nitmiluk National Park. There are only 18 luxury suites, each with a private balcony, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the bush and marvel at spectacular views of the stone country.

There may be Champagne on arrival and canapés poolside, but it’s the many natural and cultural attractions, such as a helicopter ride with an indigenous guide to a remote rock art site, that take this stay to the next level.

4. Glen Helen Homestead Lodge (Alice Springs)

It’s the old-fashioned hospitality and proximity to the spectacular West Macs that’s at the heart of the Glen Helen Homestead Lodge experience.

A 90-minute drive from Alice Springs, Glen Helen offers a range of basic accommodation options from motel rooms to swags under the stars.

What it lacks in mod cons, it sure makes up for with outback charm and, of course, its spectacular views over the towering sandstone wall of Glen Helen Gorge.

There’s also views aplenty from the jolly bar and restaurant where local larrikins rub shoulders with grey nomads and European backpackers over kangaroo steaks and cold beer.

5. Cooinda Lodge (Kakadu)

Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu

In the wilds of Kakadu, on the banks of Yellow Water Billabong, is the very comfortable Cooinda Lodge with its tropical lagoon pool and top-notch bistro.

Provided you can haul yourselves out of bed, the dawn Yellow Water wildlife cruise rivals the most spectacular of sunsets.

A private fishing trip at dusk should also be on the agenda. Popular with Top End locals, Cooinda makes a great base for exploring Kakadu, offering easy access to Warradjan Cultural Centre, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Ubirr and Nourlangie.

6. Bullo River Station (Timber Creek)

Image credit: Shot by Thom

Best known as the setting of the books of Australian author Sara Henderson, Bullo River Station is a working cattle property turned luxury farm-stay.

Experience the patchwork of landscapes from waterfalls and gorges to grassy plains and ochre-coloured escarpments from atop a horse or by helicopter, or from the comfort of the homestead verandah.

For the adventurous, activities abound, from mustering cattle and horse riding to learning how to crack a whip or brand a steer. Otherwise, meander along bush trails for a private swim in a remote waterhole or enjoy a romantic picnic under a glorious boab tree.

For more information on accommodation & things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com