Travel Geeks online: adventure, cities and natural icons in Australia’s Northern Territory — 11 May 2021
Join us for a virtual Travel Geeks on 11 May, when our expert panel will introduce us to the unique experiences on offer in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory might be a big place but it’s much easier to explore than you might expect, and the panel can help you plan your trip.
***This event has already taken place. Watch the recording on YouTube or discover more events by National Geographic Traveller***
Australia's Northern Territory might be a big place, but it’s much easier to explore than you might expect, and our expert panel can help you plan your trip. Travel Geeks is just an hour long and offers you the chance to hear from experts and join in the lively conversation. Register now to join us from 19.00 to 20.00 BST on Tuesday 11 May.
Diverse landscapes
We’ll talk about the varied landscapes, amazing wildlife and the endless opportunities on offer to every traveller. For example, stay a few days in Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital. Located at the northern tip of the Top End, take in its art, culture and culinary experiences, as well as its iconic sunsets and wide-open spaces.
Natural icons
The Northern Territory is known around the world for its natural icons, such as Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Aboriginal rock art dating back over 20,000 years; the impressive gorges of Nitmiluk National Park; and, of course, Uluru.
Dates for your diary
Our panel will have plenty of tips for enjoying tropical Darwin’s year-round outdoor lifestyle (festivals and events pack out the calendar); they’ll also reveal their favourite trips out from the city — from experiencing the art and culture of the Tiwi Islands to bushwalking through rainforest and swimming under spring-fed waterfalls in Litchfield National Park.
The Red Centre and beyond
We’ll also discuss how to make the most of a trip to the Red Centre. With vibrant and modern Alice Springs an ideal basecamp for adventure — set against the MacDonnell Ranges, there’s so much to do in and around the bustling town. From its cool cafe culture to hot air balloon rides into the Outback sunrise, local Aboriginal art and clear, starry skies; we’ll inspire your own Central Australian adventure.
Plan and go
Our panel can help you plan a perfect trip when it’s time to get away from it all and find your own space, with top tips, exciting itineraries and everything you need to get you in the mood for travelling once more.
THE PANEL
Left to right: David Whitley, Fleur Sainsbury, Justin Meneguzzi, Nori Jemil and Farida Zeynalova.
Nori Jemil
Nori is a London-based, award-winning travel writer and photographer. She was named Photographer of the Year in November 2017 by the British Guild of Travel Writers and has previously won travel landscape and portrait awards in the UK and abroad. Nori contributes regularly to National Geographic Traveller (UK) and other publications. She also teaches workshops and on photography tours, both in the UK and overseas. Specialising in nature, portrait and landscape photography, Nori lived in Chile for six years and spends much of her time in Australia.
Justin Meneguzzi
Justin is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer from Melbourne. He grew up amid the city’s fabled laneway cafes and restaurants and has always had a soft spot for exploring Australia’s gloriously wild outback, from the jagged tip of Cape York to the country's beating red heart, Uluru. As an advocate for sustainable tourism, Justin believes in travelling in a way that supports local communities while minimising our impact on the environment.
Fleur Sainsbury
Fleur spent most of her childhood in East and Southern Africa, which gave her a love of travel and exploring new places —much of it with her parents in a trusty Renault 4. Having travelled extensively all over the world, she began working in the travel industry in 1995 after a working holiday in Australia had her hooked on the country and the people. Fleur began working with Tourism Northern Territory in 2007 and knows the NT like the back of her hand; she has travelled its length and breadth many times and experienced everything from rare rainfall on Uluru and learning to dot paint in its shadow to fishing for barramundi in Arnhem Land and exploring ancient rock art.
David Whitley
Covid-permitting, David tackles a different part of Australia twice a year. He regularly writes Australia guides for the UK press, and the Australian media use him as an expert on the country’s obscure little corners. David has written several Australia features for National Geographic Traveller (UK), including a piece on his epic journey into the Cobourg Peninsula, one of the Northern Territory’s remotest corners. David also runs Australia travel advice site Australia Travel Questions.
Moderated by Farida Zeynalova
Farida is assistant editor of National Geographic Traveller Food. Originally from Baku, Azerbaijan, her passions include documentaries, foodie city breaks, Eurovision and Ricky Martin. She's never been to Australia, but plans on making the epic drive from Darwin to Alice Springs her first Aussie adventure.
Find us on social media
