Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine Australia - Summer 2014-2015

Worldmags.net
Northern Territory
DARWIN
Prepare yourself for lots of
adventure… and romantic
moments, too
If you only know the NT for its crocs and
that big ol’ rock, you’ve got a lot to learn.
With stunning views, a tropical climate and
a renewed focus on delicious food and wine,
the Top End gets our tick of approval.
Where to stay Head to JJ’s Car Hire
(jjscarhire.com.au) for a ride and then
make your way to about halfway between
Darwin and Kakadu, where you’ll find
Wildman Wilderness Lodge. Here, you
can completely unwind and experience
Australia the way your overseas mates
think you live. Waking up to sounds of
the wilderness, soaking up the outback
sun and relaxing in the lodge (or your
cabin or tent, if you fancy!) are just a few
highlights making this escape truly Aussie.
What’s on offer Foodies can indulge in
the amazing Australian-style set menus
created each day by their executive chef,
while thrill-seekers and lovers of the
outdoors can sign themselves up for one
of their many tours ranging from onehour
nature walks to an eight-hour
Kakadu tour. They’re not to be missed,
especially if Northern Territory wildlife
is your thing – think crocs, boars, buffalo,
bird species and kangaroos! If lounging
around by the pool is more your style,
there’s an infinity pool you’ll love.
Don’t miss While you’re there, check out
the romantic sunset views at Leichhardt
Point. Swinging by Darwin while you’re
up north? Visit Skycity Darwin, and don’t
be put off by the idea that it’s a casino –
the hotel is completely isolated from any
hustle or bustle. Dinner at Pee Wee’s at
the Point is also a must-do. Offering a
unique menu (coconut-crusted crocodile
tail, anyone?) and a hand-picked wine list,
it’s a helluva dining experience!
Visit wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au and
skycitydarwin.com.au for more.
New Zealand
QUEENSTOWN
It’s all about the après-ski
life down The Remarkables
way… prepare to be wooed
When you think of Queenstown, what springs
to mind? Uni students, noisy bars, snowboard
rentals? We figured. But behold: just around
the bend is a honeymooner’s paradise.
Where to stay Coming home from your
hols is always sad, but when you’re coming
home from a stay at Matakauri Lodge,
Queenstown, things are going to get ugly.
Who’s going to serve you the best dinner
of your life, night after night? When you
look out your bedroom window, do you
see an enormous, sparkling blue lake and
snow-capped mountains that stretch up
toward the heavens? We’re guessing no.
What’s on offer They’ll make you feel
like Bey and Jay – choosing from a menu
is a concept that doesn’t exist. It’s “tell us
what you want and we’ll get it/make it/
order it in from Paris for you” instead. The
whole place boasts an intimate setting, so
even during the Lodge’s busiest periods
you’d struggle to believe that you didn’t
have the grounds to yourselves. And if you
did want a little more action, great news
– Queenstown is only a 10-minute drive
away. Yep, that long-but-so-worth-it
Fergburger queue is bound to happen.
Don’t miss If adventure is what you seek,
you’ll find bungee jumping, skydiving, ski
fields (or hiking trails during summer) and
a handful of wineries less than an hour
away. But if you’d rather sit in the freestanding
bathtub with your beau and stare
out at the lake for six hours, that’s OK, too.
Visit matakaurilodge.com for more.
COSMOPOLITANBRIDE.com.au 243